Founded in 1983 by designers Christian Roth and Eric Domège, OPTICAL AFFAIRS® quickly became a force of innovation in the eyewear world. Known for bold experimentation, architectural silhouettes, and an uncompromising point of view, the brand’s early designs challenged the conventions of luxury eyewear, earning cult status among stylists, editors, and fashion icons. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, OPTICAL AFFAIRS® became synonymous with avant-garde fashion. Pieces from this era continue to be celebrated for their sculptural brilliance and lasting influence on how eyewear intersects with personal style.
In 1990, Christian Roth was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a groundbreaking moment as the first eyewear designer to receive this honor. In 2014, he became a founding executive member of the edCFDA (Eyewear Designers of the CFDA), further cementing his role in shaping the future of the industry.
In 2000, the launch of the Christian Roth label (produced by Charmant, Japan) marked a new chapter. The designs embraced the energy of the new millennium, futuristic, minimalist, and unabashedly bold. From wraparound shields in pure titanium to laminated acetate with cyber-chic flair, these frames are handcrafted with precision in Japan and defined the Y2K aesthetic before it had a name. Worn by icons like Kate Moss and Lenny Kravitz, Christian Roth became the eyewear of choice for those who blurred the lines between fashion, music, and art. In 2015, the brand Christian Roth was acquired by DITA.
“In a fortunate turn, we had the opportunity to revisit this defining chapter, recently acquiring a rare trove of original Christian Roth Y2K-era inventory produced by Charmant. Preserved in pristine condition, these archival pieces reflect the craftsmanship, spirit, and boundary-pushing aesthetic that continue to resonate with a new generation of creative minds.” notes Eric Domège.
Today, as early 2000s fashion makes its return, Vintage Christian Roth’s timeless silhouettes reclaim their space, not as nostalgic callbacks, but as original artifacts from a visionary brand that helped shape the era. A curated selection from the archives is now available exclusively through OPTICAL AFFAIRS®.
