The design

A complicated exercise

I don't just design pretty glasses. When I created SkyGear , I started with a poorly addressed health problem and a level of excellence I forged in two worlds that don't tolerate compromise: high-level sports and ballistic protection. For me, a frame isn't a fashion accessory; it's first and foremost a genuine piece of protective equipment where every detail must serve a clear purpose: blocking UV rays where most glasses fail, while remaining lightweight, stable, and comfortable for everyday wear.

Before SkyGear, I lived two lives. First, high-level rowing, which taught me precision of movement, humility in the face of effort, and the pursuit of long-term efficiency. Then, designing ballistic equipment for defense forces, where I understood what it truly means to design for people who risk their lives: every curve, every material, every millimeter of protection counts.

When I returned to the world of sports, I realized that everyday sunglasses – including some so-called “sports” sunglasses – didn't meet this level of quality at all, even though they affect such a sensitive organ as the eye.

The real problem isn't just UV rays directly in front of you, but those that pass through from the sides. Looking at classic urban sunglasses and much of the sports market, I've noticed the same design flaw: straight, square, or round shapes, with frames that aren't very curved, leaving a lateral channel for UV rays. Visually, the face is "hidden," but in reality, the corner of the eye and its surrounding areas remain exposed, where grazing rays penetrate most easily. This gap between marketing promises and actual protection is precisely what I'm fighting against with SkyGear: I'm redesigning sunglasses based on the actual path of light and UV rays, not on prevailing aesthetic trends.

In practical terms, my glasses are designed as a wraparound protective shell that follows the contours of the face. I emphasize the horizontal curvature and lateral coverage to create a continuous barrier around the eye, without any significant leakage points for UV rays.

The temples, bridge, lens tilt, and height are calibrated to ensure the frame stays securely in place without compressing, even during movement, drawing on principles from ballistics: a wide field of vision, no blind spots, and stability in extreme conditions. Style comes next: clean lines, sporty geometry, and refined finishes, so you can wear your SkyGear glasses just as easily in the city as during peak performance.

For this protection to be truly adopted, I make lightness, adjustability, and personalization genuine performance criteria. I prioritize some of the lightest frames on the market to minimize fatigue and pressure points during extended wear. The nose pads and temples are adjustable to fit different face shapes and ensure the frame remains within the ideal protection zone, even with perspiration, impacts, or changes in pace. Customization—colors, finishes, configurations—isn't a gimmick: it's what allows everyone to have equipment perfectly suited to their needs (sports, city life, outdoor work) without ever compromising on the level of protection I consider non-negotiable.

Ultimately, each SkyGear model is also an act of education. I want to shatter the persistent belief that a stylish pair of sunglasses automatically provides good eye protection. By sharing my background as a high-level rower who has also worked with ballistic protection and my research on UV radiation and eye health, I use the design of my glasses to explain why wraparound shapes are essential, why function must come before marketing, and why protecting your eyes deserves the same level of care as a helmet or safety vest. SkyGear isn't just another option: it's an invitation to adopt a new mindset, choosing your glasses like you would choose protective gear, with high standards, clear thinking, and zero compromise on what truly matters.

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