Cover: Aubrey 18K Gold, sunglass version. Photograph by Leisure Society.
In a Leisure Society frame, the design continues beyond the front. It follows the bridge, runs along the temples and emerges at the edge of a lens. Up close, a familiar shape reveals a remarkably intricate construction.
This is Shane Baum’s language: considered proportions and an almost jeweller’s attention to detail. His work values objects chosen with care and kept over time.
Titanium takes shape.
Leisure Society machines titanium from a solid block. Milling defines thicknesses and bevels; hand finishing completes the surfaces. Lightweight and strong, the metal takes on depth.
On Komenda, this produces a defined front, with bolted temples and engraving along the upper edge. The pale finish brings out the lines, while blue lenses give the frame a stronger presence.
Gold follows the design.
After hand polishing, the titanium receives an ion-plated PVD finish. The coating bonds to its surface and helps resist corrosion. Beneath the gold, the structure remains titanium.
12K white gold, yellow or rose gold, finishes up to 24K and ruthenium: each choice changes the metal’s tone. Pale and crisp, warm, or dark. On a fine frame such as Avalon II, a few millimetres of surface can give a face character.
The detail is structural.
Avalon II is semi-rimless: metal follows the upper part of the lenses, while the bridge combines engraving with touches of enamel. The drill-mounted construction leaves its attachment points visible.
The optical Aubrey takes a rimless approach, with engraved temples and concealed spring hinges. The lenses define the front; the bridge and temples trace a fine line around them. Two distinct ways to wear gold.
Light changes everything.
A lens can define the character of an entire frame. Across the collection, colour, material and finish come together in different ways. Each version has its own characteristics.
- Polarized
- Komenda sunglasses use polarized Trivex lenses: the filter reduces glare from light reflected off surfaces.
- Photochromic
- Sacco in 24K Gold / 12K White Gold has Blue Tint lenses that darken in sunlight. The blue tint changes intensity with exposure.
- Faceted
- The sunglass Aubrey on the cover has diamond-cut, laser-etched nylon lenses. Facets form an edge that catches and breaks up the light.
Up close, every detail matters.
Handmade in Japan in small, individually numbered runs, Leisure Society frames reward a closer look. At OCCHIO, online and in Crema, Italy, explore our selection of sunglasses and optical frames: shapes, finishes and proportions to make your own.
Explore Leisure Society ↗Sources and photography
Original Leisure Society photographs and images from the OCCHIO catalogue. Information from the official Bulletin, Materials & Craftsmanship page and individual product pages.
