Hugo Martin, the “Super Hero” of glasses – EYESEEMAG

I think from an industry perspective, I think we really do our own thing when it comes to design. However, one label that has always influenced us is Oakley. Their approach to glasses is really revolutionary and their philosophy is similar to the one that we’ve tried to cultivate at Parasite Design. We also love brands like Alain Mikli, Frédéric Beausoleil and Jean-François Rey, to name some other French designers. 

Who is currently on your radar?

At the moment, there are four brands that I really love. These are the Japanese brands Masahiro Maruyama and Factory 900, as well as the Hong Kong-based label Rigards and the Italian brand Portrait. I’ve always felt a real affinity for Asian design. Maybe it’s because of my long held love of Manga, I’m not totally sure. I also love Japanese, Korean and Hong Kongese film. Interestingly, we have always sold really well in Asian markets.

What would be your dream eyewear design?

Since we love futuristic design and using new technologies, we’ve been talking a lot lately about the idea of transhumanism. I’d love to create a model of glasses which were somehow integrated into the body so as to enhance its performance. We want to develop the idea of the cyborg or android in our work.

Who would you like to design glasses for?

For Marvel and DC Comics superheroes! One of the founding principles of Parasite Designwas to unlock the superhero that I believe is dormant in every human being. Furthermore, our slogan is ‘Made in Super France’, because all of our (amazing) glasses are designed and fabricated in France.

When you’re not at work, what are you doing?

In the kitchen! I cook a lot. I love discovering new, unknown ingredients and formulating new recipes with them. As I’m originally from the South East of France, I also love to spend time at the beach.

What’s your favourite city?

Tokyo. I could definitely go and spend time some there, setting up an outpost of Parasite Designmaybe.

If you didn’t design glasses, what would you be doing?

I’d be a cook. In Tokyo, maybe.