Austrian eyewear brand Rolf has redefined sustainable design with its groundbreaking stone glasses. These handcrafted frames feature a solid wooden core merged with ultra-thin layers of real slate, seamlessly fusing two natural materials through a proprietary in-house process. The primary challenge lay in adapting stone, a material known for its weight and fragility, into something both lightweight and wearable. Rolf’s innovative method transforms natural slate into flexible veneers that contour to the frame, all while retaining the authentic texture and depth of the original stone. The result is eyewear that is visually captivating, texturally rich, and truly one-of-a-kind. A standout element of the design is Rolf’s patented FlexLock hinge—a screwless, metal-free mechanism fully integrated into the frame. This clever solution reduces mechanical complexity, enhances durability, and maintains a sleek, minimal aesthetic. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted at Rolf’s workshop in the Austrian Alps, using locally sourced materials and guided by circular design principles. The Rolf stone glasses offer a refined alternative to fast fashion—uniting enduring style, technical innovation, and a deep reverence for the natural world.