Lapima: Hand-Carved Couture Eyewear from the Heart of Brazil

In an industry often dominated by fast fashion and mass production, Lapima emerges as a beacon of artisanal luxury, where every frame is a labor of love, sculpted as meticulously as haute couture. Founded in 2016 by Brazilian couple Gisela and Gustavo Assis, the brand is rooted in Campinas, São Paulo’s sun-soaked countryside—but its ambition reaches far beyond regional borders. 

Crafting With Purpose

Lapima’s philosophy is refreshingly grounded in intention and craftsmanship. The founders operate their own atelier—not a third‑party factory—where 25 artisans work by hand alongside tools both traditional and modern.  

Materials are selected with thoughtful precision: acetate sourced from Italy, hinges from Germany, lenses certified by EU and FDA standards. In manufacturing, they strive for sustainability and integrity—“we don’t accumulate stock; we produce by demand,” Gustavo emphasizes. 

The Vision Behind the Frames

More than functional objects, Lapima’s pieces are framed as sculptural wearable artworks—heirlooms in the making. “Objects that could be perceived as artworks, sculptures that could be passed on as heirlooms,” as one observer put it.

Their design language celebrates Brazil’s vibrant culture: organic lines, bold yet refined color palettes, and architectural fluidity. Drawing inspiration from nature’s lush landscapes and the modernist architecture woven into Brazil’s visual identity, the frames—whether in vivid hues or earth tones—feel alive with movement and authenticity.  

Artistry and Legacy

Gisela and Gustavo’s journey began not in fashion, but through personal passion. After becoming disillusioned by fast fashion’s pace, the couple turned to sunglasses—seeking creative fulfillment and a tangible object of design—notoriously difficult for manufacturers to produce. So they took matters into their own hands, literally: acquiring vintage eyewear‑making machines, hiring expert engineers, and carving out a design-forward path. Lapima has since established itself in the global luxury eyewear space—from Barneys New York to Moda Operandi—and is steadily building its own boutique presence in the U.S. 

What Defines a Lapima Wearer

The brand’s natural clientele? Refined, art-savvy individuals who express confidence without relying on logos. “Confident women, who know what they want and have no need to express themselves through logos,” Gisela notes—with the brand attracting similarly assured men, too.  

Lapima isn’t just another luxury eyewear brand—it’s a statement of restraint, craftsmanship, and soulful design. From the atelier floor in Campinas, each frame is a narrative: balancing modern lines with nostalgic elegance, luxe quality with ethical intent, and Brazilian artistry with timeless appeal.

For Curated Optics and style-centric readers, Lapima represents the heightened intersection of fashion, art, and ethical production—wearable couture for the discerning individual.