February 2011
You are browsing the archive for February 2011.
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Following our launch in January, we have been searching for this month’s inspirational designs, designers, and new launches. The creative possibilities in eyewear are awe-inspiring, and by profiling individual frame designs we are hoping to uncover all kinds of clever solutions and achievements…whether it’s a frame in wood that is free from any components, such as those made by Rolf Spectacles, or a joint or hinge such as the 3Click™ by Sutro, so meticulously conceived that it becomes a key part of the overall aesthetic, as well as the primary functional joint between the frame front and the temples.
Posted in Home, Intro
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
One to watch: Andy Wolf Eyewear
London, 24th February, 2011 – Sunglasses are generally well represented at London Fashion Week both on and off the catwalks, thanks to British fashion favourite Cutler & Gross whose vintage shades are always a popular fashion editor’s choice. Specs tend to get slightly less of a showing, although I’ve been sent a few images this year…this one features Andy Wolf Eyewear which got an amazing showing on the models at the Irwin & Jordan show on Friday.
Andy Wolf Eyewear is based in Austria where its products are handmade. Launched in 2006, the brand has become known as a niche label offering style and elegance and beautifully crafted vintage effect styling…but without compromising on the functionality and wearability of the product. Hoping to see this one again in Milan next week. CN
http://andywolf-eyewear.com
Posted in Category header, Design and Inspiration, Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Thierry Lasry
I have known Thierry since the 1990s; he looks like a rockstar and he’s the designer of clever, cool, underground eyewear; he’s totally passionate about eyewear design as many designers in the business are…he’s always shown me his frames with such great enthusiasm that I come away impressed by the creativity, the excitement he manages to inject into his styles, and the way he manages to put his stamp on his designs…he’s certainly very popular with celebrities, and you can see why – the designs are always special or make an independent statement. Model Sexxxy is just that (with one “x”); its sister shape, model “Lively” is one that Madonna has been seen in time and again, and Sexxxy provides that lovely reminder of vintage shapes of the past, in a futuristic concept – the temples look as if they have been designed by an architect, the chunky quality of the black acetate is a wonderful camouflage (you can see why the famous faces would like it to hide behind) and yet it has an eloquent shape. CN
www.thierrylasry.com
Posted in February, Monthly Titled, One, Reviews
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Mykita
Today, model Wyatt by Mykita is sitting on my desk and has caught my eye. It’s a unisex frame that has a slick shape while being as light as a feather. There are different colour options, including this gold one and the stunning black I have in front of me. Mykita’s Collection No.1 has a clever, patented “snap-hinge”. This means the hinge does not require any soldering or screws and it is therefore particularly good-looking; it adds to the design, and makes a quirky snapping sound when you open and close the temple. Sunglasses in the No.1 line come in a variety of metal surfaces, with a choice of lacquer coatings. Continue reading “No.1 Sun Wyatt”
Posted in Reviews, Two
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Ørgreen
Aviators are the number one sunglass design for Spring/Summer 2011, with all kinds of interpretations available for men and women. Danish designers Ørgreen have come up with this angular, oversized model which is the look I think many will be wanting to find in the months ahead, particularly in this shade of white which is going to be a big thing come the new season:
“Ørgreen keeps one eye in the future and the other in the past with the launch of 12 fresh new frames for 2011,” said a spokesperson for the company. “Sleek Danish design advances in a new streamlined direction with lightweight titanium, beta titanium and acetate frames in colours ranging from earthy to jewel luster.”
Frames from this energetic young Danish company are individually handcrafted in Japan for a good balance of fashion and function. CN www.orgreen.dk
Posted in Reviews, Three
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Histoire de Voir
I’ve got a bit of a thing about crystal at the moment so I’ve selected an example here that is really outstanding. This frame is made from transparent acetate combined with leather, yes, beautiful, tactile leather….The designer Stephane Sarnin is one of few in the spectacle business who specialises in leather designs.
Much of the work is done by hand by Stephane in a workshop – a finish like this could not ever be mass produced. The whole collection is quite astounding given the complexities of assembling the materials and combining leather with other more commonly used materials like acetate. I can also recommend the styles using embossed leathers with beautiful antique patterning. They are very original. CN www.histoire-de-voir.com
Posted in Four, Reviews
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Christian Roth
Acetate is a versatile material for frames and the opportunity to use colourful handmade acetates is never wasted by designers Christian Roth and Eric Domege, who were two of the first spectacle creators to set trends (in the 1980s and 1990s) and dictate the look of the moment…this pair of sunglasses, pictured in orange, is also available in classic havana. It has a strong oversize square eye shape, and the acetate has a special striated pattern which gives it a unique handmade, vintage feel; the light orange tinted lenses which allow the eyes to be seen below them unite with the frame to create a style which is unusual and playful. CN www.christian-roth.com
Posted in Five, Reviews
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Blinde
The Blinde Collection is one of several brands under the auspices of Optical Shop International – creators of diva glasses for women and truly trendsetter styles for men. Fess Up is a luxurious handmade creation, with a hint of Retro, in Italian and Japanese acetate zyl. There is a genuine feel-good factor with these glasses even in your hand, that translates onto your face when wearing them. The finely bevelled temple, custom hinges and wonderfully expressive colours – like the Royal Purple featured – insure that Fess Up is a pleasure to wear. JG www.opticalshopinternational.com
Posted in Reviews, Six
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
l.a eyeworks
Eyewear designers Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds were among the first to create exciting frames in unexpected colourations. That was in the early 1980’s, and since then, loyal followers (including me!) around the globe seek their colour adventures in frames. The California-based design team are a wellspring of unique ideas for eyewear. Elton John and Arnold Schwarzenegger head a star-studded list of wearers who covet the flare, fashion and fit that is an essential with every frame. Tuba is a good example of Gai and Barbara’s creativity with modern shaping and experimental use of colour. Creamy, soft buttery acetate is counter coloured with rich chocolate sculpted along the bold brow – it’s subtle and chicly sophisticated. The frame is also available in an elegant blue on blue and black and green. You can find fashion forward frames by l.a.eyeworks in London at Mallon & Taub on Marylebone High Street and Ste Maral optic in Paris. JG www.laeyeworks.com
Posted in Reviews, Seven
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Vanessa & Mehdi
Vanessa & Mehdi design frames with amazing engineering feats. In 2007, they won a coveted Silmo D’Or (an Oscar equivalent in eyewear) and they bring a unique style to their creations, with ethereal, futuristic elements combined with technological innovation. Their frames have a mechanism designed in mould-injected metal that ensures a micrometric adjustment, so that every frame has a customized fit for the temples and frame front. The lenses on these particularly distinctive frames, give the illusion of “floating”, and purple is just one of several delicious colours in which these frames are available.You can find these frames and other innovative designs by Vanessa & Mehdi at Blanco Optica in Valladolid, Spain and Optique Milbert in Remich, Luxembourg. JG www.vanessaetmehdi.com
Posted in Eight, Reviews
