In an industry where design collaborations are increasingly common currency, AHLEM has taken a more ambitious step: a capsule collection with Campbell Addy that aims to transcend product, presenting itself instead as a dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary vision.
The AHLEM × Campbell Addy capsule is framed as a “study in duality” — a merging of worlds where the liberating energy of postcolonial West Africa meets the precision of contemporary Britain. Past and present, revelry and discipline, cultural revolution and personal journey intersect in frames that embody more than fashion, but a narrative of identity.
Addy, the Ghanaian-British photographer and creative, is central to this idea. His practice consistently navigates memory, belonging, and visual storytelling, making the collaboration with AHLEM a natural extension of his artistic trajectory. The result is not just eyewear, but a synthesis of aesthetic and cultural codes.
Two Frames, Two Narratives
The collection consists of two limited-edition frames — one acetate, one metal — each carrying its own symbolic weight yet part of the same vision.
- The Acetate FrameCrafted from 8 mm matte black acetate, the piece is raw-cut with sculpted angles. It references nostalgia while being firmly contemporary. Custom geometric filigree adds ornament to its structural rigor, marrying bold presence with subtle detailing.
- The Metal Frame (Campbell Addy 19)Electroplated in 22K gold, this oversized silhouette is a technical and aesthetic showcase. Intricate beveling, laser-engraved filigree, and a hand-hammered brow bar emphasize craftsmanship at a granular level. Gradient brown sun lenses complete the frame, striking a balance between artistry and wearability.
Exclusivity & Packaging
Each style is produced in a strictly limited edition of 250 individually numbered pieces. Alongside the frames, buyers receive a vegan leather orange case with shoulder strap, a protective soft pouch, and a microfiber cleaning cloth featuring original Campbell Addy artwork. The attention to packaging elevates the collection from product to collectible.
Strategic Positioning & Brand Implications
The collaboration operates on several strategic planes:
- Halo Capsule – Positioned as a collector’s piece, the partnership reinforces AHLEM’s creative credibility and provides a halo effect across its broader portfolio.
- Cultural Resonance – By fusing Addy’s visual identity with AHLEM’s Parisian craftsmanship, the collection situates itself in the current cultural discourse around hybridity, representation, and authenticity.
- Craft-Led Differentiation– In a crowded eyewear market, the use of artisanal detailing — from laser engraving to hand-hammered metal — underscores AHLEM’s commitment to material mastery.
- Exclusivity StrategyThe extremely limited run ensures scarcity, positioning the frames as coveted objects at the intersection of luxury fashion and contemporary art.
More than a product launch, AHLEM × Campbell Addy illustrates how eyewear can serve as cultural storytelling. It blends dual heritage with French craft, translating a deeply personal vision into objects of desire. In doing so, AHLEM positions itself not just as a maker of luxury frames, but as a platform where design, identity, and artistry converge.
