How Chopard Translates Its Jewelry Codes Into Eyewear
The Swiss Maison translates Happy Diamonds and Ice Cube into eyewear, balancing sculptural design, material innovation, and more understated expression of luxury.
When Louis-Ulysse Chopard set up his workshop in Sonivilier, Switzerland, in 1860, he recognized the value of watchmaking craftsmanship. Over a century later, the maison stands as one of the world’s most prestigious names in watchmaking, known for its distinctive aesthetic and innovative spirit. This October, the maison turns its gaze to eyewear, with the launch of their latest pieces in the Philippines.
The brand introduces two collections, both familiar and new: the Happy Diamonds and Ice Cube eyewear collections. Celebrating its 50th anniversary at Chopard, the Happy Diamonds collection is transformed into an eyewear collection that keeps its playful relationship with light, movement, and precious detailing. The frames carry Happy Diamonds-inspired embellishments into their design, from faceted acetate fronts to metal profiles, with some featuring crystals and intricate metalwork.
Meanwhile, the Ice Cube collection is described as Chopard’s “distinctly architectural expression of contemporary luxury.” The collection leans into the geometric forms of the maison’s jewelryJewelryDecorative adornments worn on the body, from fine pieces in gold, diamonds, and pearls to fashion jewelry made of accessible materials. Jewelry completes an outfit and often holds sentimental orGo to Jewelry Glossary, translating its sharp, sculptural lines into sunglasses that feature bold silhouettes, cat-eye shapes, and sleek squared profiles. The eyewear also features Ice Cube details on its temples and end pieces, with select styles combining materials such as titanium, bio-based acetate, and metal finishes.
“The big challenge was to try to translate all this sophistication and faceting into our product. We have an amazing team here in Italy; they did a fantastic job,” says Elisabetta Profili – Senior Global Brand Manager. “I think that we managed to find a very perfect balance between the essence of the jewelryJewelryDecorative adornments worn on the body, from fine pieces in gold, diamonds, and pearls to fashion jewelry made of accessible materials. Jewelry completes an outfit and often holds sentimental orGo to Jewelry Glossary concept and the functionality and coolness of the frames of the eyewear collection.”
Material selection was important in developing the collection. “We know it’s not just about what you see. It’s not just about the design but also how you feel and perceive the product,” Profili says.
The combination of titanium and acetate addresses both structure and finish. The titanium provides strength while keeping the frames light, a consideration for eyewear intended for everyday wear. Acetate, meanwhile, allows the design team to emphasize the collection’s geometry through its faceted surfaces and richer appearance. As Profili explains, Asian markets are particularly attentive to the lightness of frames and sunglasses.
Sustainability is another part of this material approach. According to Profili, Chopard Eyewear has incorporated bio-based materials since 2020, including bio-based acetate and nylon lenses. She also notes that the brand has introduced renewed acetate as further development in its material choices. These efforts form part of a broader commitment to sustainability within Chopard.
The collection also looks at how eyewear fits into contemporary dressing. For actress and model Michelle Dee, styling starts with giving the frames room to stand out. “With Chopard’s eyewear, I’d keep my outfit simple and let the glasses shine,” Dee says. That sense of ease also draws entrepreneur Pinky Tobiano to the collection’s versatility, “Whether in the office or out in the street, it completes a perfect look.”
Meanwhile, Valentina Olivier – Regional Marketing Manager APAC, frames do more than complete an outfit. They shape how the face is seen and can be chosen with skin undertones and different occasions in mind. Chopard’s lens treatments are part of this consideration, with select styles featuring gradient lenses and reflective finishes designed to transition between indoor and outdoor settings.
Looking ahead, the brand is also developing styles intended for men, including unisex designs. Profili points to the Ice Cube wedding band, one of the jewelry collection’s most recognizable pieces, as an example of a design language that already appeals across genders. The eyewear category, she says, will continue to follow that direction, offering more options for individual expression.
Discover Chopard’s latest eyewear collections at Vision Express, Greenhills Mall.