Arquitectura-G x Kaleos: design through an architectural lens
Architecture to be worn
In a world where the boundaries between creative disciplines are increasingly blurred, some collaborations stand out for their authenticity, aesthetic coherence and conceptual depth. That’s the case with the second collaboration between Kaleos, the Barcelona-based eyewear brand with a design soul, and Arquitectura-G, the acclaimed architecture studio also based in Barcelona. The result: a new sunglasses collection that acts as a bridge between two aligned universes, where form, volume and function merge in masterful harmony.
More than a collaboration: a design manifesto
This second collaboration is not a repetition, but an evolution. After the success of their first alliance, Kaleos and Arquitectura-G reunite to take their creative synergy further: reinterpreting their most iconic frame, this time in a new material—acetate. While the original design was defined by a titanium structure, the new version gains body, texture and volume, without losing the geometric precision that defines both studios.
“The first collaboration with Arquitectura-G was an experiment that left us wanting more”, explains Claudia Brotons, Creative Director at Kaleos. “We discovered a very aligned way of working: their approach to space and geometry fits perfectly with our obsession with form, proportion and function”. She adds, “In this second phase, the dialogue has become more fluid and has allowed us to take that first frame to another level“.
“The first collaboration with Arquitectura-G was an experiment that left us wanting more.” Claudia Brotons
Bold shapes and sculptural volumes
The new Kaleos x Arquitectura-G sunglasses are defined by an unmistakable architectural presence. With bold silhouettes and sculptural volumes, the collection reinterprets the essential elements of architectural design at an intimate scale: that of the human face. The design speaks the same language as a clean façade, a meticulously drawn plan, or a domestic space filled with formal logic: pure lines, precise proportions and a contemporary attitude with personality.
Material as language: from titanium to acetate
The shift in material is not incidental—it’s a statement of intent. Moving from titanium to acetate means exploring another side of the object, giving it a new presence and a different physicality. Acetate not only allows for more expressive forms, but also offers a richer, more sensual colour palette. Kaleos and Arquitectura-G explore this potential with a selection of five shades as precise as they are evocative: transparent grey (C001), clear crystal (C002), champagne (C003), caramel brown (C004), and dark brown (C005).
“Acetate opened up a new dimension for us: one of volume and colour”, says Brotons. “We wanted to preserve the purity of lines and conceal elements like hinges and nose pads to maintain that sculptural feel“. For Arquitectura-G, the material shift was also an opportunity to “thicken the section, eliminate added parts and reinforce the cleanliness of the whole”. They compare the difference between designing with titanium or acetate to “working with steel structure versus concrete”.
Colours that interact with light, skin and both urban and natural settings. As the studio notes, “Colour isn’t applied as a superficial layer, but is part of the material itself, offering a richness that changes with perception”.
Japanese craftsmanship and Catalan precision
Each frame is handcrafted in Japan using high-quality acetate—a nod to the craftsmanship behind products made to last. The union of Japanese savoir-faire with the Mediterranean vision of Kaleos and Arquitectura-G results in a piece that is both functional and artistic.
Like a well-designed building, these sunglasses are not just seen—they are inhabited.
“Designing eyewear is also about thinking in structure, body contact, light and materiality.” Arquitectura-G
A continuous dialogue between disciplines
Founded in 2006, Arquitectura-G has built a strong identity through its focus on tailored solutions: a human, clear and deeply contextual architecture. “Rather than precision, we seek clarity”, they explain. “A form that is understandable, direct and essential, yet warm and user-focused”.
This project, they say, has offered a chance to explore their architectural principles at a different scale: “Designing eyewear means thinking in structure, contact with the body, light and materiality. It sharpens the eye and requires precision from the very first millimetre”.
Availability and launch
The Kaleos x Arquitectura-G collection officially launched on 15 July and is available at selected retailers and online via www.kaleoscollection.com.
Sunglasses that think like architects
This collection stands out for its coherence, concept and flawless execution. It’s a natural extension of two brands that understand design as a way of interpreting the world. In other words, these sunglasses don’t just protect from the sun—they celebrate form, detail and the beauty of the essential. That’s why Kaleos x Arquitectura-G is not just a collection of eyewear, but a way to inhabit design through the gaze.
“Kaleos x Arquitectura-G is not just a collection of eyewear, but a way to inhabit design through the gaze.”
(*) Photos by Kaleos.
