May 2016

Sunshine Essentials

Are you ready for summer? Is summer ready for YOU? Swimsuit? Check! Sun cream? Check! Fabulous sunglasses – absolutely, double checked! Choices abound – and certain to make a striking statement at summer destinations is Kirk & Kirk’s vibrant frame – AMANDA –  in Flame acrylic from the Kaleidoscope Collection. The luminosity of the acrylic emphasises the beauty of the shape and design. www.kirkandkirk.com

ESTY by Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland
ESTY by Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland

Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland combines artisan spectacle traditions with the latest high tech elements. Esty is a triumph in contemporary crafting with refined retro shaping. Hand polished acetate in subtle tones of marbled brown hues, and flat green lenses complete this chic accessory for summer holidays. www.gotti.ch

SODA POP 1 by Smoke X Mirrors
SODA POP 1 by Smoke X Mirrors

Soda Pop 1 is an exuberant design by Smoke X Mirrors – the exciting young company that crafts their individualistic frames in France. The voluminous acetate round shape glimmers with a pearl finish, and features a distinctive double nose bridge. Visit www.smokexmirrors.com for more exciting sun styles.

GRACE by Lucia Pasin at Lu.Pa Studio
GRACE by Lucia Pasin at Lu.Pa Studio

Strong, independent and creative women inspire Lucia Pasin’s latest eyewear designs at Lu.Pa Studio. Frieda Kahlo, Iris Apfel, Peggy Guggenheim and Grace Jones “are among my important muses,” says the Italian designer. GRACE is finely sculptured in a unique cat eye shape – one of Lucia’s favourite forms. The colours are gorgeous too. Discover additional Lu.Pa creations at www.lupastudio.it

BLACKFIN
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
ROLF Spectacles
DIFFUSER Tokyo
LEINZ
GIGI STUDIOS
KEY WEST by Blackfin
KEY WEST by Blackfin

Chic, lightweight, retro-glamour and beautiful colours tick all the fashion boxes for summer sunglasses at Blackfin. Key West is one of a stunning range of titanium designs, meticulously crafted in Italy. The panto shape and streamline features are sleek and elegant. www.blackfin.eu JG

 

 

Airman by Tavat

The Airman collection by TAVAT features high performance designs – the result of a special study of pilot’s needs for flying. The advanced technology frames provide amazing protection with Makrolon lenses that are specifically created with Melanin in the lens material – a substance that enhances optical definition. AM008S is a dashing stainless steel design with TAVAT’s signature bayonet temples, and glamorous blue lenses. www.tavat-eyewear.com JG

Ottica Urbani, Venice

“Ottica Urbani started to produce eyewear in 1953, with a collection in cellulose acetate by Mazzucchelli 1849, handmade in Cadore,” explains Fosca Urbani, one of three siblings who run the eyewear business today.

“Today we have two shops in Venice – one at the Lido, by the Des Bains Hotel and one just steps away from Piazza San Marco. We are stocking brands like Kuboraum, JF Rey and BOZ as well as our own collection of handmade designs.” The business has a simple yet precise philosophy when it comes to its own line: to bring inspiration from the lively artistic and cultural context of Venice and the city’s magical beauty. The Urbani frames are made from water buffalo horn, wood, stainless steel and high-quality acetate with inserts made of fabric and – incredibly – Venetian glass. “This eyewear,” explains Fosca, “is the result of our creative experimentation; it is designed to “dress” the face, a symbol for a lively, colourful and optimistic personality.”

Tondo
Tondo Murano by Ottica Urbani

During our visit to the store, we saw the Pantos style worn by Sir Elton John, frames decorated with small animals, as well us some “limited edition” designs with a special connection to Venice.”Tondo Murano is the classic round dedicated to Le Corbusier inset with unique embedded Murano glass “millefiori” beads produced the famous Ercole Moretti company.”

OGI Eyewear
JISCO
SALT.
Götti Switzerland
GIGI STUDIOS
Orgreen
TVR True Vintage Revival
Ice by Ottica Urbani
Ice by Ottica Urbani

Model Ice, on the other hand, is a statement design produced by hand with an uneven outer rim that is elegant, expressive and perfectly Venetian in spirit.

For further information about Ottica Urbani or to purchase their Venetian frames online, visit www.otticaurbani.com CN

Edison by La Petite Lunette Rouge

During a recent preview of the “La Petite Lunette Rouge” LPLR collection, the heptagonal model Edison took my attention, but there are several other shapes in this new researched line from France that will be popular, especially those with the electric mirrored lens hues. The handmade sunglasses by La Petite Lunette Rouge bear a signature double bridge with a very sleek design in two colours (the red is part of the branding) that runs through the collections, both in stainless steel and acetate, trendy zero base flat lenses and ceramic nose pads. Circles, pantos and aviator shapes feature: the Edison has a quirky shape and unique finish (the acetate is highly polished) without being ostentatious and it’s very light, comfortable and stable on the face. Currently available at Marc Le Bihan, Paris and Colette, look out for the tiny red aviator logo. This collection is going to pop up in some cool optical stores very soon. www.lapetitelunetterouge.com CN

Summer alert: super sunnies

Whether you fancy contemporary or exaggerated sunglasses, this summer choices abound for men, women and children. Classical compositions and bold statement designs in varied materials, copious colour selections and wonderful shapes are all on offer. Babies need sun protection too, and the perfect, stylish solution is Super Sunglasses by Zoobug (above). The fun striped handmade acetate design features child-friendly factors with curled temple tips, flex hinges, and 100% UV polarised lenses. The innovative British brand has an extensive range of specialised sunnies for children up to 12 years of age – explore more at www.zoobug.com

Teh Fox by Colin Redmond at Niloca
Teh Fox by Colin Redmond at Niloca

Colin Redmond at Niloca in Australia has launched a new collection – Titanium Bigglesworth – that will eventually consist of twenty models. The first series is called Poly Facet and includes shapes with intriguing variations on rectangular, circle and hexagon forms. Teh (misspelling intended!) Fox is to celebrate the charismatic person who is president of Redmond’s sport club and cannot spell! “We decided to embrace the error,” says Redmond, “because it’s a nice analogy – when life isn’t perfect, but we love it anyway. So these glasses aren’t normal, but people love them!” Teh Fox – shown in Ready Red – is available in seven additional radiant colours. www.niloca.com

Spitfire - Parajumpers by Coppe + Sid
Spitfire – Parajumpers by Coppe + Sid

Free-spirited sunglasses highlight the designs at Parajumpers by Coppe + Sid. Parajumpers specialise in sporty outerwear, and the collaboration with Coppe + Sid unites two companies who are recognised for products with authenticity and style. The sunglass collection in acetate and metal includes Spitfire (above) that is among the finely tuned frames that are crafted in Italy, and feature polarised Base 2 flat lenses. Lightweight yet strong, Spitfire has a smart double bridge and green lenses. www.coppeandsid.it www.parajumpers.it

Gizmo (left) and Edge 11 - TAVAT Ex-Cam Collection
Gizmo (left) and Edge 11 – TAVAT Ex-Cam Collection

TAVAT has a striking new campaign Discover your Destinations-elegant sunglasses with design simplicity, impeccable Italian crafting, and advanced technology. Inspired by the world of luxury travel, the frames incorporate modernity, comfort and ease. The Ex-Cam collection includes Gizmo (on the woman) and Edge 11 worn by the man. Definitely designs for the adventurous spirit in all of us! www.tavat-eyewear.com

Mierle by Vera Wang
Mierle by Vera Wang

American designer Vera Wang prefers pure lines in her iconic fashion designs, and the same principle applies to her chic eyewear. Zyl tortoiseshell and metal join harmoniously in Mierle, with a hint of vintage in this confident, strong shape. Discover more beautiful Vera Wang sunglasses at www.kenmarkoptical.com JG

Orgreen
GIGI STUDIOS
ROLF Spectacles
Loft. New York. March 14-17
VAVA Eyewear
BLACKFIN
OGI Eyewear