Celebrating the Men Behind the Frames – International Men’s Day at The Spectacle Factory

This International Men’s Day (19th November), we’re celebrating the remarkable male designers shaping how the world sees — quite literally. At The Spectacle Factory, we curate eyewear not by logo, but by philosophy. Each collection we stock has a soul: a story rooted in design heritage, innovation, and individuality.

These five male-led brands — Esmont, Reykjavík Eyes, JF Rey, Masunaga, and Lucas de Staël — share one common trait: they design for the man who knows that true style isn’t loud; it’s considered.

Esmont – Scandinavian Minimalism, Redefined

Designer / CEO: Yannis Makridis

Inspiration: Aerodynamics, structural engineering and Scandinavian precision.

At the heart of Esmont is Yannis, the visionary designer and CEO whose passion for aviation engineering has shaped one of the most refined eyewear brands in modern design.

Yannis’ creative philosophy began with a fascination for aircraft structure — the balance, the geometry, the lightweight yet incredibly strong components that allow something so powerful to appear so effortless. He believed that eyewear should follow the same principles: featherlight, beautifully engineered, and built with absolute purpose.

Under his direction, Esmont frames are crafted from aerospace-grade titanium and sculpted with millimetre-level precision. Every angle serves a function. Every curve is intentional. There is no excess — only clarity, balance and quiet strength.

Yannis’ Scandinavian design influence is unmistakable. Clean lines, technical purity and architectural restraint define the brand, yet each frame retains a warmth and wearability that makes Esmont truly individual. His belief is that eyewear should empower the wearer, not overwhelm them — an ethos that shines through in every piece he creates.

Reykjavik Eyes – Icelandic Innovation Meets British Design

Designer: Gunnar Gunnarsson, Iceland / UK

Inspiration: Nordic nature, re-engineered through precision design.

Founded by Icelandic designer Gunnar Gunnarsson, Reykjavík Eyes embodies the spirit of the North: strong, pure and quietly resilient. Iceland’s dramatic landscapes — volcanic rock, icy horizons, and vast skies — influence every curve of the frame. But what makes Reykjavík Eyes remarkable is its engineering.

Each frame is screwless, hingeless, and crafted from 100% pure titanium, making them almost weightless and incredibly durable. Gunnar’s approach is rooted in his optical background: he began his career as an optician, which means every design starts from a practical understanding of comfort and fit.

Reykjavik Eyes blends that Nordic restraint with British refinement — because although the brand carries an Icelandic soul, its frames are designed and finished in the UK. The result is eyewear that feels effortlessly masculine: sophisticated without pretension, strong without heaviness, and smart in every sense of the word.

JF Rey – The Maverick of French Design

Designer: Jean-François Rey, France

Inspiration: Bold individuality and avant-garde architecture.

For more than three decades, Jean-François Rey has redefined the rules of eyewear design. Where others simplify, he dares to amplify — layering materials, sculpting unexpected shapes, and embracing colour with fearless intent.

JF Rey’s work is heavily influenced by modern architecture and industrial design. Each collection balances geometry and emotion: a dance between structure and creativity. The brand’s men’s range is particularly distinctive — strong lines, masculine proportions, and clever contrasts of matte and gloss finishes.

Rey’s philosophy is that eyewear should be an extension of personality. Whether it’s titanium frameworks that appear to float or colour-blocked acetates that echo fine art, every pair is designed to be noticed — not for vanity, but for authenticity.

Masunaga – The Perfectionist’s Touch

Founder: Gozaemon Masunaga I, Japan

Inspiration: 120 years of Japanese precision and craftsmanship.

When Gozaemon Masunaga I established his optical workshop in 1905, he set out to build Japan’s first eyewear manufacturing community. More than a century later, Masunaga Optical still produces every component in-house in Fukui, ensuring total quality control — a philosophy almost unheard of in modern production.

Each frame undergoes over 200 handcrafted steps, with no part outsourced. This obsessive attention to detail results in eyewear that feels seamless — perfectly balanced on the face, polished by hand, and built to last a lifetime.

The design aesthetic reflects Japanese sensibility: understated yet impeccable. There’s beauty in restraint, mastery in simplicity. Masunaga frames are for men who value discipline and quiet excellence — the same values International Men’s Day honours.

Lucas de Staël – The Alchemist of Materials

Designer: Lucas de Staël, France

Inspiration: The fusion of art, nature and science.

Lucas de Staël doesn’t just design eyewear — he sculpts it. Working from his Paris atelier, he experiments with materials like leather, wood, stone and even metal powder, layering them onto titanium frames by hand. His studio resembles an artist’s workshop more than a factory — a place where chemistry, craftsmanship, and creativity converge.

The result is eyewear that feels alive. Each piece is tactile, expressive and unique, bearing the small imperfections that make handcrafted design human. Lucas’ inspiration comes from the natural world — the patina of aged leather, the texture of stone, the harmony between organic material and industrial form.

These frames are a conversation starter — a nod to individuality and imagination. For the man who values originality and artistry, Lucas de Staël is the pinnacle of modern craftsmanship.

A Tribute to Modern Masculinity

This International Men’s Day, we celebrate more than eyewear — we celebrate vision.These five designers show that modern masculinity isn’t defined by power or volume, but by integrity, creativity and precision. Each of them designs with purpose: to make the wearer feel confident, comfortable, and completely himself.

From the minimalist geometry of Esmont to the sculptural artistry of Lucas de Staël, every frame tells a story of craftsmanship and conviction.That’s why we’re proud to showcase them at The Spectacle Factory — because great design deserves to be seen.

Discover these collections in-store or online at The Spectacle Factory — and find the frame that defines your vision this International Men’s Day.