Lapima Eyewear

Lapima is an independent Brazilian eyewear brand founded in 2016 by the couple Gisela and Gustavo Assis. Each frame is designed and made by hand at the brand’s atelier in Campinas, São Paulo. The creative team is headed by Gustavo, with designs drawing on Brazil’s natural and built environment.

More than 20 artisans work in-house, all producing frames as genuine one-offs rather than as part of a standard run. The process runs to over 30 stages, similar in scale to haute-couture production. Designs begin as paper sketches, are then modelled digitally to give them volume and structure, and are finally cut, shaped, and polished entirely by hand from Italian cellulose acetate. Some frames take up to a year to complete, as prototypes are tested and refined before a design is finalised.

The brand’s shapes are distinctive: generous, angular and sculptural, drawing on Brazil’s biomes, architecture and visual arts for colour and form. Acetate is used in larger dimensions than is typical, giving the frames a bolder presence without added weight. Lapima also works solely with suppliers recognised for ethical and social responsibility, so the materials match the standard of the craftsmanship.

We’re excited to introduce this luxury brand to our customers here at Auerbach & Steele. Each frame is genuinely unique — no two are identical — and the careful hand-finishing gives them exceptional comfort and durability. Do get in touch to hear more about the collection or book an appointment if you are due your next eye examination.