Live your story in STEPPER EYEWEAR
CONTENTS PREFACE STORY DESIGN INNOVATION CHARACTERISTICS COMFORT MATERIALS WHY? US YOU EPILOGUE
PREFACE What drives our story? Providing the most comfortable, best fitting, and reliable eyewear. Allowing you to create your own story.
STORY We achieved our enviable reputation for outstanding fit via professional expertise and a close relationship with opticians and their clients. Established in 1970 by Hans Stepper (a German Master Optician) from his workshop in Stuttgart, we continue in our pursuit of delivering frames that help people live their lives, enabling them to create their own stories.
It all began in 1935. In this year Hans was born in Stuttgart, Germany. In his teens Hans entered optics by assisting his father who owned a small opticians in the city. Here he began an apprenticeship where Hans soon recognised he had a passion for the design and craftsmanship of eyewear. Hans noticed how much happier the patients he saw were when they had a comfortable and correctly fitting frame.
“Comfort comes from understanding the anatomy of the face and creating a frame that works in harmony with the contours.” -Hans Stepper
Hans returned to Germany in 1961 where he continued to design for Metzler and completed his training, graduating as a German Master Optician.
Today, STEPPER EYEWEAR frames are sold in over 60 countries. It remains one of the few true ophthalmic companies and it grows, year on year.
Hans had the idea to create his own injection moulded frames. Going against the advice of his contemporaries, he pursued his idea to create quality injection moulded spectacles.
Frames continue to be designed from the ‘Original German Design’ concept.
What then emerged in 1970 was the beginnings of the STEPPER EYEWEAR we know today. These were frames that fit, held their shape, could be easily adjusted, and were designed and coloured with ease to suit trends. “Around this time the best frames I was fitting came from
’’I soon became interested in frame design which led
the German company Marwitz & Hauser.’
to Metzler International employing me as a trainee in their design studio who, in turn, recommended me to
‘Their product was much more expensive than others and
Instrumentarium, then the leading optical chain in Finland,
(as a young lad) I was reluctant to offer these (in my mind)
to have my own studio in Helsinki for handmade eyewear
difficult-to-sell glasses. However, I soon discovered that
with jewellery applications for their affluent clientele.”
once the customer had tried them on, the reaction was “They fit so comfortably!” and in most cases the frame was sold.”
-Hans Stepper
Hans’s experience, passion, and ability to craft eyewear has led us in a direction the company has been on ever since. This is our story. We make eyewear so you can create your story.
DESIGN Knowledge of anatomy, materials, manufacturing processes, the need for comfort and fit and the requirement to hold lenses correctly in front of the eye unite under ‘design’. When a frame is recognised as STEPPER EYEWEAR you realise there is a true design DNA in the brand. With up to 150 new styles launched every year, it takes a team of skilled frame designers to keep delivering truly outstanding designs that look as good on as they feel.
Original German Design
All designs are created under the watchful eye and guidance of Hans Stepper, the company’s founder. Hans is assisted by his daughter, Saskia Stepper who listens to the needs of STEPPER EYEWEAR’s worldwide customers and creates the design team brief and directs the colouring process.
INNOVATION We create eyewear with the primary objective of our frames being best for purpose – that of correcting vision.
‘‘The main purpose for eyewear is to hold two prescription lenses correctly before the eyes. As professionals, we must not indulge in excessive design and fashion aspects ahead of this principle.’’ -Hans Stepper
It is this ‘design follows function’ approach to eyewear that is as apparent as ever. STEPPER EYEWEAR enjoys the role of innovator in materials and manufacture. If we can also create the most attractive frame in the process, then everyone is happy.
A CASE STUDY
CHARACTERISTICS Through design, material choice, manufacturing process and innovation, STEPPER EYEWEAR end eavours to fulfill seven key product characteristics.
Persistence in fundamental design principles means STEPPER EYEWEAR has developed a unique reputation for quality, well-fitting frames.
Design Principles
•
The overall frame curve
•
The temple opening angle at the lug
•
The temple curve
•
Pantoscopic angle
•
Temple tip bending angle and inside-outside curve
•
Strength and flexibility of the frame material
We create frames for eyecare professionals with comfort and fit benefits for their clients - this focus will never change. The comfort and fit of STEPPER EYEWEAR is our principle differentiator and the reason for its success.
COMFORT As noses are not standardised all our frames benefit from STEPPER EYEWEAR’s numerous different nose shape designs with different angles, heights and widths.
“ Comfort comes from understanding the anatomy of the face and creating a frame that works in harmony with the contours.” -Hans Stepper
Every frame design starts from the nose and is worked outwards. Every frame reflects the importance given to the correct angle, width and height of the nose section and how this makes a great difference for the wearer. All these elements are considered integral during STEPPER frame design process and manufacture and before aesthetics.
MATERIALS TX5 TX5 is a state-of-the-art material for premium plastic frames, allowing the essential requirements of comfort and fit. This aromatic, transparent co-polyamide is ideal for creating eyewear. It combines minimal weight with high strength, impact strength and high transparency. TX5 frames are manufactured using our own moulding process which evolves through constant refinement. They look and feel different to a regular, acetate plastic frame as the moulding technology allows threedimensional shaping that helps to reduce the weight and thickness. Another benefit is the shape remains constant, even in hot environments. Frames made of TX5 surpass user requirements for superior optical frames. These are: • • • • • • • •
High stability and impact strength stronger allows for a thinner frame Harder for greater scratch resistance High transparency for clear designs Good memory properties reducing Minimum weight (specific gravity 1.04g/cm3 - almost as light as water) 25% lighter than acetate plastic Endless colouring possibilities Hypoallergenic properties. (TX5 is ISO 10993 certified for long term harmless skin contact and biocompatibility.)
TITANIUM The key reasons STEPPER EYEWEAR choose Titanium: • LIGHTNESS Titanium and Beta-Titanium are 4.45 to 4.69 g/cm3. (Nickel Silver and Monel are 8.8 to 8.96g/cm3.) • CORROSION RESISTANCE 100% resistant against any aggressive liquids such as saltwater, sweat, mineral and organic acids. • HYPOALLERGENIC The most significant property as all other commonly used frame materials contain nickel.
BETA-TITANIUM Beta-Titanium offers an elasticity for frames with thin wires/sheet fronts, ultra-thin/flexible temples and end pieces and temples that do not require a thick, three-dimensional cross-section. Most rimless frames’ components are made of Beta-Titanium, where flexibility is required to protect the lenses from breaking.
STAINLESS STEEL Often used in contemporary jewellery due its strength and ability to be worked into many shapes, stainless steel makes both practical and elegant eyewear. It is known to be both durable and tarnish resistant, and, although not considered hypoallergenic, most people find they have no allergies to this metal. A tough metal, stainless steel eyewear resists scratching to maintain its good looks.
QUALITY
All frames are monitored by Quality Control Team. They are certified to conduct testing operations in accordance with ISO 12,870 and EN 1,811, including:
• • • • • • • •
Nickel Release Dimensional Stability Dimensions Tolerance Bridge Deformation Endurance Perspiration Optical Radiation Ignition
This allows us to develop and maintain the highest standards of reliability with innovations tested before being presented to the customer.
WHY?
What eyecare professionals say:
WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE US
“ We have used STEPPER EYEWEAR frames for many years, we find they fit well. The designs fit different faces, whereas some designers seem to draw shapes that may or may not fit. ”
The plastic frames, in particular, are incredibly comfortable, according to the large number of our clients who wear them.
•VALUE FOR MONEY Very few people buy on price, preferring great value for money and a return on their investment ”this is what we do”. We have a range of price points and we do not pay royalties to pass on.
• RANGE We offer a range of frames from the traditional to the fashionable. Whether you are looking for a reliable supplier of injection moulded plastic, Titanium, rimless or quality half-eyes, we have something to meet your needs.
• SALEABILITY STEPPER EYEWEAR frames are designed “from the bridge” and are always comfortable and smart. We make frames, not labels that “sell through” quickly.
“ I have been dealing with STEPPER EYEWEAR since I opened my practice nearly 30 years ago and have always found them to have great products and excellent service.
In fact, I cannot remember a single instance where a STEPPER EYEWEAR frame has been uncomfortable in wear.”
“ I have used STEPPER EYEWEAR frames for some years now, and the best thing I can say about them is that the patients like them.” Lots....To how many firms can you say, ‘Just send me 12 rimless, you choose’ and be sure everyone is a good one? ”
“ ... since stocking the STEPPER EYEWEAR rimless frames we have enjoyed great success selling them... great quality and fantastic styles... ”
STEPPER
STEPPERS
It’s a feeling.
S is MORE
US
STEPPER created the ‘design from the bridge’ concept in 1970 ago to improve the fit and comfort of spectacles.
The vibrant feel of STEPPERS gives a personality which is quite distinct and exciting.
We offer a wide range of frames for wearers all over the world:
Crafted from TX5, Titanium and Beta-titanium their light weight and day-long comfort creates eyewear that is a delight to live with.
Never boring and never standing still, STEPPERS is in tune with the best trends, interpreting them into styles that are wearable, allowing you to look great in comfort.
STEPPERK
Essentials by STEPPER
Fit for freedom.
Simply comfortable.
The STEPPERK is an innovative development in the field of children’s frames.
At the heart of Essentials by STEPPER is the belief that you should not have to compromise comfort and fit, even on value-focussed eyewear.
• • • •
STEPPER STEPPERS STEPPERK Essentials by STEPPER
Especially designed to meet the rough and tumble of growing up; the frames deliver fit, comfort, safety, adjustability and durability. Produced by using only top-quality materials every frame has skin friendly properties.
Utilising our innovation and technology skills, Essentials by STEPPER delivers desirable eyewear characteristics with an outstanding balance of quality, comfort and price.
YOU Choose Your Tribe
With an extensive portfolio of frames there is a STEPPER EYEWEAR frame for everyone. To help you narrow down your search, find your tribe:
STEPPER
STEPPERK
Your tribe:
Your tribe:
• Have a contemporary-classic aesthetic • Are confident in your decisions • Like brands that deliver • Seek quality • Believe in good value • Appreciate reliability
• Born to be your best • Want to play • Enjoy reading, creating and exploring • Love to learn and discover • Look for new ideas • Are carefree
STEPPERS
Essentials by STEPPER
Your tribe:
Your tribe:
• Enjoy trying new things • Are spontaneous and active • Like standing out in a crowd • Have a keen sense of style and believe eyewear says a lot about you. • Dress to fits your attitude to life. • They look for what’s fun and exciting
• Know what you want • Seek value • Enjoy simple design • Make logical decisions • Want function and performance • Look for trustworthiness
Frames To Fit The World
With roots in optical dispensing there is a preoccupation with comfort and fit with bridge and face shape data collected from different ethnicities all over the globe. A good fit on the nose is derived from knowledge on the best fitting angles for gender and ethnicity. This involves more knowledge in comfort and fit than simply just the nose. Our face profile knowledge ensures every frame fits almost unnoticed, minimising slip and pressure against the head and ears. This is vital with TX5 frames where a comfortable fit on the nose can be identified by looking for gaps between the wearer’s nose and the frame. There should be no gaps visible.
Asian Collection Our Asian fit models have been designed to meet the fitting and comfort requirements of those for whom regular frames are a compromise. By applying innovation and technology and combining this with our design skills, we have the perfect eyewear for those who benefit from Asian fit frames.
Front Width
Ear Distance
Pantoscopic Angle
• Created with a wider front
• The ear distance (head spacing) is more generous
• Angle of tilt for lenses is reduced
Front Curve
Bridge Distance
Pad Design
• Front curve is created flatter
• The distance between the lenses is narrowed
• Pad design solutions have been devised
In creating our Asian collection STEPPER EYEWEAR considered six areas specific to the Asian market and delivered solutions:
EPILOGUE STEPPER EYEWEAR is driven by a different vision of frame making. We believe a frame is not a vehicle to hold a logo. We see a frame as a means to hold prescribed lenses correctly, to the measurements of the eyecare professional, benefitting optimal vision with daylong comfort in a style that reflects the personality of the wearer. Try on one of our frames and you will understand.
Now, isn’t that a comforting story?
Every frame tells a story
www.steppereyewear.com