The name ‘Akoni’ is derived from Latin meaning “priceless” and “worthy of admiration”. It’s a name that perfectly reflects the rigorous standards and aspirations of this refined Swiss-born, Japanese-crafted brand. mivision spoke to Akoni CEO Rosario Toscano to find out more about this exquisite brand.
Q: Let’s start with the Akoni brand personality: How do you describe it?
We can describe it in four words: Swiss precision, Japanese artistry. Akoni is an impeccable fusion of cutting-edge engineering and masterful artistry, resulting in eyewear that is both innovatively complex and visually striking.
We are not about following trends; we believe that great design never needs to clamour for attention. That’s why our frames avoid unnecessary logos and monograms – allowing the eye to focus instead on our sleek silhouettes and the many references to the type of finely crafted details traditionally associated with the world’s finest luxury accessories.
Q: Akoni was established in 2020, which of course was the peak of the COVID pandemic. What inspired the start-up, and what challenges did you face?
We saw from the beginning a big gap in the market – it was missing a brand where harmony and beauty were equal; a project where both functionality and aesthetics were relevant.
Starting Akoni in the competitive luxury eyewear market presented significant challenges, particularly in differentiating ourselves from established giants.
We overcame this by focussing on craftsmanship, storytelling, and exclusivity, collaborating with master artisans in Japan to create timeless and innovative collections that appealed to discerning customers.
Building brand awareness was another hurdle, which we tackled through strategic branding evolution with impactful packaging, experiential launch events, and innovative digital campaigns.
Navigating supply chain complexities, especially during the pandemic, required building strong supplier relationships and diversifying our operations to maintain quality and reliability.
These efforts allowed Akoni to carve out a unique identity as a modern, forward-thinking luxury eyewear brand, resonating with a loyal, affluent audience seeking innovation and exclusivity.
Q: Who is your main customer?
Our customers are visionaries, early adopters, and innovators, and they are looking for a luxury belonging, and not for an accessory.
They are passionate about niche brands, good quality, comfort, and beauty.
Q: Who designs Akoni eyewear?
We have a team of designers who are spread out across the globe. Together they have many years of combined experience. While the team is a diverse mix, they have a shared devotion for endless discussions on the golden ratio,* ergonomics, and customisation possibilities.
This mix of design talents and backgrounds helps ensure that Akoni frames will always stand apart, due to a savvy blend of true craftsmanship, timeless styling and innovative adaptations of the latest material and production breakthroughs.
Q: What thrills them most about designing eyewear?
Our design team is absolutely obsessed by the details.
If you take a very specific look at every Akoni design, you’ll discover that each Akoni frame holds a myriad of distinctive and intricate details – with many directly inspired by extraordinary additional touches and prized symbols of individual achievement. Tactile knurlings on the temple fronts evoke the elegance of high-end watches and the precision of premium lighters. Harmony, the system of proportions, and a sense of reaching perfection are the pillars that sets our design in motion.
Q: Where do your designers seek inspiration for each collection?
Being a timeless brand, and not being influenced by trends, every collection we build is based on our iconic design elements which we reinterpret – this enables us to create different versions while maintaining consistency. In general, astronomy plays a key role in terms of naming inspiration for the collection, construction, and colour choices.
Q: What is the significance of the fusion of Swiss and Japanese cultures?
From Switzerland we take the engineering, the sense of functionality and performance, and all our design elements are inspired by the most exclusive heirlooms, such as wristwatches, fountain pens, and luxury vintage lighters. So, Switzerland contributes its lifestyle, and joy for personal and intimate luxury experience. What comes from Japan is the craftsmanship and the cutting-edge techniques, which play a crucial role. Japan after all, is the land of quintessential beauty and artistry, and it is known as the best country for eyewear.
Q: Can you tell me about the innovative technologies Akoni integrates into the design process?
We spend a lot of time researching materials and developing new design structures that can enhance the durability and functionality of our frames. For example, we have created a temple that can be adjusted with a screw kit to suit the customer’s face shape, and we use ceramic for nose pads because this is the most hypoallergenic material.
Q: Is there anything special about the materials you use in the manufacture of Akoni?
To achieve outstanding product performance and durability, we only use four materials across all collections – Japanese titanium, Japanese acetate made from wood and cotton flower, ceramic nose pads, and Japanese lenses.
Q: And what about the manufacturing process?
We begin with innovative design concepts and prototyping, followed by the careful selection of our premium materials. Each frame is then crafted by master artisans and experts in Japan, where every cut, polish, and assembly is executed with unparalleled attention to detail. This process ensures not only the durability and comfort of our eyewear but also its exclusivity and aesthetic perfection. For us, maintaining this level of mastery is non-negotiable – it’s what sets Akoni apart and delivers the exceptional quality our customers expect from a luxury brand.
Q: Has Akoni been recognised with any awards?
No yet, but this is definitely something that we will keep in mind in the future. The adjustable temple is the perfect example of something that will deserve an award for its beauty and functionality.
Q: Where is Akoni sold?
Akoni is mainly sold in independent and specialty eyewear boutiques and in a few fashion stores. We are directly selling on Akoni.com and from spring we will launch the platform globally. Our distribution is very selective considering we are selling in more than 50 countries but only 1,000 boutiques worldwide.
Akoni CEO Rosario Toscano
Q: What features of the current collection really excite you?
It is exciting to see how Akoni plays with iconic shapes, to introduce modern twists and contemporary comfort. A perfect example is Phoenix, a classic 70s aviator that has that futuristic touch with our Swiss modern explorer character, or Jupiter as a round minimalist frame that looks like a planet in colours and shape.
Contact: Proper Goods (AUS) 02 8598 3037
*One of the most famous ratios in mathematics and design, the golden ratio is a ratio between two numbers that equals approximately 1.618. Artists use the golden ratio to create an orderly and balanced design.
