Shop Handcrafted DITA Glasses & Sunglasses at Prism Eye Care

Two kindergarten friends from Laguna Beach, California. One made snowboard films. The other shot the photographs. Neither had any business being in the eyewear industry.

Jeff Solorio and John Juniper founded DITA in Los Angeles in 1995 because they were frustrated. The luxury eyewear available at the time was, in their words, uninspired. Fashion houses were licensing their names to mass manufacturers and calling the results "premium." Solorio and Juniper wanted something different: frames designed with the same creative ambition they brought to filmmaking and photography, but built by the best craftsmen in the world. So they went to Japan.

That decision defined everything. Nearly 30 years later, every single DITA frame is still handmade in Japan. Each one takes up to eight months to complete and goes through over 350 production steps, involving as many as 100 artisans and craftsmen. The materials read like a jeweller's catalogue: titanium, beta-titanium, 18K gold, white gold, platinum, and Japanese Zyl acetate. DITA does not license its name. It does not outsource production. It remains one of the last fully independent eyewear brands in the world.

At Prism Eye Care, we are proud to carry DITA eyewear in Bangalore. Every frame is sourced through authorized channels with full brand certification and warranty.

350 Steps, 100 Artisans, 8 Months: What Goes Into a Single Frame

The production process behind DITA glasses is closer to watchmaking than to anything you would associate with the eyewear industry.

Acetate frames begin with thick slabs of Japanese Zyl, which are milled, shaped, and then tumbled for weeks in drums filled with natural bamboo chips. This slow tumbling process polishes the acetate to a depth of lustre that machine polishing cannot replicate. The frames are then hand-sanded, fitted with custom hinges, and assembled by artisans who have spent years mastering the process.

Titanium frames are forged and shaped using techniques developed in Japan's precision metalworking tradition. DITA pioneered the use of titanium in luxury eyewear, and their processes include diamond-pressing, hand-riveting, and finishing with brushed, polished, or matte textures. The Flight series (inspired by golden-age aviation) and the Mach series (referencing fighter pilot helmets) are both full-titanium constructions that showcase this metalwork at its finest.

For the limited-edition models, 18K gold and platinum are used for temple accents and bridge details. These pieces are produced in extremely small quantities and priced accordingly.

The result across every collection is a frame that feels different in your hand and on your face. The weight distribution, the smoothness of the hinges, the optical clarity of the lenses, and the precision of every edge and curve: these are details you feel even if you cannot name them.

The Collections That Define DITA

DITA organises its eyewear into named series, each with a distinct personality.

The Flight series is the brand's most iconic. Full titanium frames inspired by vintage pilot eyewear, with oversized lenses, thin bridges, and diamond-pressed accents. The Flight 006 and Flight 007 are two of the most sought-after sunglasses frames in independent luxury eyewear.

The Mach series draws from military fighter pilot aesthetics. Angular metal frames with side shields, sculpted temples, and aggressive proportions. The Mach Five and Mach Six are statement frames for buyers who want their DITA eyewear to carry serious visual weight.

The Statesman is DITA's most famous optical frame. A combination of acetate and titanium with a bold browline silhouette that references 1950s Hollywood. David Beckham and Justin Timberlake have both been photographed wearing it. If you want a single frame that captures what DITA does best, the Statesman is it.

The Grand series and Epiluxury collections push into ultra-luxury territory, with 18K gold detailing, hand-engraved accents, and limited production runs measured in dozens, not thousands.

For prescription wear, DITA's optical range supports single-vision, progressive, and blue-light filtering lenses. The frame geometry is designed for precise lens centring, which matters for high-end optical performance.

Pricing and What the Investment Represents

DITA frames at Prism Eye Care range from approximately Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. Limited-edition and precious-metal models can go higher.

That places DITA alongside Cutler and Gross and Maybach in the independent luxury bracket. The three brands share one trait: none of them license their name to a conglomerate manufacturer. DITA's pricing reflects genuine handcraft (350+ production steps, months of production time), rare materials (titanium, 18K gold, Japanese Zyl), and controlled distribution. You will not find DITA discounted on marketplaces or stocked by unverified sellers. The brand controls its retail footprint deliberately, and Prism Eye Care is one of the few authorized retailers carrying the collection in India.

For buyers who invest in DITA glasses, the frames are built to last for years. The titanium construction does not fatigue, the hinges do not loosen, and the acetate develops a richer patina with age. Like a well-made watch, these are frames that improve with ownership.

How to Get Yours

You can browse the DITA collection on our website with product images, dimensions, and pricing. Given the investment involved, we strongly recommend experiencing DITA in person before purchasing. The weight of the titanium, the polished bamboo-tumbled acetate, and the precision of the hinges need to be felt to be fully appreciated.

Visit Prism Eye Care at our Indiranagar or HSR Layout stores in Bangalore to try the collection. For buyers outside Bangalore, our team offers detailed consultations via WhatsApp or phone at +91 9164203360. We can walk you through model options, sizing, and materials before you commit.

FAQs

Q1: Why is DITA eyewear so expensive?

Every DITA frame is handmade in Japan, going through over 350 production steps and taking up to eight months to complete. Materials include titanium, 18K gold, platinum, and premium Japanese Zyl acetate. The brand does not license its name or outsource production. Pricing reflects genuine artisan craftsmanship and controlled, limited distribution.

Q2: Where are DITA frames made?

All DITA frames are handcrafted in Japan by master artisans. Acetate models are tumbled with natural bamboo chips for weeks to achieve a deep, lustrous polish. Titanium models are forged, diamond-pressed, and finished using Japan's precision metalworking tradition. The design headquarters is in Los Angeles.

Q3: Is DITA an independent brand or part of a large group?

DITA is one of the last fully independent luxury eyewear brands in the world. It is not owned by Luxottica, Kering, or any other conglomerate. Co-founders Jeff Solorio and John Juniper have maintained full creative and production control since 1995. This independence is central to the brand's identity and quality.

Q4: Can I get prescription lenses in DITA frames?

Yes. DITA's optical frames are designed for precise lens centring and support single-vision, progressive, and blue-light filtering lenses. The frame geometry accommodates high-end optical performance. Prism Eye Care's optometrists handle fitting at our Bangalore stores.

Q5: What is the most iconic DITA frame?

The Statesman (acetate and titanium browline) is DITA's most famous optical frame, worn by David Beckham and Justin Timberlake. For sunglasses, the Flight series (inspired by vintage pilot eyewear) and the Mach series (inspired by fighter pilot aesthetics) are the brand's most recognised and sought-after models globally.

Ready for independent luxury? Browse the DITA collection online or visit Prism Eye Care in Bangalore to experience the frames.

Shop DITA eyewear now or call +91 9164203360 for a personalised consultation.