About Us – Eighth Continent Eyewear
The team behind Eighth Continent consists of four students from Mainz University of Applied Sciences, studying in the Communication Design department: Susi Wendel, Sana Riazimand, Felix Heidrich, and me, David Rosen. I am an exchange student from Sweden, where I study design.
Eighth Continent was developed as part of the 15-credit course "Fashion Universe" during an exchange semester in Mainz, Germany. During the course I explored the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and innovation, culminating in a major fashion show where our eyewear was presented as part of the final showcase.
We are all passionate about working with unconventional materials and innovative manufacturing processes that allow us to transform these materials into unique designs.
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Vision & Philosophy
Eighth Continent was created to redefine sustainable design. We noticed that sustainable fashion and accessories are often either minimalist and understated or driven by greenwashing. We wanted to show that there is another way, that a sustainable product can be bold, daring, and expressive without losing its ecological responsibility.
The name "Eighth Continent" refers to the massive plastic waste accumulations in the ocean, which are forming a new continent. However, instead of just focusing on the problem, we wanted to create something positive. We use exactly this material, recycled ocean plastic, to craft something new and desirable.
Our eyewear makes a statement, not just visually, but also in its concept. It demonstrates that waste can be transformed into something new without dominating the design. Sustainability doesn’t have to be immediately visible; it can seamlessly integrate into an exciting, innovative design language.
The Products
Eighth Continent designs bold, sustainable sunglasses made entirely from recycled plastic, using materials from Polygood such as CD cases, refrigerators, and plastic cutlery. Each pair is unique, featuring distinct textures and color variations shaped by diverse material sources.
Our unisex approach goes beyond accessibility—it challenges traditional fashion norms by creating versatile designs that prioritize personal expression over gendered aesthetics. The collection spans from minimalist, geometric styles to organic, expressive forms, allowing wearers to find a pair that truly reflects their identity.
Craftsmanship & Innovation
Each frame is crafted from recycled plastic sheets, which are sawed and laser-cut to maintain their natural texture while ensuring precision and durability. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology results in high-quality, sustainable eyewear.
A standout feature is our modular system, which allows wearers to swap out temples for different colors and shapes. This makes each pair highly customizable, extending its lifespan by enabling simple replacements instead of full-frame disposal.
Sustainability with a Bold Identity
Eighth Continent redefines sustainable fashion—our eyewear is bold, expressive, and built to last. Instead of following the standard minimalist eco-aesthetic, we embrace vibrant colors and striking details, proving that sustainability can be dynamic and design-driven.
Even our packaging reflects this philosophy: rather than subdued natural tones, we opt for eye-catching, colorful designs that reinforce our message—sustainability should stand out, not blend in.
Each pair is more than just an accessory—it’s a statement of innovation, creativity, and conscious design
Name and Logo
The name Eighth Continent and its logo challenge mass consumption, symbolizing the mission to combat ocean plastic waste while transforming it into innovative designs.
The logo features a diagonal eight, composed of semi-oval shapes intersected by three hollow ovals, creating a sporty yet modern visual impact. Designed for versatility, it can appear as a standalone icon or be paired with the Eighth Continent name in bold ABC Dinamo Diatype typography. This adaptability allows it to shift between minimalist and expressive applications while maintaining strong brand recognition.
Its color palette ranges from classic black and white to bold, pop-inspired hues, reflecting Eighth Continent’s vibrant and unconventional approach. These dynamic color variations seamlessly connect sustainability with contemporary design, ensuring the logo remains fresh, flexible, and visually engaging across different contexts.
Designed to immediately catch the eye and leave a lasting impression, the logo embodies the brand’s identity and core values while remaining adaptable to various formats without losing its distinct character.
Products
SEAFOAM DARK
The Sea Foam is a simple yet elegant pair of sunglasses made from sustainable materials. The frames are crafted from black spools, CNC shavings, and old refrigerators. The shape is slightly parallelogram-like with rounded edges, creating a soft and balanced silhouette. The sides are slim and minimalistic, while the front features a small cutout in the shape of the Eighth Continent logo. This subtle detailing integrates seamlessly into the design and enhances brand recognition.
Although the sunglasses are black, the white pattern running throughout the material makes them visually dynamic. The look is modern without being overly flashy. Sea Foam is a great example of minimalist design—its choice of materials and refined details make it stand out while conveying a strong message of sustainability.
TRANSLUCENT BRONZE
The Translucent Bronze model strikes a balance between sporty and sophisticated, designed for a modern, confident audience. Its oval front, paired with a straight upper edge and slim profile, makes it ideal for an active lifestyle, seamlessly blending into both everyday wear and sportier outfits with a subtle yet bold presence.
Distinctive six oval-shaped cutouts on the temples subtly reference the Eighth Continent logo, enhancing brand recognition while integrating effortlessly into the design.
The frame features a warm bronze-brown hue with a soft translucency that emerges under certain lighting, adding a refined, modern touch without being overpowering. Made from recycled CD cases, the material offers a unique texture and depth, reinforcing its sustainable appeal.
Translucent Bronze is for those who appreciate style and sustainability, offering versatility, functionality, and bold self-expression perfect for daily wear, sports, or leisure.
SAPPHIRE TERRAZZO
The Sapphire Terrazzo model stands out with its striking modern shape and bold blue terrazzo pattern, featuring different shades of blue.
The front showcases a generous, oval form with angled, rounded edges, creating a confident and distinctive silhouette. The temples take inspiration from our logo, incorporating its form on a larger scale while blending seamlessly with the otherwise sleek design. This results in a unique balance between eye-catching aesthetics and functional usability.
The Sapphire Terrazzo is made from recycled blue spools, giving it a unique texture and depth.
These sunglasses are designed for those who love bold yet contemporary styles, appreciate modern patterns, and aren’t afraid to wear something extraordinary.
GLAZE SPRINKLE
Glaze Sprinkle is a pair of sunglasses with a milky-transparent look. The soft, translucent white material is accented with delicate, flowing color speckles, creating a marbled-like texture. These subtle gradients add a calm yet visually intriguing effect without being too loud.
The shape is reminiscent of a classic aviator design, featuring a broader upper line that tapers downward, resulting in a balanced and contemporary silhouette. The temples are slightly wider and include a modern detail: the Eighth Continent logo is elegantly laser-cut, adding a refined, high-tech touch to the design.
Glaze Sprinkle is perfect for those who seek a minimalist yet unique aesthetic. These sunglasses combine classic shapes with innovative details, offering a subtle yet stylish way to express oneself. They are ideal for individuals who appreciate clean lines and a sense of lightness in design while still enjoying distinctive accents.
