Rolf Spectacles

Hand-carved frames from the raw heart of the Tyrolean Alps.

The Story

The story of Rolf Spectacles began in 2007 when Roland Wolf, Marija Iljazovic, Christian Wolf, and Martin Iljazovic started carving eyewear frames in a basement in Weißenbach, located in the Tyrolean Alps, Austria. Formally founded in 2009, the brand was built on a foundation of intense improvisation and a refusal to rely on traditional outsourcing. In the early days, the team lacked the funds to buy professional production machinery. They turned to whatever was available in their immediate surroundings to build their own tools, ensuring every step of the process remained under their roof.

The first frames were pressed on a living room table using a retired neighbour's mechanical milker. To build and retrofit their machinery, the founders utilised old actuators and moped brakes. One piece of equipment, the "Silk-Cut 300", which produces the special thread for the glass fittings, was constructed entirely from scrap parts sourced from a local junk dealer. Despite initial results that lacked precision, the founders persevered without bank support. Their families provided the necessary investment to refine their processes, leading to a patented lens-glazing system that allows lenses to be fitted into rigid natural materials without metal or screws.

The emotional breakthrough arrived in August 2009 when the team submitted their first perfect set of glasses to the Silmo d'Or awards in Paris. Transitioning from a Tyrolean basement to the global stage, winning the award put the company on the map immediately. While the brand initially made its name with wooden frames, it soon expanded into "Woodstone" designs, which feature stone-coated wood. This journey of innovation reached new heights in 2025, with the brand receiving the Red Dot Award for Sustainable Design for the "Wire" collection and the Green Product Award for the "Rais" frame.

Today, the brand remains fixed in its Tyrolean origins. It uses 100 per cent green electricity at its local site to produce lightweight frames for a global audience. By keeping every step in-house, the founders ensure complete quality control while maintaining the unique textures and natural colours that define their work. Their unwavering commitment to the region has recently earned them the 2025 Mido Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) Award for the second year in a row, honouring their role as leaders in environmentally respectful production.

Substance — the plant-based revolution

The Substance collection marks a significant innovation in sustainable eyewear, featuring frames grown from castor bean powder. This raw material, derived from the Euphorbiaceae family, is processed using 3D printing technology to create durable, high-performance spectacles. The environmental benefits are substantial; the castor bean plant grows six metres in just four months and does not compete with food crops for land or resources.

Technically, these frames utilise the patented Flexlock hinge, which is printed simultaneously with the frame. This results in a single-piece construction that is entirely screwless and requires no maintenance. The final product is flexible, lightweight, and skin-friendly, providing a natural alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Materials & Craft

• Hand-layered bog oak and walnut
• Shale stone and wood combinations
• 3D-printed castor bean powder
• Screwless Flexlock hinges
• Natural buffalo horn from the Monoceros series
• Patented lens-glazing systems without metal parts

Signature Style

The Rolf look is defined by an urban aesthetic that stays grounded in nature. By removing all screws and metal components, the brand achieves a clean, organic profile that highlights the raw beauty of its materials. The frames feature refined contours and strategically placed curves that ensure a comfortable fit. Beyond the visual, the materials offer a superior tactile experience; they are naturally anti-static, anti-allergenic, and exceptionally skin-friendly.

Targeting those who value "slow fashion" and sustainability, the brand creates honest products for a discerning audience. These wearers seek out unique textures and timeless designs rather than passing trends. The collections are characterised by matte textures and natural grain patterns that make every frame one-of-a-kind.

Specific lines like the Evolved collection showcase exclusive designs in wood and stone, while the Fusion line blends 3D-printed castor bean material with wood inlays. These combinations result in eyewear that feels distinctly different from mass-produced plastic, offering a physical connection to the Tyrolean landscape.

Frequently Asked

How much do Rolf Spectacles frames cost?

Pricing on request — contact The Oculus for a quote.

What is the typical lead time for a new pair of glasses?

Typically 2–3 weeks from prescription to collection.

What happens if my frames need to be repaired or adjusted?

The screwless design makes them low-maintenance, but they can be brought to The Oculus for any necessary adjustments or professional care.

What specific natural materials are used in the collections?

The collections include frames made from wood, stone, natural buffalo horn, and a plant-based material derived from the castor bean.

How does the hinge work without any screws?

The frames use the patented Flexlock hinge, which is a screwless mechanism designed for maximum durability and flexibility without the need for maintenance.

Are there different sizes available for different face shapes?

There are 23 distinct frame designs available, each designed to "follow the features" of the wearer for an ideal fit.

Does the brand offer sunglasses as well as optical frames?

Yes, the brand offers both optical and sun collections, including the high-performance "Wire" sun range.

Has the brand received any industry recognition for its designs?

The brand has won multiple prestigious honours, including the Silmo d'Or, the 2025 Red Dot Sustainable Design Award, and the 2025 Green Product Award for the "Rais" frame.

How sustainable is the manufacturing process?

Production is kept local in Tyrol using 100 per cent green electricity and 3D printing technology that produces zero waste.

Why should I choose this brand at The Oculus?

We chose Rolf for our collection because they possess the genius of simplicity, transforming the raw textures of Tyrol into functional, wearable art.

Related at The Oculus

• Theo — Another house that values bold shapes and was founded by opticians who wanted to challenge the status quo.
• Hoet Couture — Fellow pioneers in 3D-printed eyewear, focusing on titanium structures.
• Vinylize — Shares the passion for upcycled, non-traditional materials by turning old records into frames.