Eyewear designer Blake Kuwahara loves to spend time at home enjoying the California sunshine. This summer, he has planned a two-week holiday which begins  in Paris and and includes  a road trip to the South of France. “I’m looking forward to trolling the local flea markets and my only worry is how I’m going to get my marvelous finds home,” he said.

As part of a series highlighting the Members of the edCFDA (Eyewear Designers of the CFDA), we asked Blake 25 all-important  questions.

Where were you born/where did you grow up?

In a suburb of Los Angeles. We lived on a cul-de-sac; it was a very Ozzie & Harriet upbringing.

What was your favorite activity as a child?

Digging in our backyard, looking for petrified shells and bones. Growing up, I wanted to be an archaeologist.

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

My first big purchase was a used BMW 850 coupe.  The built-in car phone and beer cooler in the backseat sealed the deal – lol. It was a bit obnoxious, but it had beautiful lines…. I wish that I had held onto it.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To play the guitar or piano.  I have absolutely no musical skills.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“No way!”

What is your greatest fear?

Being irrelevant.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Fluff and Fold (laundry that is!)

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Manuel Antonio Beach in Costa Rica. I’ve been going  every year for the last 20 years. Part of the joy of a holiday is not having to think too much.

What is your most treasured possession?

A simple, old silver necklace that once belonged to my grandmother.  She’ll be 104 years old this year. It reminds me of her practical nature, love of accessories, and very curated eye.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My pragmatic nature. I think I get that from my grandmother.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty and a good heart.

What is your favorite color?

Black. Does that count?

What are you most grateful for?

Serendipity.  My chance encounters have always made the biggest impact in my personal and business life.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Lost time is never found”.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Washing windows.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

“Tapestry” (with apologies to Carole King).

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, “Chasing Pavements”, “Tapestry”, “September”.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

38. Sounds old enough to know better, but young enough to be forgiven for folly.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Leaving optometry for a life in design”.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?

Fred’s in Sausalito.  It’s a local, dive-y diner. Like Cheers by the Bay.

What was the best gift you ever received?

Independence.

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?

Visit the Great Pyramids and then cruise down the Nile.

When was the last time you were nervous?

Before the launch of every collection.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Reinvention.

What is your “personal motto”?

“Find A Way”.