The Max Supreme wooden glasses and sunglasses (Max Supreme, 2015) were invented in Latvia by Dairis Muizhnieks – a certified joiner who started a company that manufactures wooden frames for optical glasses and sunglasses. It took several years to develop the technology and the first models launched in Latvia around 2014. At present wooden glasses can be bought in Russia, Great Britain, Italy and France and their popularity is growing. (Max Supreme, 2017)

The wooden frames are manufactured by inclining and glueing veneer in eight layers which gives the frames durability and allows them to keep their shape. That is one of the most important indicators in wooden glasses frame quality. Currently there are 20 types of sunglasses frames on offer and it is possible to choose the shape and colour of frames. The lenses used for sunglasses are high quality, polarized and ensure full UV protection. (Max Supreme, 2017)

The glasses have been created for people who want to be different from others and at the same time value quality and handmade products. They can be used both as holiday accessory and everyday necessity. Each season the frames are developed in topical colours. (Max Supreme, 2017)

The glasses are high quality and modern design, they are durable, ergonomic, eco-friendly, customizable (inscriptions can be added, also colour and shape chosen, crystals incorporated). (Max Supreme, 2017)

There are several observations that can be addressed to the designed object:

1. Although this product is unique and successful in Latvia and abroad, if we look at wooden frames produced outside of Latvia, similar items can be found. For example, the Zylo eyewear company from Greece (Paide, 2016), the Edel Holz glasses from Germany (EDEL HOLZ Handcrafted Eyewear Inh. E. Blankenburg Einzelunternehmer, 2015), the Moat House glasses from Great Britain (Moat House Eyewear, 2014), the Industrees glasses from France (INDUSTREES, 2014), just to name a few. My observations of the market suggest that handmade wooden glasses is a current trend popular with hipsters and related to the fashionable bio-eco, nature-friendly, no-preservatives-added, we-can-all-save-the-nature-by-doing-nothing idea. Many people nowadays seem to strive to be original and unique and these social trends seem to have grown to new heights.
2. No one knows what will happen to a pair of wooden sunglasses as they age. Wood is a natural material that changes colour and shape in time. It absorbs moisture and odour from the environment as well as grease and other similar substances that stick to it. For example, constant handling, sweat, oils and dirt will wear and age the glasses. So is the technology advanced enough to prevent frames from getting dirty, changing colour and shape? If it is have there been chemical treatments added during manufacture? Are the frames still compliant as a bio-eco, nature-friendly concept?
3. The frames are advertised as durable and long lasting (Max Supreme, 2017) but given social trends would people want to use something for many years? Is the wooden frame concept sustainable?
4. If the technology was cloned and mass produced at a lower cost would this make it more successful? Huge fashion companies like the Versace or the Dolce&Gabbana can afford protective patents. According to the financial information provided by the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia buying and keeping the patent from year to year is costly (Latvijas Republikas Patentu valde, 2017) for a smaller business.

To conclude, glasses have become an indispensable part of human life for many people. Despite the fact that people have the option to change glasses to eye lenses or to do a laser eyesight correction surgery, many still prefer conventional glasses. While that is so, all kinds and types of glasses and sunglasses will be created and made for us to use.

List of references (in alphabetical order)

EDEL HOLZ Handcrafted Eyewear Inh. E. Blankenburg Einzelunternehmer (2015) EDEL HOLZ Handcrafted Eyewear Made in Germany Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhCn8rVJJZs (Accessed: 20 March 2017)

INDUSTREES (2014) INDUSTREES – Wood Sunglasses Handmade in France Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv1uVg0d_TY (Accessed: 20 March 2017)

Latvijas Republikas Patentu valde (2017) Izmaksas Available at: http://www.lrpv.gov.lv/lv/precu-zimes/izmaksas (Accessed: 20 March 2017)

Max Supreme (2017) Max Supreme koka brilles Available at: http://maxsupreme.vision/max-supreme-koka-brilles/ (Accessed: 20 March 2017)

Max Supreme (2015) Max Supreme Wooden frames Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d70WzZGZxIc (Accessed: 20 March 2017)

Moat House Eyewear (2014) Wooden Eyewear by Moat House – Made in England / Britain Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7AJY7bJa_k (Accessed: 20 March 2017)

Paide (2016) Making off ZYLO eyewear Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUURW-F-BF8 (Accessed: 20 March 2017)