Sartorial Eyewear with Jochen
Discover the art of bespoke eyewear with Jochen in the heart of Florence. Learn how to design and craft a pair of glasses, explore the traditions of handcrafting, discover the history of eyewear, and learn the rules for constructing comfortable and beautiful glasses. Outside the studio, immerse in Florence’s vibrant culture, savor Italian food, and wander its historic streets.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2535
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $1140
Meet the Artist
Jochen is a sculptor and designer-craftsman known for reimagining bespoke wooden eyewear through a deeply sartorial and personal approach. Working alongside his wife, Lisa, in their Florence atelier, he handcrafts each pair of spectacles from raw material to final polish. His journey began in 2004 when he couldn't find a comfortable, well-designed pair of glasses for his daughter. What started as a personal solution soon evolved into a lifelong craft.
Drawing on his background in sculpture and restoration, Jochen developed a meticulous 83-step process rooted in ergonomics, comfort, and natural materials. He works with steam-bent wood, buffalo horn, briarwood, bone inlays, and precious metals, finishing each piece with hypoallergenic, VOC-free oils. Every detail—veneer selection, bending, shaping, and finishing—is done by hand with exacting care. Rejecting digital tools and standard templates, Jochen designs directly on the face, tailoring each frame to reflect the wearer's unique features and personality. He is especially attuned to facial diversity, creating frames that honor a wide range of structures—from Asian and African to European.
For Jochen, eyewear is more than a functional object—it is, as he says, "the frame of the soul." Like a custom-tailored garment, each pair is made to fit beautifully and feel deeply personal.
When you meet him, you'll learn that the act of crafting spectacles is not only about seeing better—it's about being seen fully and authentically.
Drawing on his background in sculpture and restoration, Jochen developed a meticulous 83-step process rooted in ergonomics, comfort, and natural materials. He works with steam-bent wood, buffalo horn, briarwood, bone inlays, and precious metals, finishing each piece with hypoallergenic, VOC-free oils. Every detail—veneer selection, bending, shaping, and finishing—is done by hand with exacting care. Rejecting digital tools and standard templates, Jochen designs directly on the face, tailoring each frame to reflect the wearer's unique features and personality. He is especially attuned to facial diversity, creating frames that honor a wide range of structures—from Asian and African to European.
For Jochen, eyewear is more than a functional object—it is, as he says, "the frame of the soul." Like a custom-tailored garment, each pair is made to fit beautifully and feel deeply personal.
When you meet him, you'll learn that the act of crafting spectacles is not only about seeing better—it's about being seen fully and authentically.
VAWAA Includes:
- Design and create your own customized glasses frames.
- Study glasses design and construction with a focus on ergonomics.
- Develop a personal eyewear project inspired by traditional and innovative design approaches.
- Visit a local artisan workshop to explore Florentine cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
- Enjoy a typical Italian lunch shared with artisans in Florence’s historic center.
Explore Florence
Florence needs no introduction. The city is a radiant jewel of the Italian Renaissance, where art, architecture, and history saturate every cobblestone. From the soaring dome of Brunelleschi’s Duomo to the timeless elegance of Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” at the Uffizi Gallery, the city offers a concentrated encounter with cultural genius. Contemporary creatives thrive alongside centuries-old masterpieces, with artisan workshops, experimental galleries, and design boutiques woven into the medieval fabric of the city. Whether traced through its frescoes or felt in its fashion, Florence’s artistic legacy continues to shape the global conversation on beauty and form.
Additional Details
Florence is a beautiful destination year-round, with especially pleasant weather from February to October. While late fall and winter (October to February) are the quietest months, they offer a wonderful opportunity to explore historic squares and museums without the crowds.
This session can be extended for up to 30 days. Please include a note in your booking request.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the session is unable to accommodate guests with disabilities.
Jochen speaks Italian, English, and German.
This session can be extended for up to 30 days. Please include a note in your booking request.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the session is unable to accommodate guests with disabilities.
Jochen speaks Italian, English, and German.