Maison Margiela and Gentle Monster are back with another boundary-blurring eyewear drop on March 6, 2025. Now in its third chapter, the collaboration bridges Maison Margiela’s experimental codes under John Galliano with Gentle Monster’s penchant for pushing design into unexpected territory. The partnership continues to tinker with how craft and technology can intersect, yielding a line of eight sunglasses and twelve optical frames that nod to archival references while tapping into a digital-driven aesthetic.
Shot by Jordan Hemingway, the campaign examines the charged relationship between humankind and machine-like elements, zooming in on metallic frames that recall Margiela’s iconic 2008 release but reimagined as sleek, shield-like silhouettes. A single-block approach appears in a standout style, rendered in silver or green, evoking the label’s penchant for sculptural shapes. Other frames spotlight narrow angles, bold curves, and elongated temples that twist classic forms into something entirely new.
Each design plays with proportions. There are retooled cat-eyes that skew more angular, rectangular shapes that go ultra-wide, and oval frames with squared-off edges that feel simultaneously retro and forward-looking. Some pieces feature minimal rims and featherlight structures, while others emphasize weighty temples in bright hues like red or navy. Across the board, the collaboration underscores a fascination with contrasting the familiar and the uncharted.
To mark the launch, ephemeral installations will appear around the globe, embedding human-inspired forms within translucent materials and raw cuts. Oversized silhouettes and subtle textural details echo the collection’s cable-temple motifs, pulling visitors into a realm that balances timeless craftsmanship with near-future visuals. This immersive environment goes live alongside the eyewear release, expanding the collaboration’s themes beyond the frames themselves.
With its provocative imagery and reworked silhouettes, the new Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster range arrives at a moment when fashion craves fresh directions in accessories. By overlapping artisanal heritage with a digital spirit, both brands illustrate how storied houses and younger innovators can thrive in tandem—proof that tradition and transformation can coexist when the right forces align.
