For more than a century, Morgenthal Frederics has defined the intersection of optical precision and artisanal design. Founded in 1913 as Frederics Opticians, the brand has evolved from a trusted vision care destination into a globally respected name in luxury eyewear—one that remains deeply rooted in its original commitment to craftsmanship. Known for its pioneering use of natural materials like buffalo horn, Morgenthal Frederics creates frames that are as technically exacting as they are visually distinctive. Each piece is meticulously handmade, often over hundreds of hours, reflecting a level of expertise that bridges the worlds of medical-grade opticianry and collectible design.
What sets Morgenthal Frederics apart is its dual identity as both an optical authority and a creative atelier. With frames produced by master artisans in Germany and Japan, and fittings guided by seasoned opticians, the brand offers a fully bespoke experience—one that prioritizes individuality, comfort, and clarity of vision. Its longstanding independence under New Look Vision Group has allowed it to maintain a philosophy that resists mass production in favor of innovation, sustainability, and deeply personal expression. From its early days to its current global footprint, the company has remained steadfast in its belief that eyewear should not only improve how one sees, but also how one is seen.
Nowhere is that ethos more apparent than in New York City, where the brand’s story continues to unfold. With multiple locations across Manhattan, including its downtown presence in SoHo, Morgenthal Frederics remains closely connected to a clientele that values individuality and design excellence. In its SoHo boutique, the brand’s heritage meets a contemporary audience, offering a tailored experience that reflects both the city’s energy and the company’s legacy.
Whitewall spoke with Jessica Kaczor, Morgenthal Frederics Brand Chief Retail Officer, about the power of craftsmanship, the innovation behind its signature materials, and how New York City remains central to the brand’s DNA.
Morgenthal Frederics, Soho NYC, horn bar, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WHITEWALL: Morgenthal Frederics has remained independent as a privately owned entity under New Look Vision Group. How has that independence shaped the brand’s creative freedom, craftsmanship, and long-term vision?
JESSICA KACZOR: Morgenthal Frederics is focused on the world’s finest eyewear, and as an independent label, our philosophy is the antithesis of mass produced.
Morgenthal Frederics began working with buffalo horn because this natural material gave us the opportunity to offer something truly special. The beauty of horn is that, because it’s a natural material, each piece is unique unto itself. Totally one-of-a-kind, beautifully unique, and exceptionally lightweight. But to arrive at the final frame requires incredible dedication. Over hundreds of hours are poured into each piece. All done by hand in our factory in Germany.
In fact, few brands can work with the horn material on our level because it requires such deep expertise and commitment. When our designers first start with new design ideas like hand carvings, cut outs, or vibrant colors achieved through an intricate vegetable dye process, it’s often the first time it’s ever been explored. Our artisans are true artists and masters of the craft. Throughout the past decades, Morgenthal Frederics has elevated the craft to create exquisite, collectable eyewear. And at the hands of our expert opticians, many of whom have been working with us for decades, the fit of the eyewear and the precision of vision correction is unmatched. The company’s philosophy is to make people feel great about their eyewear by creating one-of-a-kind pieces that enable our clients to express themselves and see better too.
The Duality of Vision Care and Design
Morgenthal Frederics, 944 Madison Avenue, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: The brand was founded in 1913 as Frederics Opticians and still operates today as an eye exam studio, as well as an eyewear purveyor. Why is it important to continue to have both components of the business, rather than just one or the other?
JK: We’re very proud of our over-a-century-long expertise in opticianry that translates directly to the exceptional products and services we provide today at Morgenthal Frederics. We have always been focused on our clients’ needs, and that drives our passion and evolution. Four of our thirteen stores have an eye exam studio and doctor on site because we love offering the convenience of a full-service optical offering.
“We have always been focused on our clients’ needs, and that drives our passion and evolution.”
Jessica Kaczor
At all thirteen Morgenthal Frederics boutiques across the country, our expert opticians offer eyewear experiences tailored to each person’s unique needs and personality. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Quite the opposite. Our bespoke philosophy is the only way to provide the absolute best products for perfect vision, style, and comfort.
The fact there isn’t one set formula is the fun part! Our opticians love showing a range of styles that may surprise our customers because everyone loves options. But our ultimate goal is for our customers to feel confident and comfortable.
New York City as a Living Influence
Courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
Time Warner Center, NYC, horn, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: New York City is at the heart of the brand’s story. How does it continue to inspire the brand’s identity, aesthetic, and connection to its clientele?
JK: With our corporate office located in New York and four stores in Manhattan, this city undoubtedly defines the brand. With perpetual momentum, transformative qualities, and fierce individuality, the city and brand intersect.
Plus, with such a unique product offering, we love the personal expression that horn eyewear inspires. We often say we help people amplify their individuality and that’s a big design focus for Morgenthal Frederics. And there’s no better city for individual expression.
The Art and Science of Buffalo Horn
Morgenthal Frederics Handcrafting, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: Many of the brand’s frames are celebrated for their natural horn construction. Can you walk us through the process—from sourcing to finishing—and what makes this material so unique to work with? (Tell us fun facts about this, including how they’re collected from animals after they’ve fallen off, how horns change color depending on what animals eat, why this is still used today, etc.)
JK: What is so special about horn is that the material is created first. Each horn frame begins with a unique design. Our designers then work with that very specific material for each individual frame. Each frame is created over months of work, creating and then compiling thin layers of the material (with at least 8 layers of horn and up to 20) into an artful masterpiece. Layer upon layer. All done meticulously by hand by our expert craftspeople in Germany.
Sustainability and Responsible Craft
Morgenthal Frederics Handcrafting, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: Sustainability has become an important conversation in the world of luxury. How does Morgenthal Frederics approach responsible sourcing and ethical production in its materials and practices?
JK: The entire process is done in the most eco conscious way possible. The German factory is fully wind and water powered. All waste from the horn frames is used as fertilizer in the vineyards around the factory. No animals are harmed in the process because we only use Indian water buffalo after they live a full and natural life cycle. The colors of horn eyewear are achieved through natural vegetable dyes.
The result is truly one-of-a-kind eyewear and the fact that we are able to do it in such a sustainable manner is a point of great pride for the brand.
Global Inspirations and Creative Collaborations
Sabyasachi x MF, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: The brand draws design inspiration from around the world. Where have you recently discovered new influences in design, art, or culture that have informed your latest collections?
JK: We’re still beaming after our highly successful collaboration with the fashion house and global creative force, Sabyasachi. The collaboration was born from both brand’s shared passion for high craft and evolved through close partnership and idea sharing. The resulting collection was an exhilarating union of east meet west. Through the partnership, we created new ideas that didn’t exist before.
The future holds endless potential as we will continue to explore what’s possible in eyewear and push boundaries.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Sabyasachi x MF, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: Craftsmanship is central to Morgenthal Frederics’s ethos. Tell us a bit about where the frames are produced today, and how the brand balances traditional artisanal methods with modern innovation.
JK: Each horn piece created by hand in Germany. We also feature fine acetate and pure titanium in our eyewear designs which are made by hand by generations of artisans in Japan. Morgenthal Frederics is known for its impeccable craftsmanship—and that process of arriving at the finest eyewear in the world is highly revered to us. It takes incredible passion, precision, dedication, and vision.
“Morgenthal Frederics is known for its impeccable craftsmanship—and that process of arriving at the finest eyewear in the world is highly revered to us.”
Jessica Kaczor
Implicit in the process is our focus on innovation in terms of engineering, construction, materials, and ideas. Our designers work very closely with our production teams to ensure the highest quality expressions while always keeping an eye on the future.
Timelessness and the Luxury of Sight
Morgenthal Frederics, Classic Actors, Greta, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
Morgenthal Frederics, Ward Horn, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics.
WW: Over the years, Morgenthal Frederics has become synonymous with understated luxury. How do you maintain timelessness while evolving with contemporary aesthetics and global markets?
JK: The luxury of sight is priceless. Being able to introduce a life-enhancing product to someone is truly a source of pride for the brand. Eyewear and vision are so essential in our lives. The right glasses provide ease of wear, clarity of vision, and confidence of style. Truly transformative.
As mentioned, our clients’ needs are what drives us. What we have found is that our clients want to experience the finest eyewear material in the world—natural horn—because of its unmatched beauty and comfort. Once they try horn eyewear, they never want to go back.
We are proud to be the pioneers of horn and continue to evolve the offering.
