Monthly Titled

This month’s lead review

Alice Goes to Cannes

Alice Goes to Cannes

Anna-Karin Karlsson

A focus on Fashionista Eye Candy for this May edition? My first thought was of Anna-Karin Karlsson and the delightful styles such as ‘Coco and the Row’ or ‘Black Horse’ which express a whole new inimitable language in creative sunglass design. And then we found another nine designs that sum up the mood this Summer for those who want creative design and beautifully made shades…from cateyes to aviators, pastels to neons, this is eye candy that we take our Eyestylist hats off to!

Eyestylist has always been a big fan of ‘Alice Goes to Cannes’ by Anna-Karin Karlsson, (see the first of these here: http://www.eyestylist.com/2011/05/introducing-anna-karin-karlsson/) and this, the latest version, (above) has to be a winner for the summer ahead. Produced in pink with gold glitter, this little bombshell fits perfectly with the sweet pastel trend whilst having a bold blocked shocking pink on the inside for that extra little something. Ms Karlsson’s powerful collection for this year continues to thrill the fashion world around the globe. It’s an exciting story that is still unfolding.  www.annakarinkarlsson.com CN

Cinquante+huit

Cinquante+huit

Theo Belgium

New designs from Theo’s VinGtage collection include this robust frame with its rugged, angular and chunky shape. Theo designer Serge Bracké created this retro-inspired design in titanium, with decorative rivets on the front and sides of the frame – and there is a hidden message! There are four models, and the rivets on each design form the shape of a letter – in Braille! So cinquante+huit represents the O in theo. Irresistible colours too – including new tones of electric blue (above) and passion red. www.theo.be JG

Isola Ella

Isola Ella

Anna Karin Karlsson, Sweden

In the vast beautiful land of Sweden that Anna-Karin Karlsson calls home, the designer excels in creating romantic, revolutionary eyewear. Isola Ella radiates innovation and imagination. Bright turquoise acetate is accented with black and gold in an extravagant cat-eye shape. The intricate gold filigree is a special patented process. Stunning! www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG

Martim

Martim

Paulino Spectacles

There is a wide choice of round spectacles for men at this time; I particularly like the small metal circular ones with a 1920s feel, and the soft coloured acetate ones, such as this style by newcomers, Paulino Spectacles. Crafted in a small traditional spectaclemaking establishment in Portugal, this one takes the classic design and gives it a special two-tone colour makeover. The photo does justice to the spectacles in that the attractive translucent colour of the acetate material is well represented. A smart choice for men and a label to watch out for this year. www.paulinospectacles.com CN

The Super Brights 2013

The Super Brights 2013

ROW45 – The Row x Linda Farrow Collaborations

The new colours are coming…and we have created a new presentation in our reviews where we will pick the stand-out trends. To start, the super brights, from oranges and lemons to the big buzz on turquoise and other great chic shouts of colour. This round shape from The Row – model Row 45 – is likely to fare well in the spring and summer months as a fashion piece. The style comes in ochre, beige, bottle green (an ideal new choice for 2013) and teracotta – pictured above with solid dark red lenses –  as well as classic black or tortoise. The style here also has luxe dark red soft lamb skin covered arms combined with stainless steel inserts to top things off, as well as CR39 lenses. The Row’s designers, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were named womenswear designers of the year 2012 by The Council of Fashion Designers of America. CN www.therow.com / For the new Linda Farrow website go to www.lindafarrow.co.uk

 

 

Sweet Summer Breeze

Sweet Summer Breeze

Andy Wolf Austria

If sunny, warm climes are your destination, these fun, stylish frames from Andy Wolf are just the item to tuck in with your beach gear. At Hall of Frames Zurich, I had the opportunity to speak with Andy Wolf co-founder, Wolfgang Scheucher, about the design concepts that are the hallmark of the collection – colour and imagination – such as Sweet Summer Dreams (above). The exotic shape is striking in acetate and metal, and the luscious tones of aqua and sea green are superb with a suntan! www.andy-wolf.com JG

RG0006

RG0006

Rigards – Handmade for Your Face

Looking for a unique pair of sunglasses? Made of horn, this super oversized style is the creation of an independent label called Rigards who specialise in handmade horn designs using traditional production techniques. This is a first taste of this label on Eyestylist.com. I can’t really do their collection justice in a few lines but what I can say for this review is there is a lot of attention to hand finishing and detail here that deserves to be noticed, and the passion for quality, style and comfort is very strong. Made in an atelier in Hong Kong, these are one-off designs for connoisseurs of beautiful eyewear and each piece has a huge amount of character and individuality…the horn is carefully selected and is an organic by-product from water buffalos reared on small African farms so there is an eco-friendly element too. Each of the sunglass styles is individually numbered and produced in a limited series of 200 or 500 pieces.

Rigards Eyewear is coming soon to the UK www.layerslondon.com (be quick this Spring!) and available in France at  L’Eclaireur (Paris) www.leclaireur.com and Royal Navy (Marseille). We have more details on Rigards designs coming soon. See the label’s website for insights and further information on stockists:  http://rigards.com CN

Veiga

Veiga

Face à Face Paris

Geometric colour blocks and strong contrasts- a tribute to Piet Mondrian – signify the dramatic eyewear collection from Face à Face that they are launching this autumn. The bold shape with its sharp angles creates a real continuity between the acetate pieces. Purity, elegance and simplicity combine in this design by Pascal Jaulent, to create a beautiful new classic. www.faceaface-paris.com JG

LIN

LIN

Lafont Paris

The colour of this frame is reminiscent of the fall wine harvest in France – delicious! LIN is one of the new frames being introduced at SILMO by Lafont for spring/summer 2013 called “Rendez-vous”, and includes both optical and sunglass designs. The luscious acetate in LIN, is crafted into a classic shape, and highlighted with delicate temple detail. The perfect accessory for Autumn fashions! For more details, see www.lafont.com, or visit one of their stunning Paris boutiques to view the entire collection first hand. JG

Farfale B59 001

Farfale B59 001

Colour Fantasy by Francis Klein

An explosion of bright, cheerful colours highights Farfale by Francis Klein. The frame features characteristics that are particularly unique – the exaggerated cat eye shape, bevelled detailing, mini-flowers, and distinctive ornamentation. The Parisian based family company allow their creative imaginations to soar with exceptional results!  Available at the delightful Parisian boutique on The Left Bank and at www.francisklein.com JG