If craftsmanship, attention to design and sustainability are on your checklist when looking for eyewear, Smith & Norbu may be the place for you – bespoke frames that are tailor-made down to the finest detail
Everything started during a trip to Tibet in 2007, when Belgian designer and entrepreneur Benoit Ams fell in love with a piece of craftsmanship made out of yak horn. From there the idea to create high quality eyewear frames using this material gave rise to Smith & Norbu.
“I wanted to create frames that are not only beautiful and comfortable to wear, but also manufactured with respect for the environment,” says Ams.
The brand’s philosophy is true to its origins; style, quality craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability. The combination of quality natural raw materials from different origins, together with a mix of tradition and innovation, creates re-interpretations of classic icons.
Taking the whole commitment to exclusivity a step further, Benoit notes: “If we are going to be putting something on our face for at least five to six years, or more, why can’t it be tailor-made?”
Bespoke frames are the answer for those seeking something unique, that caters for their features, as well as their style demands. The tailored experience starts with the choice of the shape, followed by a detailed measurement of the client’s face. Then comes the selection of the raw horn plate.
Natural horn is one of the most exclusive materials available for eyeglasses. A highly resistant material, as a natural product it exhibits characteristic colour nuances that differentiate it from other man-made materials. Smith & Norbu predominantly select the horns of yak from the Tibetan plateau for their incredible resistance and lightness. Horn ages gracefully, acquiring a signature patina that adds both depth and character.
There are different finishes: raw and unpolished; matt which is a little more polished but still allows for some of the grain to come through; and a normal gloss finishing.
After three to five weeks, a ‘first fitting’ provides fine-tuning and polishing instructions to the atelier, which perfects the frames. Fitting and taste notes are made and archived for future tailoring and maintenance reference.
The fully mounted, signed and registered pair of glasses are delivered to the store for a final fitting and polish in another one to two weeks.
People can also bring in their own glasses to be directly copied too.
“We had a customer bring in a pair of glasses from Belgium that could never be found again, and we made a direct copy of them for her.”
Today, Smith & Norbu products are sold in more than 50 stores in 20 countries around the world. As a small company, the only chance to survive in the global market is by delivering consistent quality.
“We only craft a limited amount of frames every year. Today, the challenge for us is to be able to continue to manage our growth without compromising on quality’’.
S404, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Hong Kong
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
