Imsoo Cho & Youngho Choi
Grida Handmade
Eyewear maker
Seoul, South Korea
Looking through unexpected lenses
- Youngho and Imsoo's practice combines optical engineering, traditional techniques and modern design
- They delicately balance the fragility of mother-of-pearl inlay with the durability of modern frames
- They place comfort and material integrity at the heart of their work
In their Seoul-based atelier Grida Handmade, Imsoo Cho and Youngho Choi redefine eyewear at the intersection of craft and engineering. Rejecting the cold uniformity of conventional mass-produced frames, they explore the tactile warmth of natural materials such as wood, leather and traditional lacquer, to create wearable art objects. "Our creations are distinguished by a vast material range and comfort," say Imsoo and Youngho. Each of their pieces is shaped through rigorous experimentation, optical accuracy and artisanal intuition. Beyond functional eyewear, the duo's collaborative process yields distinctive pieces that marry technical integrity with emotional presence.
INTERVIEW
From rare woods to lacquer and hanji paper, we push the limits of the materials we work with. Comfort remains central to our practice: years of optical data guide balance and fit, resulting in eyewear that feels natural while expressing unique craftsmanship.
We prioritise material integrity and optical balance. Eyewear creations are small pieces of architecture on the face. We explore how materials like horn, mother-of-pearl, leather and wood best express beauty and function, ensuring each frame harmonises tactile warmth with structural precision.
Our mother-of-pearl lacquer eyewear collection stands out. Applying traditional inlay to a modern form requires balancing fragility and durability. When completed, the shifting iridescence confirmed our vision, which bridges tradition and contemporary design through light and material depth.
We envision smart eyewear rooted in tradition. Advanced sensors and audio will be hidden within wood or lacquer frames. It will appear as a crafted object, yet function as an intelligent tool, uniting warmth, heritage and future technology seamlessly.
Imsoo Cho & Youngho Choi
Grida Handmade
Eyewear maker
Seoul, South Korea
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+82 50713459867
LANGUAGES
Korean, English
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