loveFMD Magazine issue4

INTERVIEW | WOLFGANG PROKSCH
Wolfgang Proksch
INTERVIEW
What made you decide to start your own company?
During my work of creating new designs I decided at the end
of the 80’s to go by myself and contacted Traction Production
in the French Jura. At that time they also produced for L.A.
Eyeworks and other hot labels in US.
Did you find it easy to progress at the beginning of your career?
What have some of the biggest challenges been?
In the 80’s and 90’s it was much easier to launch a new brand as
there were very few internationally prominent designer labels.
I’ve been in the clique with L.A. Eyeworks, Oliver Peoples and
the avant-garde Theo people. We got lots of attention and
we did Tours in big European cities together. My goals were
always clear: innovative details, modern design with respect to
the heritage of past iconic creations, minimalistic, high-quality.
To be a visionary was my aspiration all of the time. Tricky as it
meant often less commercial success.
© Suzana Holtgrave
What were some of the most important milestones after founding the
company?
To get my ideas patented, finding the path for a unique strong
design language.
In terms of marketing your product, what’s been your most successful
marketing technique so far?
I believe in the concept to work with people or companies
within countries as they understand the rules and manners of
the market, speak the language and provide a good service.
Who or what were your early influences?
Designers in the field such as Alain Mikli and small Japanese
factories that made incredible products. I loved the Jean-Paul-
Gaultier, Y. Yamamoto and Helmut Lang glasses of the 90’s,
the design of the 60’s and 70’s in fashion and eyewear. But also
architecture and cars and furniture inspired me. Nowadays
one can research a lot on the net and I also found sudden
inspirations during my journeys.
Do you remember what your first frames were?
Of course. Super small frames, very narrow shapes. My first
collection was half-rim with bold top special layered acetate. I
still have some collected ones.
© Suzana Holtgrave
How has your creative process evolved over the course of your
career?
I try to be consequent and durable in the designs over the
seasons and not try to follow latest fashion trends.
Where do you draw inspiration from to create your eyewear
styles?
As I said, I am inspired by the industry as well as from
everything I see in design during surfing the net, reading
through magazines and books, to travelling.
Are the constantly changing fashion trends affecting how you
design?
Surely in a way. But in ByWP and Wolfgang Proksch I look at
it more as a design product while Anderne (which I design) is
related to fashion and so for me is an accessory.
Out of all the glasses you created, which one is your favorite
piece?
My WP combination frame WP1106.
80 | loveFMD.com
© Suzana Holtgrave