UROKO eyewear by Issey Miyake explores multi lens structure
Issey Miyake Eyes UROKO is a multi-lens eyewear design developed as part of the IM MEN Spring Summer 2026 collection “Dancing Texture”, created in collaboration with Kaneko Optical. The project introduces an alternative structure for sunglasses, replacing the conventional dual-lens format with a composition of eight concave lenses arranged across a sculptural frame.
Issey Miyake Eyes UROKO is defined by its distinctive configuration of four lenses on each side, extending beyond the front of the face and partially wrapping toward the temples. While only the central lenses serve direct visual function, the additional elements operate as spatial and compositional components, expanding the object into a layered system that balances utility with formal experimentation.
The design draws reference from the work of Japanese ceramic artist Shoji Kamoda, whose approach to surface and repetition informs the project’s structure. The name “UROKO,” meaning “scale” in Japanese, reflects this influence through a modular arrangement that recalls the rhythmic patterns found in ceramics and natural textures. This translation from ceramic language to eyewear design establishes a continuity between craft-based thinking and contemporary product development.
Material innovation plays a central role in enabling the complexity of the form. The lenses are developed with a concave geometry, allowing them to be positioned closer together while maintaining a compact and controlled structure. The frame is produced using advanced fabrication techniques that support precision and consistency, while the collaboration with Kaneko Optical ensures the integration of traditional eyewear expertise within the manufacturing process.
Rather than proposing a new optical function, Issey Miyake Eyes UROKO operates as a study in structure, perception, and object design. The multi-lens configuration introduces depth and rhythm to the frame, shifting the focus from vision alone toward the relationship between wearer, object, and surrounding space. This approach positions the eyewear between accessory and design object, extending its role beyond conventional use.
The project continues Issey Miyake’s long-standing engagement with material research and structural innovation, translating principles often associated with textiles and product design into the field of eyewear. By combining concave lenses, modular repetition, and advanced production methods, UROKO presents a controlled exploration of form that connects craftsmanship, technology, and visual culture.
Images credit: Issey Miyake
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