At what point in the creative process do the characteristics of the materials used to make a pair of glasses come into play? At the beginning or at the end?
Definitely at the beginning - it's actually the first thing I see when I envision a frame. The material immediately gives me an idea of volume, structure, and impact. Sometimes I'm drawn to something super minimalist, like a line that feels hand-drawn. Other times, acetate speaks to me because it's puffy and generous. But honestly, my favorite combination is metal with a little acetate twist - like an insert. That's where I find the most joy in designing.

Do you think your background in design and the arts helps you conceive something unique and distinctive, yet still feasible from a production standpoint?
To be honest, my art industry background is probably the only thing that helps me, considering I never studied proper design, product development, or anything optical-related. So it's really just me and my vision. I definitely had some rough experiences early on - I had no clue how a frame should be constructed or what was actually producible! It was tough, but those were valuable lessons. Now I'm constantly seeking that sweet spot between design, comfort, and minimalism.

How present is the artisanal component in Gamine's eyewear today?
I'd say it's everywhere! Even though I'm designing on the computer (that's still artisanal since it's my hands doing the work, right?), the entire production process is pure craftsmanship. Every step requires that human touch and expertise.

Is there any model currently in your collection that was more difficult to produce than the others?
Two standout pieces come to mind: our Gamine x Persta collaboration and Valley of Fire. The Persta took us two years to get right - we were so close to scrapping it because it was incredibly complicated, but we persevered. It's made of titanium with gold and platinum plating. Valley of Fire is also titanium, but in a more brutalist, organic form. That one requires over 300 production steps because all the titanium is twisted. Both pushed us to our limits, but that's what makes them special.