Drawing on the unique origins of the brand, Albert I’mStein introduces Madam Butterfly, a new series that reflects the roots of founder and designer Diego Kim, whose work has always sought to bring two worlds together.

Raised within the visual language of Korea and East Asia, yet designing with a European audience in mind, Kim translates the richness of Eastern aesthetics into contemporary eyewear with a distinctly European sensibility. This dialogue between cultures has shaped some of the most significant collections in Albert I’mStein’s history, including Seoul, inspired by the intricate metalwork of traditional Korean jewellery boxes, and Hakone, a playful interpretation of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms.

With Madam Butterfly, the brand pushes this artistic language even further. Inspired by the celebrated painting ‘Flowers & Butterflies’ by the artist Gye-woo, the new design draws on a fundamental principle of Korean art: the beauty of restraint, which holds that every detail has its purpose and leaves space for the elements around it. Available as the optical Madam and its sunglass counterpart Butterfly, the design reinterprets a timeless silhouette through Albert I’mStein’s playful and distinctive language. Rather than simply reproducing a classical artwork, the two models capture its very spirit.

Originally published in Eyebook 38