Zero G Collectors Edition Sunglasses

I am stoked about the shipment that arrived at the store today from Zero G.  It was our Collectors Edition sunglasses that I first got the opportunity to see at International Vision Expo in New York in March of 2014.

I spoke to Tom Cody, designer and founder of Zero G Eyewear, about the new collection and about his design inspiration and the manufacturing process.

These pieces are classic aviator and navigator sunglasses designed and conceptualized in perfect harmony with the spirit of Zero G.  That is to say no weld points or screws were used in the making of these sunglasses.  In Zero G tradition all the frames are named for New York places such as RockefellerCenter, EmpireState, Union Square, and Central Park.

Empire State features Japanese acetate that lines the inner rim of the eye-wire and has built in side shields that are functional for blocking the sun and add to the classic look.  They come in beautiful gradient colors like Black Tortoise, Olive Brown, and Black Gradient. All styles in the range come standard with Carl Zeiss polarized lenses, and the RockefellerCenter, Union Square, and Central Park come with a separate set of gradient tinted non-polarized lenses with their own pouch for safe storage. 

The lenses can be switched out by opening the locking flip bridge that was built in to the brow bar of the frame.  According to Cody it was difficult to design the flip bridge without weld points, but staying true to the spirit of Zero G he worked with the factory until they figured out a way.  The goal was to design a locking piece that was harmoniously built in to the bridge to look as if it was part of the bridge design.  The result was a beautiful aviator that I am sure is destined to become an iconic frame for our time. The metal in-lays which resemble woven leather on the temples and bridge for the EmpireState and RockefellerCenter were made using 3D printing on flat sheet metal, which is according to Cody the first time that 3D printing technology has been incorporated on metal frames in this way.  

This look was inspired by the signature intrecciato woven leather used in the design of Botegga Venetta luxury bags. Central Park in Charcoal Gun[/caption] Union Square and Central Park feature the new thin and very sleek Zero G temple and hinge. Central Park is a classic tear drop aviator with a diamond print pattern on the brow bar and temples.  This pattern was applied on the flat sheet metal in a sophisticated process that involves pressing the metal with 50,000 pounds per square inch.

The Zero G Collectors edition frames are truly limited edition pieces.  Each piece is laser engraved so the owner can rest assured that they have one of only forty, fifty, or ninety made in the world.  Each frame comes with a collector’s box, cloth, lens cleaner, and lens pouch when applicable to store the additional set of lenses. Zero G fans and sunglasses enthusiasts everywhere are encouraged to stop by the store at Utica Square or browse the web-store to look at this collection while it is still here.