BRAND STORY
Following last year’s successful launch of the Balmain luxury eyewear line, Swiss start-up AKONI is debuting its house brand this spring—introducing the new, independent luxury eyewear label, AKONI.
This stunning collection—available exclusively at Le Bar à Lunettes—is the brainchild of Californian design duo Jeff Solorio and John Juniper.
CEO and co-founder Rosario Toscano compares Akoni’s Japanese-made glasses to Swiss watches, as they are crafted in limited quantities by perfectly marrying traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. The brand uses only the finest materials, including titanium, cellulose acetate, and ceramic nose pads.
INSPIRATION
Inspired by generations of fearless pioneers—from Crete’s Icarus to NASA’s earliest astronauts—who soared above our planet to explore the great unknown, the frames in the Akoni collection take their names from celestial bodies, spaceflight programs, aviation, science, and technology. Each season, the Akoni team will build upon these iconic silhouettes, incorporating the latest design and technological breakthroughs to ensure the recognizable DNA of Akoni’s intelligent luxury remains ever-present.
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
Deceptively elegant, a closer look at any Akoni frame reveals the intricate and distinctive details that define the brand. Akoni has long drawn inspiration from the sophisticated artistry and extraordinary precision found in luxury wristwatches, fine writing instruments, and other unique personal heirlooms that symbolize individual achievement and stand the test of time.
PHILOSOPHY & CRAFTSMANSHIP
SHOKUNIN: THE INFINITE PURSUITE OF PERFECTION
AKONI embraces the "Shokunin" philosophy in its endless pursuit of perfection.
The Japanese word shokunin is defined by Japanese and Japanese-English dictionaries as 'craftsmanship' or 'artisan,' but such a literal description fails to capture its deepest meaning. A Japanese apprentice learns that shokunin demands more than just technical skill; it implies an attitude and a social consciousness... Indeed, the shokunin has a social obligation to perform their absolute best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material—no matter the task, the shokunin's responsibility is to fulfill that requirement."
— Tasio Orate
MADE IN JAPAN" CRAFTSMANSHIP
Akoni eyewear is manufactured in Japan by expert artisans using only the finest materials and time-honored techniques. The Japanese tradition of high-end eyewear manufacturing is long and steeped in history, making Akoni and its "Made in Japan" stamp the ultimate guarantee of quality.
MATERIALS & INNOVATION
HIGH-CONTRAST SUN LENSES
Akoni’s optical-grade, high-contrast CR-39 sun lenses enhance visual acuity through a specialized color separation and management process that improves color accuracy, clarity, and vibrancy. Additionally, Akoni's double anti-reflective, polarized sun lenses maximize visual clarity and comfort by utilizing a sharpness filter that eliminates reflective glare for ultra-high performance.
AKONI ACETATE
Akoni’s commitment to environmentally friendly materials is perfectly illustrated by its use of cellulose acetate (zyl) from Japan. Unlike plastic—which is a petroleum-based product—zyl is made from renewable wood and cotton-based materials. Akoni’s Japanese zyl is universally considered the best in the world due to its density, strength, beauty, luster, and its ability to retain its shape and resist shrinking over time. Even after years of wear, Akoni’s zyl frames can be re-polished to look brand new.
AKONI CERAMIC
Nose pads are an essential, yet often overlooked, component of a frame. To remedy this, Akoni designed and developed innovative ceramic nose pads that are elegant, hypoallergenic, and incredibly lightweight. Engineered with horizontal lines and a deep central groove to ensure a non-slip fit, Akoni frames can be worn comfortably all year round.
AKONI TITANIUM
Titanium eyewear was little more than a dream until the 1980s, when Japan pioneered the technology required to craft the material into ultra-strong, lightweight frames. Hypoallergenic, similar in weight to aluminum but twice as strong, and stronger than steel at roughly half its weight, titanium is the ideal material for luxury eyewear. However, not all titanium is created equal, and the absolute finest in the world remains exclusively available in Japan. Engineered for a lifetime of use, Akoni’s titanium frames are virtually indestructible.
