November 2016

Flying high with speed and style

This year marks the centennial of a unique and historic event that unified hope, courage and passion – and a strengthened, shared commitment. In 1916, the United States had not yet officially entered World War I. Hence, a group of young American pilots wanted to show their allegiance and unity with the French, in defence of their respected values and spirit – that both countries held dear.

A squadron consisting entirely of American volunteers was organised to lend support to the French Army. The La Fayette squadron debuted in 1916, named after the Marquis de La Fayette, a French hero of the US War of Independence. La Lafayette was a prominent and heroic symbol of friendship between the two countries. The squadron’s insignia was the head of a Sioux Indian Chief, unifying strength and courage. The unit fought in every battle of the war, and notably the battle of Verdun. When the US entered the war, the pilots from the La Fayette Squadron were incorporated into the US Army, and served as the first fighter pilots of America that eventually became the US Air Force. By the end of the war, 267 American pilots had served in the La Fayette Flying Group…and the rest is history!

Collaborative venture: Lafont's frame tribute to the La Fayette Squadron
Collaborative venture: Lafont’s frame tribute to the La Fayette Squadron

Fast forward to 2016, and to mark the occasion, Lafont Paris has created a commemorative Limited Edition sunglass design in collaboration with the French Air Force. Matthieu Lafont, who loves planes, commented what an honour it was to work on this exclusive, joint venture, and a thrill to visit the air base. The rich history of the squadron, along with the devotion and dedication of the pilots were all strong stimulus and inspirations for Lafont in creating these respected frames. To celebrate the milestone, a centennial logo was created based on the initial logo that represented the squadron in WWI, and is prominently used on a Mirage 200N, the aircraft currently used by the La Fayette Squadron.

ERKERS
VAVA Eyewear
OGI Eyewear
SALT.
BLACKFIN
Orgreen
ROLF Spectacles
MOREL
Socrate La Fayette by Lafont Paris, handcrafted in France
Socrate La Fayette by Lafont Paris, handcrafted in France

In the design process, the Lafont Studio took into consideration the special needs of the pilots who sought an ergonomic sunglass suitable for daily use. The result recognises and pays tribute to the squadron’s insignia and traditions, featuring the Sioux head laser engraved on the lenses. A super sonic winner! www.lafont.com Please note: Model Socrate is available in the Lafont collection, but without the collector colours and décor. JG

Tavat Soupcan Round 2.0

With its ravishing round shape and vintage echoes, Round 2.0 from the Tavat Soupcan collection is a harmonious mix of style and technology. Alpacca – a copper alloy – unites with printed acetate on the eye rims and temples. Crafted in Italy, Round 2.0 excels in fabulous fundamentals, superior performance, and customised individuality. More on Soupcan styles from Tavat at www.tavat-eyewear.com JG

VAVA Eyewear
Res Rei
TVR True Vintage Revival
OGI Eyewear
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
BLACKFIN
SALT.
ROLF Spectacles

Eye Boutique, Dubai Mall

Dubai’s impressive luxury eyewear store – EYE BOUTIQUE – is a haven for the eyewear enthusiast, offering a mix of some of the world’s greatest luxury design labels and experimental designs, an exceptional and comprehensive vision care service, and a staggeringly impressive choice of vintage frames.

Part of the historical Hassan’s Optician Company in Kuwait, the first optician store officially approved by the Kuwaiti Department of Health in 1960, the innovative world-class EYE BOUTIQUE was founded by Sanaz Saadat, the wife of Dr Kian Saadat, the son of the founder and current CEO of Hassan’s Optician Co., Dr Hassan Saadat Yazdi.

The success of the EYE BOUTIQUE in Kuwait and Dubai is such that expansion plans are underway to open two additional stores in the UAE.

Eye Boutique, Kuwait store
Eye Boutique, Kuwait store
Unique design from ic! berlin
Unique “collectible” design from ic! berlin

Today, the boutique in the Dubai Mall which EYESTYLIST visited in October 2016, has a comprehensive selection of luxury and experimental frames. They include some of the finest designs by leading innovators Anna-Karin Karlsson, LGR, Linda Farrow, Gentle Monster, Oliver Goldsmith and LINDBERG, as well as ic! berlin – some of their rare pieces such as Splash! dating back to 2012 and their more recent collectible “glasses display” (pictured above).

Look
Götti Switzerland
SALT.
Loft. New York. March 14-17
GIGI STUDIOS
Luxury Limited Editions and vintage eyewear at Eye Boutique
Luxury Limited Editions and vintage eyewear at Eye Boutique

The vintage collection is unprecedented and comes from Hassan’s Kuwait archives. Key early pieces from brands like Persol are available, as are labels such as the Italian classic Casanova by TAXI, Paloma Picasso, DIOR and Cazal.

Dubai Mall, Ground Level, Dubai and 360 Shopping Mall, Sixth Ring Road, Kuwait. New stores coming soon! For more details visit www.eyeboutiqueme.com CN

 

FLEYE: Inspirational, imaginative, iconic!

FLEYE has launched their stunning new campaign for 2016/2017 that celebrates the Danish label with pure aesthetics and timeless simplicity. The extraordinary natural beauty of the La Muralla Roja location – which means “The Red Wall” – not only captures Nature’s ageless landscape – but clearly captivates the new designs and artistic direction of FLEYE’s imaginative collection. Photographer Silvia Conde embraces the amazing lighting and moods of La Muralla Roja – rising from the rocky cliffs of Calpe, nestled in the Alicante region of Spain. This tranquil setting is the ideal canvas to introduce FLEYE’s elegant frame silhouettes that effectively combine a triad of nature, inspiration and creative design.

In the top image (left to right) the Dorius frame unites a unique material mix of carbon and wood in a stylish creation with a distinctive appearance. Kani reinvents the aviator with a chic brow bar in high-density acetate for a slim, lightweight and minimalistic look. A frame with immense character is Emmet, constructed with 23 layers of paper-thin carbon fibre and a slim wood layer. With timeless sophistication and an edgy note, the angular shape of Arden is a trio of beta-titanium, carbon fibre and wood.

ROLF Spectacles
TVR True Vintage Revival
MOREL
OGI Eyewear
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
GIGI STUDIOS
Götti Switzerland
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
LEINZ
Dicte from the FLEYE collection
Dicte from the FLEYE collection

Dicte is a luxuriously crafted beta-titanium design for women in smooth matt black, and a special touch with green marble acetate end-tips, plus a slightly curved top that accentuates the eyebrows. FLEYE designs are adventurous, innovative, ultra-light, comfortable, well-fitted and graciously refined. More beautiful discoveries at www.fleye.dk JG

Style 609 Pollipo’

Paola Costantini’s Roman heritage underlies her achievement for exquisite craftsmanship, and embodiment of expressive colours. Her latest designs include elegant style 609 in brushed beige cubanite – with colour and texture midway between leather and fabric, played on neutral tones. The contemporary cat eye silhouette highlights the sophistication and refinement of the design. Natural Tuscan leather in brilliant orange with a saffiano finish is the ideal way to store and protect your glasses. Discover more of Polippo’s chic eyewear at www.pollipocchiali.it JG

Orgreen
LEINZ
DIFFUSER Tokyo
Götti Switzerland
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
OGI Eyewear