Blake Kuwahara
“Artful yet wearable.” - Blake Kuwahara
Artist. Designer. Optometrist.
Blake Kuwahara has spent his career at the forefront of vision and creativity.
After earning his Doctor of Optometry from UC Berkeley, Blake Kuwahara practiced optometry before shifting his focus to his passion for eyewear design.
What followed was a remarkable journey that established him as one of the industry’s most influential designers, a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America and a founding member of the Vision Council of America Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. Along the way, he has also kept a sharp eye for the unexpected, often uncovering unique finds at markets around the world.
In 2015, Kuwahara introduced his namesake eyewear collection, translating a distinctly contemporary way of seeing into a disciplined design language. He describes modern life as a constant act of visual editing, shaped by the images we absorb and the environments we move through. This concept inspires his approach to form, proportion, and material. Drawing on influences that range from architecture and art to travel and everyday observation, and grounded in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, his frames balance precision with imperfection, combining layered acetate, metal, and meticulous hand-finishing to produce objects that are rich in detail and intent.
His best-known concept, the “frame within a frame,” has become a defining feature of his work. Each design begins with a familiar silhouette that is then encased within a second, slightly larger outline, creating a quiet sense of layering and depth. At first glance, the frames appear restrained and minimal, but closer inspection reveals contrast, dimension, and precise craftsmanship. The result is a careful interplay of structure and transparency that gives each piece a sculptural quality while remaining fully wearable in everyday life.
Kuwahara also takes part in collaborative Pride initiatives within the eyewear industry, working alongside fellow designers on limited-edition projects that support LGBTQ+ communities, with proceeds often directed toward organizations focused on mental health and advocacy. In June 2026, he launched the fifth annual Pride frame, with proceeds benefiting Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit founded by Glenn Close dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental health. Through these collaborations, Kuwahara and his peers highlight how design can extend beyond aesthetics to contribute to broader cultural and social impact.
Check out the online space to learn more about this designer and the details that go into the craftmanship of each frame. To explore the Blake Kuwahara collection in person, book an appointment with our team today.
Visit the Bring Change to Mind website to contribute and make a difference.
-
All other images captured by Cara Aitchison and Mae Drost.
