This week, we have the privilege to interview Andrew Blyszak the Creative Director of BLYSZAK. Established one year ago in London, we interview Andrew to find out how it all started, where are the materials sources from, and more.
Q: Hello Andrew! How did you get into designing eyewear?
A: It all started when I wanted to replace a vintage style I literally worn to death. When I looked about for a contemporary design that was similar, I simply could not find the perfect update, and so I decided to create the style myself, designing in collaboration with my technician Edward Gucewicz. In the beginning it was a personal project, but after receiving hugely enthusiastic comments from industry friends, I decided to take the style and create a brand.
Q: What was the process when you first start designing, sourcing and producing Blyszak Eyewear?
A: I was very inspired by Buffalo Horn and understanding how we could take this material and put an ultra premium, contemporary spin on an otherwise classic offering. This coupled with our Metal component meant that we could steer clear of using cheap and oversaturated acetate.
Q: Who would you say your eyewear appeals to?
A: Our customer base is equally split between Men and Women of all ages, ethnicities and face shapes. The style is classic with a mild edge, which allows our demographic to be both younger and more mature. Some familiar names who sport the brand include Zoe Kravitz and Robert Pattinson.
Q: In your profile, it states that your buffalo horns are sourced ethically. How and where are they sourced from?
A: I am personally a purveyour of sustainability as best as possible and our horn is gathered stringintly via a certificate supplier in the UK. Our Buffalo and Oxen horn is sourced from India and Nigeria, the two biggest producers of Buffalo horn by-product. By-product means the animals horn is discard, gathered following it’s use for other purposes. No animal is harmed purely for it’s horns.
Q: How were the final materials selected?
A: Again I wanted to steer very clear of Acetate and our Grade-A Steel and Buffalo Horn materials are of a premium quality. As a brand we will never use acetate.
Q: If you could use 3 words to describe your brand, what would they be?
A: Refined, Understated, Special.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the shapes and styles of the designs?
A: We currently offer 1 frame shape in three variations: Metal, Metal/Horn and Horn, across multiple colour-ways. The current collection is 21 styles, and from September 2016, we will present a new shape – a very mild tweak on the Collection I and II offering which is more rectangular than oval. The new collection is very exciting with lots of fun colour combinations including a new Light Tortoise horn colour as well as a Moss Green metal finish.
Q: Tell me more about what makes you passionate about eyewear?
A: I have been collecting sunglasses for as long as I could remember. I think we as consumers have obsessions with accessories – this is generally sunglasses, watches, leather goods or footwear. Or all of the above. For me personally it was always sunglasses and I count around 100 pairs of both contemporary and vintage styles in my archive.
Q: Since you’ve launched, how receptive has the industry been?
A: I have been so amazed at how supportive the industry has been of me and the brand – the UK, US, Japan and further afield. With over 40 premium retail stores and more than 150 press credits within our short 1 year launch I am so very humbled and pleased with all the initial industry response but as well, the support of our end customers.
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