Gentle Monster is a South Korean eyewear brand known for its oversized frames, immersive retail environments, and creative collaborations that blend fashion, art, and technology.
Founded in Seoul in 2011 by Hankook Kim (with early investment from Jae Wook Oh), Gentle Monster gained rapid global attention with oversized frames initially tailored to the Asian market. Popularized by the drama series My Love from the Star (2013–2014), the brand expanded internationally with flagship stores in New York (2016) and Los Angeles (2017). In 2017, LVMH acquired a 7% stake for $60M. Gentle Monster's identity is reinforced by retail spaces that double as art installations.
The brand uses acetate, metal, and hybrid compositions across its collections. Color palettes include black, white, transparent, and pastel tones. Its aesthetic signature includes oversized, sculptural shapes that are both futuristic and fashion-forward.
Alongside its core optical and sunglass lines, Gentle Monster frequently launches limited-edition capsules in collaboration with fashion brands and pop culture figures—such as Maison Margiela, Huawei, Jennie (Blackpink), Kris Wu, Cai Xukun, and Tekken 8—often with experimental or cyber-futuristic design themes.
Design is split between product teams and those responsible for retail installations, highlighting the brand’s experiential focus. Frames are manufactured in China and Daegu, South Korea, due to local restrictions on acetate production. There is no publicly documented sustainability policy.
Gentle Monster operates 81 stores (72 outside of duty-free) across 49 cities in 14 countries and distributes through over 450 retailers in 30 countries.
Gentle Monster positions itself as an experiential luxury eyewear brand that blends bold design, artistic retail, and cross-disciplinary collaborations into a strong global identity.
The Top eyewear trends for Fall-Winter 2025 reflect a market that has become both design-driven and tech-aware.According to Euromonitor (Sept–Oct 2025), the global eyewear industry exceeds USD 160 billion this year, growing by +4.8% in value. The market is polarizing: while value-seeking consumers prioritize affordability and practicality, premium segments are investing in quality, sustainability, and […]
For its AH25 collection, the Oakley Factory Team introduces two new frames—Plantaris and Straight Jacket 99—that merge futuristic silhouettes with high-performance materials. Drawing from nature and archival design, these glasses continue Oakley’s exploration of augmented vision through experimental aesthetics. How does the Plantaris frame redefine optical design? The Plantaris frame channels an organic visual language, […]
Unveiled at SILMO Paris, the read on light customized model has won the German Design Award 2026 in the Lifestyle & Fashion category. This Swiss concept of customizable reading glasses, ready in under two minutes, marks a breakthrough in the ready-to-wear optics segment. What exactly is read on light customized? It’s the first-ever ready-made reading […]
The Cartier Eyewear Fall-Winter 2025 collection embodies the Maison’s jeweler spirit and its constant pursuit of excellence. Designed as an extension of Cartier’s style, it explores contrasts between light and depth, structure and movement.This season, the iconic lines — Clash, Santos, Première, Panthère, C de Cartier, and Décor C Allongé — are reinterpreted with precious […]
VANNI Goggles represents the fusion of Italian eyewear craftsmanship and the creative energy of contemporary art. Each year, the Turin-based brand VANNI celebrates this connection by partnering with an emerging artist selected at the Artissima fair. For 2025, the dialogue between art and design takes form through an exclusive capsule collection by artist Nicola Bizzarri, […]
Parisian luxury eyewear by IRON Paris embodies the perfect harmony between design and innovation. Born in the heart of the French capital, the brand has turned eyewear into a form of contemporary art. Every frame, engineered like a miniature piece of architecture, reflects the avant-garde spirit of the City of Light — elegance, precision, and […]
Ho’okipa Ultra G, Maui Jim’s latest innovation, redefines visual performance on the golf course. Designed specifically for golfers, these sunglasses combine the brand’s signature Photochromic PolarizedPlus2™ lens technology with a lightweight, sporty frame. Staying true to Maui Jim’s heritage, they deliver unmatched clarity, comfort, and protection—perfectly blending Hawaiian spirit with high-performance optics. Cutting-Edge Lens Technology […]
The Gucci Eyewear Fall/Winter 2025 collection redefines modern sophistication through the seamless blend of heritage and innovation. Staying true to the House’s codes, Gucci offers a line of optical and sunglasses that merge timeless Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design. From sleek cat-eye silhouettes to oversized butterfly frames, the collection expresses an effortless elegance where every […]
KARL LAGERFELD Eyewear Fall-Winter 2025 stands out as a collection designed for those who blend sophistication with attitude. Anchored by the campaign “From Paris with Love,” embodied by a pop-culture icon, the line captures the brand’s urban, Parisian essence. Every pair reflects Karl’s unmistakable codes — structured shapes, signature detailing, and refined finishes that exude […]
Receive exclusive updates on the latest in the world of eyewear, our favorite selections, and unique offers reserved just for our subscribers. Join the Parisée community and elevate your style today!
Photo : Lumiprod