Eyestylist

Arts & travel

Sights set on SILMO 2021

29th July 2021

Paris, France: SILMO trade fair reconfirms for live show in September – an edition designed for ‘renewal and reunion’ of the entire industry

One of the optical industry’s key annual international events – which attracts a large number of international eyewear companies and a wide selection of independent brands and creative designers including young and emerging eyewear labels, looks set to take place in September 2021 – at the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte. The fair organisers have stated in July that ‘nearly 500 companies from 32 countries have registered for the live event.’

Last year the regular event was unable to go ahead at the Paris Nord site owing to Covid restrictions and a smaller version of the show took place in central Paris and in some locations in France in an unprecendented change to the calendar and a ‘roadshow’ format entitled “Silmo hors Les Murs”. Above: SILMO 2019 at Parc des Expositions: a memorable occasion and the 25th anniversary of Silmo D’Or Awards: pre-Covid-19

Visit J.F.Rey
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VAVA Eyewear
MOREL par Jean Nouvel
ROLF Spectacles

The format of the 2021 fair will follow that of previous years prior to the pandemic, with special areas such as the SILMO NEXT space and the SILMO d’Or awards and presentation event. Comfort and safety will be at the top of the organisers’ agenda, with health protocols being observed and reinforced according to the French administrative authorities, although attendees will be able to explore the trade fair freely without making an appointment in advance – in an event that promises real hope as a driver of recovery and renewal for the sector at a global level.

The SILMO fair is due to take place on 24th to 27th September 2021. Eyestylist looks forward to meeting will friends, designers and sponsors in person once again during the event. (Contact us for further details or to share your updates and previews at [email protected]).

Click on the link here to register for SILMO 2021: https://en.silmoparis.com

Design & Inspiration

RIGARDS x Uma Wang for 2021

27th July 2021

Pince-nez edition in collaborative series influenced by antique tradition

In their latest collaboration, Rigards and Uma Wang explore the classical beauty of the pince-nez, a popular 19th and early 20th century staple, traditionally designed without temples and featuring a C-shaped bridge, which served as a clip to hold the lenses on the wearer’s nose.

For the avant-garde design of the new RG00UW6, oval lenses and slender stainless steel temples are accompanied by the dramatic C-shaped bridge and distinctive curved nose-pads, designed to fit all. Above: a design to fit all faces and features, reproducing the C-shaped bridge while revealing fresh artistry and technical skill

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BLACKFIN
Hall of Frames Zurich Convention Center 12-13 September 2021
Götti Switzerland
LINDBERG
ROLF Spectacles
RIGARDS x Uma Wang model RG00UW6 – equally beautiful with ophthalmic or sun lenses

The high arched, delicately ribbon-twisted bridge simulates the coiled loop of a Möbius strip (a one sided surface) , creating a subtle three-dimensionality while also, in the brand’s own words, reflecting a calibrated balance of aesthetics and strength. The detailed openwork nosepads or rests are a nod to the Art Nouveau stencil tradition, and an evocation of the seasonal theme of this exceptional work in collaboration, where looking to the future is dependent on looking to the past.

RIGARDS x Uma Wang

About the brands: Rigards and Uma Wang have embarked on a series of collaborative designs which to date have included Le Wood in aluminium-magnesium and solid wood and the 2019 designs UW5 and UW10 – https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/11/rigards-x-uma-wang-exclusive-collaboration/ among other unique designs. With its predilection for handcrafted design and artisanal excellence, Rigards has become a highly-regarded leader in handmade avant-garde eyewear produced in some of the finest and most unusual materials in the field including natural wood, buffalo horn, copper and sterling silver. Find out more at www.rigards.com

Design & Inspiration

No ordinary colour

22nd July 2021

A look ahead at a new and inspiring colour palette

A vast selection of green hues, natural browns and reds, and earthy stone-like finishes make up a new palette – clearly inspired by the visual beauty of the natural world, and the biomaterials that are arriving in force in the eyewear sector. With the change in season will come a change in mood both in colour and texture, in interactions between rough and smooth, dark and light, solid and transparent, and highly saturated or washed out tonal variations. Above: Hapter’s avantgarde High Line frames have an unconventional tactile surface with a suggestion of intense tones which include Phoenician purple, leaf orange, right through to musk green, and Persian red, www.hapter.it

Flanna by EOE – gravel matt – tones that are nearly black or inspired by dark minerals and natural materials will be desirable next season

The square eco acetate frame Flanna at EOE Eyewear comes in colours inspired by the landscapes of northern Sweden, with tones such as matt gravel and light bark – pine. EOE Eyewear is consistent in referencing the co-founders’ homelands; their inspiration from the land and its flora and fauna, rock formations or textures, is both imaginative and inspiring. www.eoe-eyewear.com

essedue sunglasses
TVR advert 2021 linked to the TVR website
LINDBERG
Götti Switzerland
Jelly by Orgreen Optics – an optical design in acetate for women, with a complex tri-colour combination

A new entry at the Danish company, model Jelly has small dimensions and a funky colour scheme where a tw0-tone front gives edge and intrigue to a wearer who loves a classic with a twist. The version pictured offers a colour combination of milky caramel, “almost” black (temple ends) and jade green at the lower rim. www.orgreenoptics.com

1321 round acetate glasses at Emmanuelle Khanh: another spectacular tri-colour frame

At once vintage-inspired and rooted in the contemporary palette for autumn, Emmanuelle Khanh’s 1321 layers crystal and a natural glossy-look honey tone with a bold and intense moss green temple. www.ek.fr

Design & Inspiration

Pure Luxury at Vera Wang

19th July 2021

Summer expression from the bridal designer in VWX range

Just out from Vera Wang, and the most luxurious edition in her extensive eyewear and sunglasses collections, models Aviva and Taraji are two statement designs (of 5) that bring a new and beautifully defined design style to the collection while remaining true to the codes of the Vera Wang aesthetic. These glamorous high quality frames have an exclusive finish and are made in Japan – in a limited series and limited high-class colour palette. Above: model wears AVIVA in the VWX collection from Vera Wang – available exclusively in two unique colours only

Aviva by Vera Wang is offered in Black and Crystal – a beautiful interpretation of a classic flat top shape – perfectly adapted for women

A distinctive flat top design characterizes the Aviva model, but rather than have a typically masculine look, the frame is feminine and slick with a shape that is not too deep and therefore current. The stainless steel temples balance the design and the large logo, engraved and filled with a subtle enamel is present on the left temple, adding not just fashion style but also a trendy tactile finish.

SILMO Paris Nord Villepinte 24 - 27 Sept 2021
OGI Eyewear
Hall of Frames Zurich Convention Center 12-13 September 2021
Götti Switzerland
LINDBERG
Model Taraji by Vera Wang – a stunning design where the lenses overlap the triangular frame shape – the frame comes in Black or Tortoise

The edgy triangular shape of Taraji is instantly eye-catching and reminiscent of a cat’s eye with a more daring modern look that will suit celebrities and eyewear connoisseurs alike. The lenses are mounted via screws – floating out and away from the sides of the frame.

About the brand : Vera Wang has created a unique aspirational world that alludes to sensuality and youthful sophistication. Exquisite details, intricate draping, and a nonchalant sense of style characterize the Vera Wang aesthetic. Vera Wang, a native New Yorker, understands women who embrace fashion. By age 23, Vera was the youngest ever Vogue fashion editor and stylist, where she remained for 16 years before moving to Ralph Lauren as a design director. In 1990, Vera Wang opened her first flagship store on Manhattan’s famed Madison Avenue, introducing fashion to the bridal industry with revolutionary designs and refined detailing. Since then she has expanded her collections to include ready-to-wear, footwear, eyewear, fragrance, flowers, fine china and crystal, silver and gifts, bedding, fine papers, and her first book, Vera Wang On Weddings. 2019 marked Vera Wang’s 30th anniversary as a brand, a celebration of three decades spent at the forefront of fashion. To view the complete Vera Wang Eyewear collection, visit www.kenmarkeyewear.com

Boutiques

Sacrées Mirettes – Lille, France

16th July 2021

‘Opticien Lunetier Responsable’ – Sacrées Mirettes – by Sarah & Flo – opened in December 2020 during the pandemic

Sacrées Mirettes is an eyewear boutique located in Vieux Lille, the historic area of Lille, France. Though the store is situated in beautiful surroundings, steeped in history and culture within a bustling city, the business and founders Sarah and Flo did not have the warmest welcome into the retail world. Opening in December last year in the midst of the current pandemic was no easy feat; between curfews, lockdowns and newly imposed laws to tackle COVID-19, it is a testament to Sacrées Mirettes and everyone involved in its set up to have made such a strong start, in spite of everything.

The store specialises in responsible, high quality brands and features an interesting mix of frame styles

Vieux Lille itself is known for its colorful houses, charming restaurants, bars, and its streets of independently owned shop fronts – amongst which Sacrées Mirettes can be found. The boutique faces onto the impactful Notre Dame de la Treille; this cathedral is a stunning piece of unconventional French architecture.

Upon entry, the shop has a warm and comforting atmosphere – the founders designed the space alongside architect Quentin Glorieux with the intent to put their customers at ease, allowing them to shop and browse in homely surroundings. The warmth in the colour palettes used throughout – from the wooden floorboards to the rose coloured feature wall in the back of the store – really radiates the attention paid by all involved in implementing this interior.

TVR advert 2021 linked to the TVR website
BLACKFIN
VAVA Eyewear
essedue sunglasses
SILMO Paris Nord Villepinte 24 - 27 Sept 2021
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The collections available include Lunettes Alf and Gotti Switzerland

As well as being aesthetically lovely, Sacrées Mirettes also focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The founders aim to raise awareness about the impact of the optical industry and do so by stocking responsible and high quality brands including Clément Lunetier, Oscar Magnuson, Vue DC, FOLC, Aude Herouard and Gotti Switzerland, among many others.

An independent boutique in an historic city that survived the toughest of beginnings and one that is making strives towards an eco-friendly world of optics is undeniably admirable, impressive, and definitely worth a visit. By Victoria Brunton for Eyestylist.com.

Sacrées Mirettes, 15 bis Rue du Cirque, 59800 Lille, France www.sacreesmirettes.com/opticien_lille/collections/