Quick answer: Mykita is a German eyewear brand founded in Berlin in 2003, known for its patented screwless hinge system, handmade stainless steel frames and a design philosophy built entirely around in-house engineering. Every pair is still produced at the brand’s own manufactory in Berlin. The Eye Scene is a Sydney stockist of Mykita eyewear, offering the collection to clients across Double Bay and beyond.
Where Mykita began
Mykita was founded in Berlin in 2003 by Moritz Krueger, Philipp Haffmans, Daniel Haffmans and Harald Gottschling, working out of a former children’s day care centre in the city, known locally as a Kita. That building gave the brand its name, and its unconventional starting point set the tone for how the company has operated ever since.
At the time, Krueger had designed a flat stainless steel frame concept that no existing manufacturer could produce to the standard he wanted. Rather than compromise on the design, the founders decided to build their own manufacturing operation from scratch, developing new tools and processes specifically for the frames they wanted to make. That decision to bring design and manufacturing under one roof, rather than outsourcing production, has remained the foundation of the brand for more than two decades.
The engineering that defines Mykita
Mykita’s first collection, launched in 2004, introduced a patented hingeless design that removed the need for traditional screws or welded joints on a metal frame, an approach that was considered genuinely novel in eyewear manufacturing at the time. This engineering-first mindset has stayed central to the brand, with each new collection typically built around a specific technical idea rather than a seasonal trend.
Frames are hand-assembled at the brand’s own manufactory in Berlin, known as Mykita Haus, where designers, engineers, and craftspeople work through every stage of production together. This close relationship between design and manufacturing is unusual in an industry where the two are often handled by entirely separate companies, and it gives Mykita a level of control over quality and innovation that is difficult for larger, more traditional eyewear houses to match.
The stainless steel used across many Mykita collections is worked in extremely thin sheets, then shaped and finished by hand to create a frame that is both structurally sound and remarkably light to wear. Later collections have expanded into acetate and mixed material designs, but the same in-house, engineering-led approach carries through regardless of material, with every new shape tested and refined at the Berlin manufactory before it goes into production.
A design language built on restraint and precision
Where some luxury eyewear brands lean into decoration, Mykita’s design language is built around clean lines, lightweight construction and a clear sense of engineering intelligence. Frames are typically fashioned from thin sheets of stainless steel or fine acetate, shaped and finished with an emphasis on comfort and adaptability to different face shapes, rather than heavy branding or ornamentation.
This restraint has not stopped the brand from becoming a genuine fixture in fashion. Mykita has collaborated with major fashion houses over the years, and its frames have appeared on musicians and public figures internationally, largely because the brand’s pared-back, architectural aesthetic photographs and wears exceptionally well without needing an obvious logo to be recognised.
Mykita today
More than two decades on, Mykita remains headquartered and manufactured in Berlin, with its own stores in cities including New York, Paris, Tokyo and Los Angeles, alongside distribution through selected opticians internationally. The brand has grown considerably since its early years in the former day care centre, but production has stayed close to home, with frames still hand-assembled at Mykita Haus rather than mass-produced offshore.
This consistency is part of what has kept Mykita relevant to a design-conscious audience for so long. The brand continues to release new collections built around specific engineering ideas, in the same way its very first collection was built around solving a manufacturing problem no one else had addressed.
The brand’s founder, Moritz Krueger, has continued to lead design direction personally, which is part of why each new collection still feels connected to the same engineering-led thinking that shaped the very first release. New lines are typically developed by revisiting earlier collections and asking how a design classic within the range can be evolved further, rather than starting from an unrelated seasonal concept each time.
Why Mykita stands apart from the rest of our collection
Mykita occupies a distinct place among the brands we stock at The Eye Scene. Where some of our other designer eyewear brands lean into decorative hardware, hand engraving or bold branding, Mykita’s entire identity is built around solving engineering problems cleanly, then getting out of the way and letting the solution speak for itself. The screwless hinge is a good example: it exists because Krueger wanted a genuinely better way to join metal components, not because it was designed to look a particular way.
This makes Mykita a strong option for clients who care deeply about design but are drawn to substance over statement. It is often the frame we recommend to clients who love the idea of owning a well-engineered, considered object, in the same way they might think about a well-made watch or a piece of furniture, rather than a frame chosen primarily to be noticed.
Choosing the right Mykita frame
Because Mykita frames are engineered to be exceptionally lightweight, they tend to suit clients who want a frame they barely notice they are wearing, whether for all-day prescription use or as a considered, understated sunglasses option. The brand’s stainless steel collections work particularly well for anyone with a smaller or more angular face shape, since the fine metal construction sits close without adding visual bulk, while the acetate ranges offer a slightly softer alternative.
As with any precision-engineered frame, fit is best assessed in person. Our team at The Eye Scene can talk you through the current Mykita range and how each collection’s hinge and material choice affects comfort and everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Mykita?
Mykita was founded in Berlin in 2003 by Moritz Krueger, Philipp Haffmans, Daniel Haffmans and Harald Gottschling, taking its name from the former children’s day care centre, known as a Kita, where the brand began.
What makes Mykita eyewear different?
Mykita is known for its patented screwless hinge system and handmade stainless steel construction, with every frame still assembled at the brand’s own manufactory in Berlin rather than outsourced to third-party production.
Is Mykita good for people who want lightweight glasses?
Yes. Mykita’s stainless steel and acetate frames are engineered specifically for lightweight, comfortable everyday wear, making them a strong option for clients who want minimal bulk on the face.
Where can I buy Mykita glasses in Sydney?
The Eye Scene, based in Double Bay, is a Sydney stockist of Mykita eyewear, offering in-person fitting and styling support across the current range.