XYZ Integrated Architecture's Water Glasses: Frameless Eyewear as Wearable Sculpture

Tbilisi-based XYZ Integrated Architecture, led by Levan Lominashvili and Ana Kachkachishvili, has unveiled Water Glasses, a collection of frameless eyewear designed for pools and beaches. The design eliminates traditional frames, hinges, and arms, replacing them with individual lenses threaded onto paracord. This allows the glasses to be worn as eyewear or as a necklace when not in use, with the cord serving as both fastening and storage. Developed since 2019, the project applies architectural principles of structure and material economy at a smaller scale. Available in versions with one, two, or three sets of lenses, the pieces range from functional eyewear to collectible design, featuring irregular silhouettes, translucent surfaces, and contrasting cords. Photographed at the Tbilisi Olympic Pool, the collection highlights the sculptural potential of eyewear. The lenses are produced in collaboration with Italian optical lens manufacturer Divel Italia, adding technical precision to the jewelry-like objects. XYZ Integrated Architecture, known for work across buildings, furniture, and fashion accessories, proposes that the most effective case for sunglasses is the one already around the wearer's neck.