Article One: heirloom eyewear

Small batch acetate frames – made in Northern Italy

As acetate becomes increasingly scrutinised for quality and longevity in carefully crafted design, independent labels that treasure the most elegant materials and champion craftsmanship, with genuine focus, remain at the forefront of the eyewear world.

Article One – a small independent label based in Michigan (USA) – produces its collection in Italy, selecting its acetates from the best suppliers and focusing on organic tones that feel natural and timeless offering beautiful, hand-finished effects. Founder Wes Stoody told Eyestylist: “As a brand, we stick with timeless silhouettes, designing independently of mainstream trends. One way we are able to leave our mark and show off the handcrafted nature of our eyewear is through intricate and unique beveling…we want our frames to feel as if they are sculpted by artisans, which is accomplished by exposing the smaller details of the frame.” Above: from the current collection, the Joslin offers a ‘forever’ shape in subtle crystal tones

Cat’s eye model Joslin by Article One: a small, feminine design, with subtle angles

Asked to explain what it means to to work with a small batch family production in Italy, Stoody highlights the roots of the brand and his trust in old-fashioned values and human connections. “We work with small, family owned factories for the same reason we work with independently owned optical shops – we care about knowing the people we work with. Our relationships at every level of our business are truly what drives us.”

Article One: carefully selected acetate in classic colours and transparencies – with visible hardware

“Just like we care about the connections we make with our factories and retail partners, we believe our customers care just as much. We attempt to spotlight the hands that craft our frames because we want our customers to feel a sense of authentic connection with us as the Italian craftspeople producing their frames….” Wes Stoody, Article One

Murphy by Article One in ‘whiskey rose’ – the frame shape is wayfarer-esque

The newest styles in the collection, of which there are nine, offer lots of variety for different looks, with a common thread in terms of careful details and tasteful minimal colour choices which are predominantly natural, from tortoise, blue grey and cola to whiskey rose.

Shooting the frames on real people, the recent campaign illustrates the new designs and their natural colours and shapes. “The campaign is centered on the sustainable and regerneative farm known as Solarpunk Farms” explains Stoody. “This communal living space founded by Spencer Scott and Nick

Article One: the recent campaign was shot on location at Solarpunk Farms

Schwanz is an attempt to showcase how communities can live in harmony with nature in a sustainable and egalitarian world. The shoot resulted in more than beautiful and vulnerable photography, but also a story and lesson that inspired the entire Article One team.”

Sanford by Article One, in colour “cola”: bevelling along the rim and brow brings out the handcrafted feel of the frame which offers a universal fit

About the brand: Article One was founded by Wes Stoody in 2016. They are proponents of supporting independent optical retailers, giving back to the community, and thoughtful timeless design. “The care put into each frame, results in quality you can feel.”

Portrait photography by Allie Leepson and Jen McClary at Solar Punk Farms – For more information about the Article One Eyewear Collection visit https://articleoneeyewear.com –

ARTICLE ONE features on the front cover of the EYESTYLIST bulletin about fine acetate frames. Read the bulletin: https://www.eyestylist.com/trend-bulletin-issue-6/