We trial the frames as a team to make sure our frames will fit all face shapes, sizes, and features they are designed for. Once they get the tick of approval, the production begins. Each pair of acetate glasses are cut out individually from a block of acetate.
A precise machine, called a CNC milling machine, sculpts the frame from a single piece of acetate, cutting the lens holes, the grooves for the hinges, and the nose bridge to make the front of the frame. The frame then goes through a dozen manual steps and heat moulding for the frame shape to take its final form and curvature so that it will fit comfortably.
Our Design Process
The Oscar Wylee product and design team take inspiration from the world around us and our home environment like the Sydney beaches and Australian landscapes. Our frames are influenced by global fashion, art, and architecture - all that excites us!
We then share our design vision with our trusted and dedicated production partners. Prototypes are created to ensure the design is as we envisioned, and to make sure that the correct shape, size, colour, and detailing goes into each of our frames.
We then share our design vision with our trusted and dedicated production partners. Prototypes are created to ensure the design is as we envisioned, and to make sure that the correct shape, size, colour, and detailing goes into each of our frames.
How our acetate frames are made
Our acetate frames are made using a
bio-based material which derives from the fibres in cotton pulp or wood, to make a compound called cellulose acetate.
Dyes are added to the acetate to create individual colours and then rolled out into a sheet. To create the patterned and multi-coloured frames you see in our stores, small acetate pieces are cut from the individually coloured sheets. Colours are chosen and mixed together to be rolled out again to create all of your favourite patterns.
No patterned frame will look the same, that’s why if you decide on a "tortoise shell" or a multi-coloured frame for your next pair of glasses, your pair will be unique!
Our Production Process
The frames are polished in tumbling barrels filled with wooden chips.
The arms of the frames, called temples, are individually hand screwed to the front of the frame.
The lenses are cut one by one to fit each frame perfectly and inserted by hand.
The frames then go through cleaning and strict quality control.
Due for an eye test? Book now:
We recommend that everyone should have an eye test with an optometrist at least once every 2 years.
Oscar Wylee offers bulk billed eye test, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible Medicare card holders.