Monokol

"The glasses we wear say a lot about who we are." This is the philosophy behind Monokol, a brand inspired by the geometric lines of abandoned workshops in southern Italy.

9. March 2023, Author: Paula Blahová, Photo: Jakub Čaprnka, Zuzana Luther

The brand was founded and continues to be designed by Andrea Migliaccio. Andrea is a passionate collector of vintage eyewear and a marketer by trade. He came to optics through a collection of wooden frames. Over the years, his view on materials and shapes evolved, and in 2016 he launched his own production in the town of Caserta near Naples.

When we sat down with Andrea at a trade fair a few years ago, we had no idea he'd made those striking glasses himself. We got talking, and flew back to Slovakia thrilled about another great design collaboration.

Just like other Italian manufacturers, Andrea and his team carefully select the finest materials, then craft them with proper artisan care. Unlike the others, though, Monokol doesn't look to classic Italian elegance – instead, to the sharp lines of industrial buildings. When designing the first collection, the brand drew inspiration from an old glass factory near Caserta. The metal skeleton of the building reminded Andrea of a frame's structure. Those geometric lines and subtle industrial feel still run through the collections and the brand's communication.

Monokol uses specific acetate colors in production, with a particular love for clear tones. The result is a modern frame with a point of view – hugely popular here at ZITA, especially with those looking for glasses that also work as a statement piece.

Discover the Monokol collection here.