Matsuda Glasses: the 20 most iconic Japanese fashion designs

Matsuda is positioned at the top of the eyewearmarket in terms of quality and craftsmanship. And how could it not, if each pair of original Matsuda glasses goes through 250 steps, 72 hours and the hands of 13 Japanese craftsmen before being packed and shipped to Bassol Optics.

Mitsuhiro Matsuda, the brand's founder, was an avid academic with a passion for history. Gothic architecture, Victorian art and American jazz are evident muses in many of his designs.

Matsuda eyewear is not just an accessory, it is an imposing calling card. The signature of the Nipponese design studio is engraved on the frame of their prescription glasses and sunglasses to bring distinction and class to the wearer. Today we will show you 20 iconic designs that will exceed your expectations. Let's get started!

Top 20 most iconic Matsuda glasses

Matsuda glasses are made for people with refined interests and pockets ready to acquire a pair of glasses that will last them a lifetime. We're not going to lie, this is one of the most expensive eyewear brands in the world, and with good reason: titanium, stainless steel, sterling silver and even 22-carat gold are materials involved in the alchemy of Matsuda glasses.

From Optica Bassol we present you this list with the 20 most iconic Matsuda prescription glasses and sunglasses designs. None is better than the other, it is simply a selection based on market trends and opinions.

1. Matsuda M3115

   
   The M3115 is a stylish adaptation of the classic Aviator eyewear model from the early 20th century. The metal frame that holds the original lenses is adorned with intricate detailing that represents the indelible signature of the world's most detailed brand. These Matsuda glasses have received rave reviews since their release.

2. Matsuda M3087 Antique Gold

   
   The round shape of these Matsuda glasses is complemented by sleek rectangular titanium temples. The wide rim was designed for the goldsmiths to engrave the distinctive M and N that represent the initials of Mitsuhiro and Nostra ("our" in Latin), i.e. the name of the creator and that of his design studio.

3. Matsuda M3023

   
   Recognized as one of the most iconic sunglasses in modern culture, the M3023 model is a reinterpretation of the aviator design, crafted from aged Japanese acetate and titanium. Small Matsuda signature details adorn the side shields and all around the frame.

   They were launched in 2011 as part of the Heritage collection and today remain some of the most sought-after designs according to Matsuda reviews.

4. Matsuda M3099

   
   If you admire Japanese art, it's because you're one of those people who can appreciate the beauty of the subtle. That makes you able to tell the difference between mass-produced eyewear and truly handcrafted eyewear.

   The wide rim incorporates M+N's signature engraved detail. Meanwhile, the finishes include an ionization PVD coating, a process used in the aerospace industry known to be extremely durable, resistant to wear, corrosion and scratches, as well as providing a high-quality aesthetic finish.

5. Matsuda M1027

   
   The iconic sunglasses of the late 1950s and early 1960s inspired this design. A model distinguished by its handcrafted sculpted Japanese acetate, a reinforced hinge with rivets and the classic engraving, this time with millimeter precision, on the core of the temples.

6. Matsuda M3104B

   
   One of the brand's new releases consisting of original Matsuda lenses at a good price and without frames. The bridge and brackets are made of ultralight titanium.

   Rimless designs appeared in the late 1800s as an improvement to make the glasses lighter and more comfortable. This modern version is distinguished by hand-engraved details on the top and bottom of the beta titanium (titanium alloy that makes it more flexible) temples that complement its regular frame.

7. Matsuda 10610H

   
   Inspired by early 20th century industrial-era safety glasses, but with modern details, they feature contrasting round lenses with a perforated side shield and sculpted Japanese acetate temples. Their original launch was in 1993, hence their shape inspired by the 2809H worn by Terminator 2 star Linda Hamilton.

   These models looked like something out of a futuristic dystopia at the time of their release, so as the Terminator movie fad wore off, Matsuda's innovative ideas lost some steam. The bad streak is over, today we are in what at that time could be considered a futuristic and dystopian society, so this classic design is positioned among the best sellers of the brand.

8. Matsuda M9012

   
   The protagonists of the Precious collection honor the iconic designs of women's eyewear from the 1960s. They feature a striking round shape, accompanied by .925 sterling silver temples, coated with 22k gold vermeil and adorned with filigree.

   Looking for luxurious and delicate sunglasses? Then the Matsuda M9012 is for you.

9. Matsuda M3085

   
   The Matsuda M3085 is minimalist and lightweight. Ideal for graduating and wear everywhere, as they combine with any outfit. They look simple glasses until you notice the engravings on the thin metallic layer that covers the lenses, then you realize that they are not just any glasses, they are Matsuda: the most valuable glasses in the world.

10. Matsuda 2903

    
    Round glasses are the specialty of the house of Matsuda. The sophistication and delicacy of these glasses inspired by gothic architecture represent Mitsuhiro Matsuda's line of artistic thought very well. The Matsuda 2903 is pure avant-garde sophistication.

11. Matsuda M3023 V2

    
    This is the update to the classic Matsuda M3023 glasses mentioned in #3 on this list. They came out of the studio 10 years after their predecessors to give a touch of freshness and dynamism to the vintage model. Now with embossed silver temples and a grid between the lenses that makes them look streamlined and futuristic, the M3023 V2 is here to position itself for another decade.

12. Matsuda 10601H

    
    Pince-nez style glasses were very popular in the late 1800's, Matsuda brought the concept to our times to modernize it and get this spectacular result. The 10601H will add a touch of intellectualism to your attire that will go great with your outfit.

13. Matsuda 10605H

    
    Designed for those with an independent spirit that doesn't follow paradigms. With a bold round lens shape, hand-laminated Japanese acetate and fine metal accents, this original 1993 design honors fearlessness and does not go unnoticed.

14. Matsuda M3138

    
    With a contemporary geometric shape, the frame of these glasses is made entirely of ultra-lightweight titanium with a precious metal finish. The sleek temples are enhanced with lacquer to give them a glassy effect and highlight the vivid colors of the original Matsuda lenses.

15. Matsuda 10103H

    
    Part of the Heritage collection , these iconic Matsuda glasses were launched in 1992. 22 years later, they remain true to the original design, denoting the timelessness of Mitsuhiro Matsuda's artistic creations. As in most of his models, the engraving with the M and N signature cannot be missing.

16. Matsuda M3128

    
    These Matsuda sunglasses feature a striking round lens shape and side shields meticulously carved from precious metals, creating a piece that stands out for its unique style and individual character. It fits perfectly with elongated faces, thanks to the circumference of its lenses and thickness of the temples.

17. Matsuda M3105-D

    
    Another classic rimless round spectacle design reminiscent of the 19th century, this time made from ultra-lightweight titanium. The hand-engraved details adorning the top and bottom of the beta titanium temples complement its classic structure. Its clear crystal version is the perfect fusion of delicacy and elegance.

18. Matsuda M3111

    Framed in the Carrera type models, this design is a jewel among the iconic sports eyewear collections. Its design is inspired by the sleek lines of Mitsuhiro sports cars in the mid-1980s.

    Mesh side shields and titanium nose pads give the M3111 unique distinction and class, ready to break the wind and stay secure and ventilated while driving.

19. Matsuda M3086

    
    The versatile geometric silhouette combines ultra-lightweight titanium with Japanese acetate inserts to create a frame that evokes the styles of the past, but made with modern techniques. The tassel at the end is an elaborate detail that gives these Matsuda glasses a premium finish.

20. Matsuda 2808H

    
    First launched in 1989, these glasses have a perfectly proportioned rectangular design, with engravings inspired by the Art Deco motifs Matsuda encountered in his youth in Paris. Japanese acetate and high-end titanium are included in their manufacture.

Matsuda eyewear: designs steeped in culture and history.

Matsuda was a very famous fashion house in Tokyo between the 70s and 90s, its specialty after the first decade was sunglasses. In '91 it skyrocketed in popularity in the West when Linda Hamilton wore the famous Matsuda T2 (limited edition) sunglasses in the movie Terminator 2.

The brand began to decline in the early 2000s along with the health of its creator Mitsuhiro Matsuda, who died shortly after leaving a void that seemed to be definitive. But in 2008 it came back with a vengeance under the leadership of James Kingen, its innovative and futuristic designs finding greater acceptance than ever in this new millennium.

When the studio doors reopened, the craftsmen who had worked there from the beginning returned and artistic production began anew. Just as in Japanese kintsugi, Kingen took the broken parts of Matsuda and joined them together with gold filigree to make them reborn more beautiful than ever.

Buy your original Matsuda glasses at Óptica Bassol

As you saw in this top, Matsuda's pioneering models are still being released and thanks to the quality of their materials they will continue to look like new for decades.

Matsuda is one of the few eyewear brands that shows 20 iconic designs so different from each other. At Optica Bassol you can order any of the glasses with lenses formulated to your needs, our opticians and optometrists our opticians and optometrists will be happy to advise you.

We hope this list will be useful for you to choose the next Matsuda glasses that will complete your outfit. Order the ones you want and have them delivered anywhere in the world. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product with no problem, thanks for reading!