February 2011

February issue: Inspiration for Spring

 

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.

London Fashion Week

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

Sexxxy

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

GIGI STUDIOS
Loft. New York. March 14-17
BLACKFIN
DIFFUSER Tokyo
Orgreen
LEINZ
MOREL
ROLF Spectacles
OGI Eyewear

No.1 Sun Wyatt

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. (more…)

BLACKFIN
Look
GIGI STUDIOS
LEINZ
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
Götti Switzerland

Lucian

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.”

BLACKFIN
Article One
OGI Eyewear
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
ROLF Spectacles
Look
Loft. New York. March 14-17
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
Götti Switzerland

Frames from this energetic young Danish company are individually handcrafted in Japan for a good balance of fashion and function. CN  www.orgreen.dk