Collaborating together, Alain Mikli and Philippe Starck released their new concept of eyewear at the Silmo Optical Industry Exhibition in 1996. This concept is designed to represent the next millennium in eyewear. Their combined creativity and talent has given rise to the idea of biovision. “Eyeglasses inspired by the human being”. 1998 saw more styles, colours and the addition of the half eye.

The Starck Eyes frames’ hinge, the successor to the conventional screw hinge, is a biomechanical articulation designed like a human micro-clavicle. Inspired by the arm’s natural intelligence, it shares the same multi-directional freedom of movement as the human shoulder. The secret of its strength: a tendon made of braided composite fibre that can withstand tensile loadings of up to 80kg.

Freedom is the only style. That is why I never speak about beauty or beautiful products but ‘good products’. Nowadays, we have so many challenges; it is not really a priority to care for beauty. The only way for us is to focus on an ethic and ecological behaviour”

Phillipe Stark.