Beautiful Darkness: Eyewear Inspired by Traditional Iranian Art

A Unique Perspective on Beauty and Vision

Beautiful Darkness is not your ordinary pair of glasses. It goes beyond concealing a seemingly blind eye and instead celebrates the power of seeing with the heart. The frames of these glasses are designed to showcase the beauty and depth of this unique perspective. Crafted using golden-colored metals like brass and complemented by smoked glass, the eyewear exudes elegance and sophistication.

To bring this design to life, Sanaz Ghafari drew upon motifs she had created during her undergraduate studies at Isfahan University of Art, which were inspired by traditional Iranian art. These motifs were reimagined and incorporated into the design of the sunglasses, resulting in a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. The design process involved meticulous revisions and adjustments, starting with hand-drawn sketches and later refined using software.

With a diameter of 50mm for the glasses frame and handles measuring 135mm in length, the eyewear features metal motifs placed on one side of the smokey eyeglass frame, symbolizing the eye that lacks sight. This subtle detail adds depth and meaning to the design, further emphasizing the concept of seeing beyond physical limitations.

Beautiful Darkness not only captivates aesthetically but also serves as a reminder of the profound value of art in our lives. By drawing inspiration from traditional Iranian art, it pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Moreover, it honors those individuals who, whether by choice or circumstance, navigate the world with a heightened sense of perception. Their unwavering commitment to their ideals and the sacrifices they make are a testament to the beauty and strength that lies within.

The Beautiful Darkness collection was conceived in Isfahan in February 2023 and completed in March 2023. It is part of a larger collection of sunglasses that embody humanitarian ideologies, a love for life, and a celebration of traditional arts in Iran. Through applied research and extensive exploration of eyeglass design patterns and Iranian art, Sanaz Ghafari successfully created a design that resonates with both cultural significance and contemporary aesthetics.

While the design process presented its own set of challenges, such as ensuring the design did justice to the noble individuals it seeks to honor, the true challenge lies in transcending the world of oppressors. No matter how beautiful the design, it can never match the beauty of the ideals and perspectives of those who inspire it.

Beautiful Darkness has been recognized for its exceptional design and innovation, receiving the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Eyewear Design category in 2023. This accolade is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship, practicality, and innovative qualities of the collection. By integrating industry best practices and technical excellence, Beautiful Darkness contributes to a better world, evoking fulfillment and positive emotions.

With Beautiful Darkness, Sanaz Ghafari invites us to embrace a different way of seeing and appreciating the world. Through the lens of this unique eyewear, we are reminded of the power of resilience, the beauty of traditional art, and the limitless possibilities that lie within each of us.