Vinylize

Hand-hewn frames carved from the grooved archives of rock and roll.

The Story

Zachary Tipton was born in Idaho and raised between Socialist Hungary, the south of France and the Pacific Northwest. While studying in Seattle, his eyesight began to fail — the best thing that ever happened to him. He had learned carpentry and handicraft from his father, so he set out to build his own glasses. In 1999, hunting for a material with history and grit, he spotted his father's old vinyl collection in the corner of the garage. He cut the first frame from a 12-inch Creedence Clearwater Revival album on a pin router, formed it in his mother's oven, and hinged it with parts from a cigar box.

In 2000 he carried the prototypes to a struggling state-era eyeglass factory in Hungary — founded in 1962, once nearly a hundred workers strong, supplying spectacles across the Eastern Bloc. Zack apprenticed there for three years and, with the last of the remaining workers, developed a way to turn records into prescription-grade frames. In 2004 he and his brother Zoltan launched Vinylize. This isn't mere recycling; it is a rescue mission. Over three tonnes of vinyl — sourced from misprints and unsold pressings — are saved from landfill every year, each frame finished by hand over a six-week cycle into a satiny, tactile object that carries the grooves of a classical symphony or a pop hit against your skin.

The Groove — Upcycled Material Fusion

The technical soul of the collection lies in the fusion of "plankton-made plastic" (crude oil vinyl) and "wood-made plastic" (cellulose acetate). This is not a simple laminate; it is a seamless fusion that creates inherent material tension. As the two plastics age and shrink at different rates, the frames naturally become more concave. They do not lose their shape like traditional eyewear; they tighten over time, sitting more securely and comfortably on the bridge. The original record grooves are preserved on the surface, ensuring that no two pieces are identical.

Materials & Craft

• Upcycled 7" and 12" vinyl records.
• Hypoallergenic cellulose acetate.
• Matt palladium-plated hardware.
• Riveted five-barrel hinges.
• Tipton-alloyed Nespresso capsule aluminium.
• Silver vinyl record temple inlays.

Signature Style

Vinylize is the uniform of the individualist—those who prefer a sharp, geometric aesthetic or a look that anchors a well-groomed beard. These frames are bold, thick, and authoritative. From across a room, they present a deep, commanding black. Only upon closer inspection does the light catch the record grooves, revealing a musical DNA that shifts from pop to classical.

The collection is headlined by several award-winning silhouettes. The Ashby—a Red Dot "Best of the Best" winner—features round rims and matt palladium-plated temples with a silver vinyl record inlaid at the tips. The Toney, which earned an A' Design Award in 2015, is a modern angular shape with metal-core temples for precise adjustment. For a permanent staple, the Jackson remains the definitive icon of the range, celebrated for its rugged finish and enduring rhythm.

The aesthetic is defined by a tactile surface that invites touch. It is a look that feels both historic and futuristic—a piece of music history repurposed into a contemporary, composed accessory.

Frequently Asked

What is the price of Vinylize frames?

Pricing on request.

What is the lead time for an order?

Typically 2–3 weeks.

How do I handle a repair for my frames?

Simply fill out the "Start your Repair" form online. If our master craftsmen can fix them, we send a shipping label. Once received, we inspect the frames and provide costed options. Most repairs are returned within two weeks.

How durable is the material over time?

The fusion of vinyl and acetate creates material tension. As the plastics age and shrink at different rates, the frame becomes more concave, sitting tighter and more comfortably on the head over time.

What exactly is the material made of?

It is a seamless fusion of "plankton-made plastic" (vinyl from crude oil) and "wood-made plastic" (cellulose acetate).

Will my frame look like the one in the photo?

Every frame is a one-of-a-kind original. Depending on the specific record used—whether pop, classical, or rock—the grooves may be deep or shallow, making each piece individual.

Are these available as sunglasses or optical frames?

Both are available. Sunglasses are equipped with polarised UV400 CR39 Italian lenses for maximum protection.

Does Vinylize do collaborations?

Yes. We have created limited-edition collections with AC/DC (the Voltage Capsule featuring the Voltage, TNT, and Lover models) and a technical aluminium collection using recycled Nespresso capsules.

Is there a warranty?

We provide a 2-year manufacturer guarantee against all manufacturing defects.

Why does The Oculus stock Vinylize?

We value the collision of music history and environmental awareness. Every frame delivers European precision with a bold, contemporary soul.

Related at The Oculus

• Theo — For a shared love of architectural silhouettes and unconventional, optician-led origins.
• Kuboraum — To match the Berlin-born sculptural energy that treats every frame as a piece of art.
• Rolf — For a shared dedication to alternative materials, substituting vinyl for wood and stone.