THE BRAND
Tipton’s story starts back in 1998, when the founder, Zachary Tipton, first began making glasses in Seattle, Washington. Continually developing new concepts, he started experimenting with plastics. By chance, his father’s record collection was stored in the garage/workshop. Out of necessity, he carved the first Vinylize prototypes from these albums.
The first production series was made in 2001 in Hungary from old, communist-era vinyl found at local flea markets. Following years of testing, experimentation, and development, the Vinylize collection was launched in 2004. Production is currently located in Budapest.
Since then, Vinylize has worked with Maui Jim Sunglasses, Nespresso, AC/DC, and Land Rover on recycled eyewear projects. The brand has also provided frames for many music industry greats, including Mark Lanegan, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello, and Fred Durst, to name just a few. Vinylize repurposes over three tons of vinyl per year, and the brand’s products are sold globally.
From 2025, the company also began upcycling bicycle brake bowdens into eyewear temples.