Eyestylist

The collection launched in Beijing, China in September; it is now available worldwide

Renowned for his refined digital illustrations that merge fashion with storytelling, South Korean artist Seungwon Hong continues to blur the lines between art and style through his latest collaboration with TVR®OPT. As the Woody Carved collection celebrates its tenth anniversary, Hong reflects on his creative journey, his passion for fashion, and the inspiration behind The Golden Wood Grain—a golden-hued tribute to craftsmanship, nature, and timeless design.

Based in Seoul, Hong is celebrated for his fusion of men’s fashion and impressionistic art. Inspired by stylish individuals and classical masters like Van Gogh, Monet, and Gauguin, his work resonates with elegance and emotional depth. Using digital tools such as tablets, Photoshop, and a MacBook Pro, he has collaborated with major fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Zegna, and Brooks Brothers, with his illustrations exhibited widely across Seoul. His aesthetic is also shaped by cinematic icons, particularly James Bond, whose refined style continues to influence his creative direction. Above: new “Woody Carved” designs from TVR®OPT 

Hong’s relationship with TVR®OPT began in 2016 with a fashion illustration project interpreting the brand’s eyewear through his distinctive lens. This partnership blossomed into a formal collaboration in 2021 with the TVR® Classic JD Blackwood Edition. Now, in 2025, he returns with The Golden Wood Grain, the key visual for TVR®OPT’s Art Edition Packaging Collection, launched to honour a decade of the Woody Carved collection.

TVR®OPT China marked its official return with an exclusive private event and trunk show, held for the first time under the direct management of the Japan team. Taking place at The Ascott Hotel, Beijing in September, the event welcomed VIPs, KOLs, and loyal customers. Guests were invited to participate in a hands-on Woody Carved Workshop, deepening their appreciation of the artistry behind the collection. Themed around art and craftsmanship, the event celebrated both the tenth anniversary of the Woody Carved Collection—which debuted in 2013—and the launch of the new Art Edition, featuring Hong’s illustrations. The wood texture, now iconic to TVR®OPT, traces its origins back to the 1999 Wood Tone Romance Collection, created by master craftsman Eizo Onami. Exclusive décor inspired by Hong’s new artworks further brought the spirit of the collaboration to life.

The Woody Carved story began with Mokuchoroman (木調浪漫), or “Wood Tone Romance,” a poetic vision of eyewear that resembled wood without being made of it. This philosophy lives on in TVR®OPT Woody Carved—a modern reinterpretation that combines hand-brushed wood grain artistry with vintage-inspired design. Founder Eizo Onami reflects on this evolution, describing it as a journey shaped by both romance and resilience.

Onami was guided by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces imperfection and natural simplicity. He introduced the subtle “Aged Rivet” detail to symbolise the passage of time, creating a design that honours the raw beauty of nature and the acceptance of flaws.

“I’ve always wanted to create eyewear made from wood, but using real wood presents many challenges. It doesn’t last, it’s difficult to shape, and it wears quickly with weather changes. People may not fully realise the issues that come with actual wooden frames.” — Eizo Onami, TVR®OPT

First launched in 2015, the collection returns with limited editions of the TVR®504 and TVR®505 frames. Key updates include upgraded hinges with 14K gold washers and the 6mm Japanese Zylonite acetate frames. The hand-brushed wood grain textures gain character over time.

Designed and developed by Eizo Onami – With more than 50 years in eyewear, Onami developed the patented Woody Carved technique—a process of over 280 meticulous steps performed by a single craftsman. Each frame is hand-brushed with a metal brush to replicate natural wood grain, gradually developing a glossy patina unique to every wearer. This innovative method, never before used in eyewear, has since inspired many brands worldwide. Following the passing of its original craftsmen, the collection was discontinued for years. Onami devoted over a decade to reviving the technique, training new artisans and refining the process. After five years of intensive development, the 2025 re-release marks a new chapter for TVR®OPT—a testament to the patience, dedication, and pride that define true handmade craftsmanship.

Find out more about the new collection at www.tvropt.com

All images by kind permission of TVR®OPT