PRESS
"The Smith & Norbu philosophy was designed by Ams to appeal to people who are 'hedonists and elegant', who 'rely on their own taste and creativity' and who chose noble materials seeking 'beauty over the ostentation of designer names.' "
The Fashionable Truth
"Walking around Smith & Norbu's first retail venture at PMQ, the creative hub in Central, Ams opens a drawer to reveal samples of the raw material, each piece as smooth as marble."
South China Morning Post (HK)
"Quality and natural materials, mixed in with incredible craftsmanship and bespoke offerings, Smith & Norbu is the best shop for outstanding eyewear."
Avenue822
"6. Indie Heaven
Two years ago, a 1950s complex that once served as the city’s “Police Married Quarters” was reopened as PMQ, a hub for independent designers and other creative types. ... Smith & Norbu (S404) makes bespoke eyewear from buffalo and yak horns... ."
The New York Times
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“What is it about these frames that make them so special?
I loved the assortment of tones and mottling. The tone is incredibly varied, with black, brown and white swirls…. I’ve also picked a matte finish, which is a lovely touch.”
Rob Report
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"One gets the sense that the entire universe will look more elegant once you put a pair on. The sense is indeed true and it’s thanks to the three F words at the heart of bespoke eyewear - ‘fit’, ‘function’, and ‘flatter’. "
Cup Above Tea
"These are a luxury option using yak and buffalo horn, often handmade to fit your exact requirements."
FashionBeans
"Hong Kong's fashion and accessories labels featured at New York Fashion Week included ... Smith & Norbu"
Hong Kong Digest (HKETONY)
"Luxury brands and environmental consciousness don’t always go hand-in-hand, but for eyewear and accessories brand Smith & Norbu, eco-friendly materials are an intrinsic part of the brand."
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council
"Investing over five hours into each piece and putting no shortage of heart into packaging and style, Smith & Norbu revitalizes eyewear as an increasingly popular statement of style."
Jing Daily
"In this inaugural episode we talk to Benoit Ams, founder, owner, designer …. Renaissance Man extraordinaire at Smith & Norbu... We will learn about the joys and challenges of being a small artisanal start-up in Hong-Kong and China, what attracts people to such an offering, and what the dreams of Benoit and his team are for the future. "
Ueber Brands (Podcast)
"Voguish visionaries flock to this teeny spec shop, fitting custom Tibetan buffalo and yak-horn-plated eyewear and accessories in a panoply of shapes and colours. Not only is each pair rigorously hand-cut, pressed, sawed and polished..."
Luxe City Guides
“It’s truly beautiful in here and it’s nice to know that all the buffalo are free-running and sustainably bred”
Big Review TV
"Down the street, a 1950s complex for married police officers has been transformed into a marketplace for designers called PMQ, where you can find, among other things, buffalo-horn sunglasses at the Belgian-owned boutique Smith & Norbu"
The New York Times
"Spectacles are no longer seen as a devise to aid your vision but mostly as a reflection of your personal image or a way to enhance your facial features. "
Wowcracy
"Smith & Norbu, a company that makes upscale, sustainably sourced, bespoke yak and buffalo horn eyeglasses and accessories. The company offers customers the ability to choose the material and made-to-measure glasses frames."