Cubitts Debuts New Collection of Spectacles That Honors the Golden Age of Optics
The collection harkens back to traditional frame styles from London in the late 1920s and 30s
Launching on October 2nd, Cubitts debuts new collection of spectacles entitled Golden Age, which draws from the late 1920s and 1930s, when London stood as the optical capital of the world. It was an age where new materials and experimental constructions reshaped the language of eyewear. Gone were the strict rounds and ovals of the past; in their place came sharper brows, softened squares, and daring depths.
To create the four new frames, available in both tinted and un-tinted lenses, the brand traced this restless spirit back through the archives — visiting the College of Optometrists in London, and studying the traditional constructions and lens forms that once made the city’s optical industry revered around the world.
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Each frame is built with a Burleigh joint — a distinctive interwar hinge, metal to metal, engineered for strength and clarity of line. Its precision lends an architectural sharpness, echoing the mechanical ingenuity of the era.
For the first time, Cubitts has also worked in Takiron acetate — the world’s most esteemed acetate, first founded as Takigawa Celluloid in Osaka in 1919. Denser and harder than conventional acetates, every millimetre is high density, giving the frame greater strength while allowing for more slender, elegant silhouettes. Its surface can be polished to a glorious lustre, revealing a depth and radiance that only intensifies with age.
The Golden Age frames are offered in five new colours: Crimson Wash, Indigo Wash, Sepia Wash, Sienna Wash, and Ink Wash. Each hue is a rich, vibrant tone with a subtle translucency, recalling the washes of pigment found in 1930s illustration and print.
To celebrate the launch, Cubitts shot a campaign at Jiyu Gakuen Girls’ School in Toshima, Tokyo — a 1921 masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The four new silhouettes include:
- Eyre: Evoking the archetypal spectacles of the early 20th century, Eyre embodies quiet erudition. A true round silhouette paired with a traditional saddle bridge and custom end to end joints speaks to the intellectual heritage of optical design. Balanced in proportion and understated in detail, Eyre recalls the frames once worn in libraries and lecture halls - a timeless expression of scholarly refinement.
- Dallington: A study in architectural precision, Dallington combines angular lenses with a structured saddle bridge for assured presence. Its geometric silhouette, softened by subtle curves, reflects the experimental spirit of early optical design while remaining deeply wearable. Custom end to end joints complete the construction, lending both durability and refinement. Scholarly yet assertive, Dallington stands as a bold counterpart within the Golden Age.
- Cyrus: A refined interpretation of early 20th century optical design, Cyrus features an imposing saddle bridge flanked by dropped lugs and custom end to end joints, hallmarks of traditional craftsmanship. The square rounded lenses convey intellectual gravitas, while the precise detailing balances utility and elegance. A frame that speaks to the measured sophistication of a bygone era.
- Albion: Rooted in academic tradition, Albion’s softened panto form and tapered silhouette offer a timeless interpretation of early optical design. A dropped saddle bridge anchors the browline with scholarly poise, while the elongated contours lend a relaxed, humanist quality. Custom end to end joints provide structural integrity, balancing craftsmanship with clarity. Less austere than Eyre, Albion embodies an easy academic charm.
ABOUT CUBITTS
Cubitts is the modern spectacle maker, founded in King’s Cross, London, in 2013. Cubitts is driven by the belief that spectacles should be transformative objects - a confluent fusion of design, function, and style. They are built to be worn for life, repaired when necessary rather than replaced.
