.

Conceived in 2012 as an independent research project studying the design of cellulose acetate eyewear and its traditional manufacturing techniques, AARN EYEWEAR is the eyewear design and production division of the design and engineering practice of Aaron Panone/aarn. Frames are handmade from the highest quality NOS Italian cellulose acetate, built around precision German and Italian hardware, and come stock fitted with Zeiss CR-39 lenses. Materials are processed using a combination of traditional and contemporary manufacturing processes and mechanical finishing techniques. All design and production occurs in a small workshop in Massachusetts, USA by one person.

Availability: Designs are available exclusively through AARN EYEWEAR and the occasional retailer. Frames are produced on no particular release schedule and in varying quantities. The process is inherently non-scalable due to aspects of production and finite/limited material supplies. Please join the mailing list for updates concerning product availability and releases.

Custom designed and fit frames are available by invitation only.

Pricing: Frames are priced on material/acetate stock awesomeness and availability, frame complexity, lens style and type, and size of production run. Some acetate stock on-hand is very rare and some is nearly forty years old. Once it is gone, it is gone. General notes on pricing: Almost all of the processes involved in manufacturing these frames are done by hand.  All of the steps (with the exception of blank lens, hardware, and raw material manufacturing) are done under one roof by one person, in the USA. Temples are amazingly complex to manufacture. The manufacturing process is constantly evolving as the years go on and there is much sweat and love in each pair.

Sizing: Production frames are sized as specified in the individual product description. Custom adjustments by an eyecare professional can greatly improve frame fit, but there are limits to what can be done. Returns are not accepted on frames that have been adjusted. Refer to the following diagram for standard sizing measurements: 

Handling and Care: Don’t lose them. Clean frames and lenses with mild dish detergent (never use glass cleaner or anything containing ammonia, bleach, or vinegar), and gently pat dry with a clean soft cloth, or let air dry.

Have additional questions? Contact me.

Keep an eye on the process by tracking #acetateisreal or following @aarn_ on Instagram.