Gentle Monster

Founded in Seoul in 2011 by Hankook Kim, Gentle Monster is a South Korean luxury eyewear brand known for oversized frames designed specifically for Asian facial structures with low bridge noses. The brand operates 81 stores across 14 countries and is available through 450+ retailers in 30 markets. Gentle Monster is owned by parent company II Combined, which also operates Tamburins (fragrance) and NUDAKE (desserts). Eyewear prices typically range from $200 to $300. The brand employs 6 designers for eyewear products and 60 for creating immersive retail experiences that function as contemporary art galleries featuring kinetic sculptures and rotating installations that change every 21 days. Production facilities are located in Daegu (formerly a Luxottica manufacturing hub) and China, allowing quality control and competitive pricing. In 2017, LVMH invested $60 million for a 7% stake in the company. Gentle Monster collaborates extensively with fashion brands and celebrities: Tilda Swinton (2017), Hood by Air, Opening Ceremony, Henrik Vibskov, Marcel Wanders, Huawei (smartglasses, 2019), Blackpink’s Jennie (Jentle Home, Jentle Salon collections), Kris Wu, Maison Margiela (2024), Marine Serre, Mugler, and Tekken 8. The brand shows at New York Fashion Week and releases limited-edition collections that typically sell out without restocking. All designs are unisex, and the brand avoids sales or promotions to maintain exclusivity. Gentle Monster gained mainstream recognition in 2013-2014 when Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun wore the eyewear on the series My Love From the Star.