A new era of lightness for RODENSTOCK Eyewear
- By Clodagh Norton
With its commitment to lightness, advanced technology and exceptional comfort, Rodenstock Eyewear continues to develop its collections, presenting minimalist designs paired with high performance materials. As the in-house team in Germany unveiled ‘a new era of lightness’ for the brand, 20/20 Europe asked Stefan Kutschereuter, Director Brand Management & Strategy, De Rigo, to explain the focus of this brand evolution and pinpoint those advances that most readily meet the needs of eyewear users today.
Q: The Rodenstock Eyewear collection has an impressive heritage. Which are the most important moments in the eyewear brand’s history since it was founded in 1877?
A: Being visionary is at the core of the Rodenstock brand. Founder Josef Rodenstock embodied this through his pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Reflecting on his journey, he once said, “I wanted to expand my knowledge in all possible ways.” This relentless curiosity led to groundbreaking achievements, including the invention of the first framed spectacles and the establishment of the Rodenstock company. For me, a ground-breaking milestone in Rodenstock Eyewear was the launch of T-Lite, an ultra-lightweight titanium frame series. This series remains part of our collection, embodying our credo: “Form follows lightness.” It exemplifies our commitment to pure lightness, advanced technology, and unparalleled wearing comfort. When we introduced T-Lite in 2004, it was the lightest frame on the market. This innovative series was made possible by a novel manufacturing process that utilized ultra-thin titanium wire in the frame front to secure the lenses—without compromising the wearer’s field of vision.
Q: In 2024, the collection has evolved dramatically, with new design innovations that create frames with exceptional properties of comfort and fit. Can you outline the key features with reference to this statement: “The goal is to reduce material without compromising stability”.
A: When it comes to good design, for me the purest and simplest things are always the hardest to achieve. Creating something that appears simple requires significant effort – it means distilling complexity down to its essence while ensuring the core remains clear and impactful. At Rodenstock, our design principles are inspired by the Bauhaus movement, which focused on simplicity, functionality, and efficiency. Simplicity isn’t about removing things carelessly—it’s about thoughtfully cutting away the unnecessary to leave only what truly matters, the challenge is finding the right balance.True simplicity requires careful thought and attention to detail. It’s harder than it looks, but it’s worth it.
Q: With the latest January launch there are seven key product series in the collection overall. Which of these is the most innovative and modern in your opinion?
A: Each Rodenstock series has unique design features and outstanding technical details. Thanks to this variety, every customer can find a perfect pair of glasses matching his or her individual personality. We would like to highlight two innovative series that perfectly embody the brand’s DNA and come with technical solutions that set us apart from the competition. The new Rodenstock ORBIT series redefines design with unmatched purity and precision. Inspired by the circle – the purest of all geometric forms—our innovative screwless hinge construction guarantees flawless functionality. This award-winning design, recognized with the German Design Award 2025, masterfully balances simplicity and elegance, resulting in a truly timeless aesthetic. With our INFINITEC series, we have succeeded in making technology visible. The exposed spring hinge is made of innovative Nanometer Titanium and guarantees highest precision for a perfect fit. InfiniTec frames combine innovation with pure aesthetics while offering best wearing comfort.
Q: Which one embodies the philosophy of lightness?
A: Our brand strategy and positioning are built on a clear foundation: a distinctive collection that emphasizes lightness, innovation, and premium-quality materials. Each model in our latest Rodenstock collection reflects our unwavering commitment to the philosophy of lightness. This principle is non-negotiable for us—any concept that does not align with our core belief, “Form Follows Lightness,” will not be included in our collection. Guided by this vision, our design and engineering team in Munich is dedicated to continuously developing innovative concepts tailored to the needs of both end customers and opticians.
Q: Innovative technology and production techniques are behind every pair. Describe in a few lines the making of the eyewear (location of production / number of steps / special features if any in production / quality control / colour techniques etc.)
A: The in-house product development process in Munich, Germany, encompasses the design process (including design briefing, initial ideation, and design drawings), technical engineering, prototyping, testing in a dedicated laboratory, and specialized colour design. During the development process, Designers and Engineers are working hand in hand in Munich – decisions are made efficiently to perfect the new product designs. Our designers at our Munich studio are both creators and engineers, embodying the essence of German engineering. By uniting the disciplines of design and engineering, we craft innovative technical solutions that achieve the highest level of aesthetic excellence, combining stability and durability with lightweight, pure designs.
Q: Has the recent acquisition by De Rigo encouraged new paths for the Rodenstock eyewear brand?
A: Definitely, there is a wide field of possibilities and support concerning products and distribution.
• Product development – from brainstorming, design and engineering through to prototype construction – takes place here in Munich. Every milestone in the development process is closely coordinated with the headquarters in Italy, creating valuable synergies.
• Distribution: Thanks to De Rigo’s internationally established distribution network, new opportunities and possibilities are opening up for Rodenstock. Existing and new brands complement each other perfectly.
Q: What are your aspirations for the brand, both in terms of design evolution and growth in Europe – for 2025?
A: Rodenstock is a strong brand built on clear values. We have successfully established Rodenstock Eyewear on a global scale, and in the coming year, we will focus on several innovations, including new functional features and the integration of advanced lightweight materials. As always, we remain true to our brand mindset of German Engineering and Pure Aesthetics, guided by our credo: “Form Follows Lightness.” In 2025, we are excited to spotlight the new Rodenstock Studio Collection, which reflects our premium positioning. For us, the Studio Collection represents the launch of an exceptional design concept each year, in limited quantities, showcasing the pinnacle of our eyewear range. Handmade in Germany, this extraordinary product embodies German engineering, design, and craftsmanship – eyewear built to last. The positive feedback from the market shows the trust and confidence customers have in our collection. This gives us great opportunities to grow in Europe and worldwide.
