News
Nirvan Javan
Urban Precision
Words editorial staff
20/03/2026
Nirvan Javan and Alfredo Häberli present the Zurich Collection: 3D-printed eyewear inspired by urban geometry, where design, function, and culture converge in a refined, contemporary language
Nirvan Javan and Alfredo Häberli join forces for a collection that positions itself in a more reflective territory—one where design becomes both language and cultural expression.
The Zurich Collection, that celebrates the tenth anniversary of Nirvan Javan’s eponymous brand, isn't focusing about nostalgia. The collection looks inward, returning to the city that shaped its identity. Zurich is not treated as a symbolic backdrop, but as a structured system—an architectural and conceptual framework translated into form. Alfredo Häberli, one of Switzerland’s most influential designers, brings to the collaboration a philosophy grounded in observation. His work has long explored the relationship between everyday objects and human experience, guided by his belief that “observing is the most beautiful form of thinking.”
The collection feature five geometric base shapes serve as the foundation, evolving through subtle variations in proportion and detail. The approach recalls typographic design, where meaning emerges not from ornament, but from precision. Like well-crafted typefaces, these frames rely on balance—on the tension between structure and nuance—to define their character.
This geometric rigor is softened by the possibilities of 3D printing, which allows for seamless transitions and an organic integration of elements. The fronts, sculptural yet restrained, are paired with titanium temples that introduce both contrast and continuity. The result is a material dialogue: technical consistency meets tactile finesse.
Produced entirely in Switzerland, the collection reflects a commitment to local craftsmanship while maintaining an international outlook. A particularly intriguing element of the project lies in the Inuit lenses, also 3D printed and available on request. Initially part of the experimental phase, they remain as a conceptual extension of the collection, embodying its depth and exploratory spirit.
At its core, the Zurich Collection challenges the idea of eyewear as a fleeting accessory. Instead, it frames it as a daily companion—an object where utility, perception, and identity intersect.