Nylor
The original NYLOR® brand was created in 1955 by the French cooperative "Société des Lunetiers" (SL) to commercialize their patented nylon thread lens-attachment technology.
Heritage: The brand is known for its iconic vintage frames, with a history rooted in French eyewear craftsmanship.
Modern Collections: Today, the brand reissues models inspired by its archives, such as the "1955" or "Arco" frames, handcrafted in Italy with a focus on high-quality materials and Zeiss lenses.
Notable Wearers: A historical NYLOR frame, the "Brad", was notably worn by Brad Pitt in the film Allied (2016)
The key characteristic of the Nylor frame style is its minimalist design, which gives the appearance of a rimless or floating lens, but with added stability.
Construction: The lens has a fine groove cut into its edge, into which a strong nylon thread is fitted. This thread is then attached to the main frame structure (usually the top bar and temples), securing the lens in place where a metal or plastic rim would typically be.
Aesthetics: This method results in ultra-lightweight frames that are durable and highlight the wearer's eyes and face rather than the frame itself. The design was popular in the 1950s and 60s for its elegance and avant-garde look.
Materials: Modern Nylor-style frames, such as those by Silhouette, often use high-tech materials like titanium and a durable nylon-based plastic (cellulose acetate propionate) for strength, lightness, and hypoallergenic properties.
Sight Unseen Optics curates Nylor.