A touch of metal instantly adds strength, character, and luminosity to a pair of glasses, especially when it highlights part of the front or redefines the outline, extending into the temples. Take the Chrono 0002 model, part of the brand-new Breitling Eyewear capsule collection by Cutler and Gross, inspired by the Breitling Superocean Heritage watch. Here, Swiss precision meets British eyewear expertise to celebrate an iconic accessory through five exclusive pairs of sunglasses, each limited to just 500 pieces. The Chrono 0002 features round lenses with titanium details and temples, engraved and plated in Red Gold (exclusive to Cutler and Gross), echoing the mesh bracelet of the watch.

The lenses in the 18-Carat Rose Gold Collection by Pascal Mathieu, on the other hand, are made of solid 18-carat rose gold. Initially designed for astronauts and firefighters, these lenses offer exceptional protection and feature a unique technology that reduces eye temperature by up to 50°F, while filtering out 85% of infrared rays. High-end jewellery and space-age innovation come together in Pascal Mathieu’s exquisite designs, crafted using a pioneering combination of aluminium and brushed steel. One example is the Big Boss (seen in the opening image), with a bold, squared shape and a double bridge.

The Jupiter model by Akoni, a sophisticated and ultra-light semi-rimless men’s frame, is made from Japanese titanium. Its name nods to NASA’s Juno space probe, designed to explore Jupiter. With a futuristic form and strong personality, it features bold details such as acetate side shields and engraved elements on the bridge and temples.
The challenge lies in designing eyewear with bold shapes and substantial volumes that are nonetheless lightweight and comfortable. This is the aim of Métal Léger Mod:NO.1, designed by Harald Gottschling, co-founder and designer of ic!Berlin and Mykita, under his new brand. Made from raw aluminium — a “living” material — this model features a bold design inspired by the elegant aircraft of the 1950s. The hinge design is borrowed from the simple, functional hinges found on Citroën 2CV car doors. Each handmade piece is unique and evolves over time, displaying the marks of wear and becoming ever more personal to the wearer — telling their story.

Derived directly from the aerospace industry, 7075 Ergal anodised aluminium is used by Faboor for all its models, such as Edge 02, a squared aviator frame with a layered double-profile front. The Sergeant model by Balmain, meanwhile, features an acetate insert over the bridge and metal contours of varying thickness. It draws inspiration from the same military codes the fashion house incorporates into its collections. Its bold, impactful, and uncompromising design is reinforced by tactile chain-link temples — a reference to one of Balmain’s hallmark decorations, originally inspired by the aiguillettes of Napoleonic uniforms.
Strength and lightness have become the new design codes of metal eyewear — because, as we all know, appearances can be deceiving.