Former Dutch government employee and the look for unique frames was the beginning of the Ralph Vaessen brand. Sophisticated eyewear of exceptional quality, these “contemporary classics” are sold in exclusive stores worldwide such as Colette, 10 Corso Como, Barneys New York, Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche, L'Eclaireur, Luisa via Roma, Kiki Niesten, Quartier 206, TSUM and United Arrows. All frames are handmade in a small German atelier, were the most selective and unique materials, such as bufallo horn, are being used.
Ralph Vaessen who has also launched his first couture line, is also consulting and creatively advising Van Gils eyewear by Ralph Vaessen and Technobohemian by John Malkovits.
INTERVIEW
Given that your previous job was more bureaucratic, there surely must have been someone or something that inspired you to make this major career switch and become a designer of glasses at the age of 40. Who was this person or what was the event that brought about this change?
Bijan Azami, a local optician, who I met him while I was still working for the Dutch government and looking for new frames for myself. Azami suggested a small atelier that could produce single sets of frames if I could make a drawing of the shape I wanted. This was the start of my career as a designer.
Do you have any particular female and/or male persona which you highly admire and gives you inspiration to create your line of glasses?
No one in particular; I design what I believe is beautiful and what I would want to wear myself and the people who are close to me. The same applies to my fashion collection.
How would you define "fashion"? Do you believe that the term "fashion trends" truly exists? Does this term apply to your field or do you feel that a pair of glasses is always en vogue?
Fashion is contemporary taste, constantly changing and repeating ... as in music. Beside fashion you have also temporary/timeless classics, like English shoes, however the slightly influence is by fashion.
Do you like "vintage glasses"? Is there an era that has greatly influenced your design of glasses?
I get my inspiration from the British indie music scene and old movies.
What materials do you use and which one is your favorite?
Natural horn as a base. Horn is a very light material, making it comfortable to wear. The colors and the fibrous structure make every frame unique. Sometimes I also combine it with snake skin and colored wood.
