Authorized Blake Kuwahara Retailer
Sculptural eyewear designed by CFDA member Blake Kuwahara and handcrafted in Japan — every frame fully authentic and sourced direct.
NYC's Largest Luxury Eyewear Collection
Blake Kuwahara
Blake Kuwahara is the architect of the frame within a frame — an inner silhouette
encased in an unexpected outer shape, two distinct forms seamlessly fused into a
single sculptural whole. Each model is named for a master architect or designer,
and every piece is handcrafted in Japan. Explore the signature collection and the
Grey Label line, available in optical and sun, at Visionary Optics.
7,000+
Frames Across 3 Locations
3
NYC Locations
35+
Years in Business
Blake Kuwahara BK1015 Optical
Sale price$525.00
2 colors available
Blake Kuwahara BK1014 Sunglasses
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1014 Optical
Sale price$525.00
3 colors available
Blake Kuwahara BK1013 Sunglasses
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1013 Optical
Sale price$525.00
2 colors available
Blake Kuwahara BK1012 Sunglasses
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1012 Optical
Sale price$525.00
3 colors available
Blake Kuwahara BK1011 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1010 Sunglasses
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1010 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1008 Sunglasses
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1007 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1006 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1004 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1003 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1001 Optical
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara BK1000 Sunglasses
Sale price$525.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara Beelman Sunglasses
Sale price$650.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara Bayer Optical
Sale price$695.00
3 colors available
Blake Kuwahara Barragan Optical
Sale price$650.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara Aulenti Optical
Sale price$695.00
2 colors available
Blake Kuwahara Arbus Sunglasses
Sale price$695.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara Arbus Optical
Sale price$695.00
2 colors available
Blake Kuwahara Albers Sunglasses
Sale price$695.00
1 color available
Blake Kuwahara Albers Optical
Sale price$695.00
2 colors available
Blake Kuwahara Walsh Sunglasses
Sale price$695.00
2 colors available
Blake Kuwahara Walsh Optical
Sale price$695.00
3 colors available
Why Blake Kuwahara at Visionary Optics?
Blake Kuwahara is an eponymous eyewear brand launched in 2015 by Japanese-American designer Blake Kuwahara, a CFDA member with a doctorate in optometry from UC Berkeley. Each frame is handcrafted in Japan using a signature lamination technique that fuses two distinct frame shapes into one.
Visionary Optics carries Blake Kuwahara optical frames and sunglasses at our three NYC locations, spanning the main collection and the architecturally-inspired Grey Label sub-line. Frames are produced in limited quantities and named in homage to architects Kuwahara admires.
Prefer to try before you buy? Visit any of our three NYC locations for an in-person fitting. Many frames are available for same-day pickup with ZEISS single vision lenses.
The Visionary Optics Difference
Frame Within a Frame
Kuwahara's signature construction laminates two distinct frame shapes into one — a classic interior silhouette encased in a contrasting outer form.
Named for the Masters
Each frame is named in homage to an architect Kuwahara admires — connecting eyewear design to the broader vocabulary of art and architecture.
Six Months in Japan
Inner and outer shapes are milled separately, then bonded through a multi-week lamination process by Japanese artisans — roughly six months per frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Blake Kuwahara eyewear special?
Every Blake Kuwahara frame is built on a frame within a frame. An inner silhouette that reads as familiar and wearable is encased inside an outer shape that gives the piece its character. The two are milled as separate pieces and then fused using a proprietary lamination process of heat, pressure, and solvents, which is why the frames have visual depth that cannot be achieved by cutting a single piece of acetate.
Where are Blake Kuwahara glasses made?
Every frame is handcrafted in Japan by artisans. The lamination stage alone takes roughly two months, and a finished frame can take about six months to produce from start to completion. Materials are premium Japanese acetate, sometimes combined with titanium.
How much do Blake Kuwahara glasses cost?
Most Blake Kuwahara frames range from approximately $525 to $695, with the full selection running from about $346 to $733. Metal frames sit in the lower part of the range, while the laminated acetate models that define the brand cost more, which reflects the additional production time they require.
Who is Blake Kuwahara?
Blake Kuwahara is a Japanese-American designer who practiced as an optometrist before moving into design, and holds a doctorate of optometry from UC Berkeley. He first gained recognition as the creator of KATA Eyewear, founded the Los Angeles design firm Focus Group West, and designed eyewear collections for John Varvatos, Carolina Herrera, Coach, and Isaac Mizrahi before launching his own label in 2015. He is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and won the Silmo d'Or in 2016 for the Kahn model.
Why are Blake Kuwahara frames named after architects?
Kuwahara studies architecture and furniture design alongside eyewear, and names each model in homage to an architect or designer he admires. At Visionary Optics we stock models including the Rossi, Deaton, Walsh, Landis, Findley, and Curlett across the main collection and the Grey Label sub-line.
Can I get Blake Kuwahara frames with prescription lenses?
Yes. Every Blake Kuwahara optical frame at Visionary Optics can be fit with ZEISS prescription lenses, and most single vision prescriptions are ready the same day. We also fit progressive and specialty lens prescriptions, and we can fit prescription lenses into Blake Kuwahara sunglasses.
Where can I buy Blake Kuwahara in NYC?
Visionary Optics is an authorized Blake Kuwahara retailer with three New York City locations: Upper East Side at 1409 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10075, Chelsea at 173 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, and Carroll Gardens at 315 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. We stock over 120 Blake Kuwahara styles across optical and sunglasses including the Grey Label sub-line, every frame is 100% authentic, and our opticians can guide you through model and fit differences. We also ship nationwide, with or without prescription lenses, so you can order from anywhere in the United States.
Can't Decide? Visit Us.
Nothing beats trying frames in person. Visit any of our three NYC locations and let our experts help you find your perfect pair.