TREE SPECTACLES: embracing the power of colour
- By Clodagh Norton
In the context of Joie de Vivre and the lively use of colour in new eyewear collections this season, the co-founder of Tree Spectacles, Marco Barp explains his passion for independent creative style with a coherent design aesthetic and evolving signature colours.
Q: Our focus this issue is “Joie de vivre” and a philosophy of brightness, warmth and comfort” in the new eyewear palette – now and into 2025.
The TREE collection is very strong on colour concepts and combining colour in special ways…when was this an area you studied with particular interest?
A: The TREE collection is defined by an inherent minimalism that represents the core of our DNA. We have always been captivated by the creation of collections that embody a clean, essential style—a refined balance between Scandinavian and Japanese influences. Our attention constantly extends to other creative fields, such as art, architecture, and figurative work, from which we draw inspiration to shape our collections.
Every collection we design is the result of a thorough study of design, form, and the image we wish to convey. In this process, colour research plays a fundamental role. With a solid production history and an unwavering passion for creation, we devote much of our time to detailed analysis of every aspect of the product: from colour palettes to shapes, to technical solutions.
Our approach to colour is closely tied to the brand’s identity. In recent years, we have made significant strides through the use of particular shades. We have managed, perhaps due to our experience and innate sensitivity, to develop a use of colour that is both bold and consistent with our DNA and philosophy. The new collection, ETHEREAL, will continue to explore colour in a decisive way, but with a subtler touch, capable of creating a profound and authentic impact.
Q: How has your vision of colour at TREE evolved through the last years?
A: Colour is integral to the brand’s evolution. In recent seasons, our deep focus on colour has allowed us to forge a distinctive and innovative direction. There has been a significant trend towards colour in the industry, but we have successfully harnessed our unique palettes within this context, ensuring they remain true to the DNA of our collection.
Q: This year you launched the COLOUR CLASH Capsule Collection, which celebrates the effects of special combinations of colour. Can you summarise how this idea came about?
A: We wanted to pay tribute to this powerful trend that permeates the world of figurative, modern, and contemporary arts, embracing the minimalist and modernist movement. Visiting this year’s Biennale in Venice, or even those of past years, it’s clear how communication and the presentation of works have been deeply influenced by this approach, with colour-oriented graphics and a minimalist aesthetic. As I mentioned, we are deeply fascinated by this artistic universe, particularly in contemporary art. It felt natural to say: this world belongs to us, and we belong to this world. We love highlighting these connections. So, we decided to focus on two of our leading models, ideal for expressing this type of chromatic experimentation. This led to the creation of the capsule collection featuring models Midas and Vedra, perfect for embodying this chromatic concept. Presenting this colour palette, which enhances brightness, positivity, and refined beauty, was a natural step for us.
Q: I understand that you have created a unique retail concept for store windows which communicates the brand philosophy and special aesthetic study of colour at TREE. Can you explain this?
A: Yes, we developed a targeted project for our recent capsule collection, focusing on the creation of exclusive stickers for shop windows and carefully selected materials. The goal was to enhance the visual impact of Tree’s showcases, creating a “wow” effect that captures attention from the outside while maintaining the distinctive and refined atmosphere inside, where our products are displayed.
For these materials, we chose the same shades featured on our website, characterized by vibrant and captivating graphics. Inside, however, we favour an environment consistent with our eyewear collection, presented in an essential way, aligned with our display style and the brand’s DNA.
Q: Are these concepts also significant in your collections showing at Silmo this year?
A: Yes, certainly. We are a company that designs a collection one year and then introduces a completely different one the following year, while still maintaining a coherent design philosophy. Our design approach guides every new concept, allowing us to present collections that are perfectly aligned. The new collection will be a natural evolution of the previous work, enriched by renewed research on colour, shape, and product design. Our passion for innovation drives us to continually explore new ideas and developments, making it natural for us to create products and collections with a distinctive and avant-garde character.
Q: What else has TREE got planned for 2025?
A: In recent years, our company has made a significant leap forward, and we are continuing on that path. We continue to expand, with many activities planned for next year, including various optical fairs. Regarding the collections, we are already working on the 2025 designs. Colour will, of course, remain a central element next year, and we aim to be bold in creating new collections and products.
Our brand now has a clearly defined direction in terms of design and image, and will continue to evolve and advance with its distinctive Made in Italy DNA.
