The centerpiece of the Renaissance collection, the Fusion glasses are the result of a collaboration between designer Hugo Matha and Shelter.
This feminine sunglass, both very contemporary and raw, reflects a symbiosis between Hugo’s uninhibited creativity, the wild beauty of the selected wood types, and the industrial ingenuity of French eyewear artisans.
Fusion
A true icon of the « Renaissance » collection, this retro frame with fluttering lines adorns the eyes with a theatrical gaze. Designed by creator Hugo Matha, it is THE cult piece of any wardrobe that demands respect.
Who is Hugo Matha
Enthusiastic and full of contagious energy, Hugo Matha today represents the new wave of French designers.
A young designer from Aveyron, he has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, “Made in France,” and the use of raw materials such as wood.
After making a notable entrance with his pouches combining wood, plexiglass, and leather, Hugo quickly rose to prominence, especially for his highly creative label « Air Brigitte », and the very Parisian elegance of the new uniforms for the Crillon hotel.
“This shared passion for materials and French craftsmanship is the foundation of our collaboration.”
— Hugo Matha
CAN YOU TELL US A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND YOUR SOURCES OF INSPIRATION?
I was born in a peaceful village in Aveyron, in a family of winegrowers. Since I was very young, I have always expressed myself by creating objects.
I studied at the Duperré school, then with Olivier Châtenet, a stylist and specialist in Yves Saint Laurent and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Naturally, this must have influenced my desire to create my own accessories brand with a haute couture spirit. My ambition: to transform raw materials and create iconic products, such as the famous handbag made of Mango Wood selected at Marotte.
Today, I am at a point in my life where my accessories are the vehicles of my creative thoughts. The earth, materials, French craftsmanship, and its authenticity are major sources of inspiration for me. One could say that I draw my creative breath both from the power of nature and the nobility of materials, reinterpreting them to give them distinctive and original elegance.
WAS THIS THE FIRST FRAME YOU DESIGNED?
Yes, it was a big first!
I must say I was surprised because I didn’t expect the translation of my thoughts to be so complex to shape. We worked on several concepts before finding the right direction.
The biggest challenge was changing scale, as I’m used to ready-to-wear and leather goods. In this exercise, eyewear challenged my ability to enhance materials and shapes, while forcing me to create a solar frame that was both industrializable and functional.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE IDEA OF COLLABORATING WITH SHELTER?
I am a spontaneous person, a cheerful, life-loving individual with overflowing energy that I love to share and put to use in joint projects. Alongside my own brand, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several collaborations, including with Maison Causse (Chanel’s craft professions), Air Brigitte, and in the creation of uniforms for the new Hôtel de Crillon, with many more to come…
Like Shelter, I enjoy spending time in the Ateliers Marotte to select the rarest wood species for my creations. This shared passion for materials and French craftsmanship is the foundation of our collaboration.
That’s why, when Shelter suggested working with them on the design of a sleek and contemporary wooden frame, the idea of creating an accessory as iconic as a feminine sunglass immediately appealed to me. It’s much more than just protection from the sun; it’s an astonishing, sometimes extravagant object that allows people to stand out and express their personality.
WHAT DO YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THIS COLLABORATION?
With Shelter, we share a common DNA for the material wood, which instinctively connected us.
Subsequently, we made veneer selections at the Ateliers Marotte. Our choice was focused on exceptional woods that I enjoy working with in my accessory collections, namely Macassar Ebony and Mahogany Burl. Furthermore, I place great importance on craftsmanship, and this collaboration fulfilled me by satisfying my curiosity to discover the workshops of the French eyewear artisans that Shelter collaborates with.