To celebrate its 80‐year anniversary, Safilo introduces a special series of glasses created in collaboration with Marc Newson, which was unveiled during Salone del Mobile in Milan. The new ‘Capsule Collection’ revisits a historical model chosen by Newson which results in five different eyewear variations – incorporating five specific materials and technologies – based on the original shape from Safilo’s archive.

The project is produced using state‐of‐the‐art components, which reflect the project’s core vision; the concepts of transparency and transformation, and specifically, the reinterpretation of the past in a contemporary way through the balance between a distinctive design approach and the highest standard of Italian manufacturing.

The series of sunglasses respect a precise chronological order that retraces the most important milestones and achievements of the brand’s 80 years of history. Each of the five new models are characterized by unique features and avant-garde technologies that connote the qualities of the brand.

They include the use of Safilo’s trademark ultra‐lightweight optyl; whether used individually or combined with the elasta 80 hinge; the re-interpretation of the historical UFO collection (a frame formed by an ultra‐thin steel wire); the use of aluminum and, and high-strength steel integrated with the new hinge.

http://www.designboom.com/design/safilo-80th-anniversary-capsule-collection-marc-newson-03-13-2014/