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Episode 29: Craftsmanship and Sustainability: The Future of Eyewear with Chris Savage




"Sustainability doesn't have to be special, it can just be a normal part of eyewear manufacturing process," - Chris Savage's take on championing small batch eyewear manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and timeless design aesthetics.


In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Chris Savage, a renowned eyewear designer and founder of Objekt Eyewear & Spexcycle, to explore the often-overlooked artistry industry behind frame design and sustainability in the optical industry. From his unexpected journey to the optical industry to Spexcycle's process of collecting and making sustainable handcrafted frame designs, Chris redefines the future of what sustainable and handcrafted eyewear is.


With over 20 years of experience as an optical dispenser, Chris Savage has developed a deep understanding of both the fashion and function behind the perfect pair of designer spectacles or sunglasses. He is a self-taught artisan who blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create truly unique eyewear.


In 2024, Chris launched Spexcycle, Australia's first closed-loop eyewear recycling initiative, aimed at transforming reclaimed cellulose acetate into bold, distinctive frames. The result? Objekt Eyewear, a design-forward collection that proves sustainability and style can go hand in hand.


Key Topics with Timestamps:

1:49 - Chris Savage's unexpected entry into the optical world

3:52 - Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art approach to eyewear

6:48 - From architecture to eyewear frame designer

9:31 - The importance and power of artisanal practice & frame design

13:50 - Challenges of small batch eyewear production

18:28 - The art of building with what resources you have

20:36 - Balancing craftsmanship and sustainability

23:51 - Spexcycle: The recycling movement

30:48 - The process of recycling the frame

34:27 - Philosophy of Objekt Eyewear

40:22 - Making sustainability a default process, not a feature

43:08 - The future of sustainable eyewear

48:50 - Connect with Spexcycle and Objekt Eyewear

50:40 - Workshop for aspiring frame designers


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Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

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