Eyestylist

When a titanium specialist like Ørgreen announces a new departure in acetate, all eyes are upon them: the material is different to work with, unique in its colour possibilities, transparency and design focus when compared to the characteristic pared back look of metal frames.

Launched in Spring 2018, the Minimal Vintage Collection strives to uphold the same quality and minimalist design typical of the Danish design company whilst adding a vintage feel with nostalgic design references suited to the acetate material. It has taken painstaking research and study – and the commitment and unreserved enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs behind the label who set out to achieve a high-level wearable fashion collection, with individual, innovative touches. The acetate launch signifies an important step for the business that has grown successfully in the titanium eyewear field since Henrik Ørgreen and the co-founders first set up in 1997.  Above: model Michelle, a shape within a shape – daring, playful and easy to wear.

“The Michelle frame is not your regular cats eye throw-back design, the colours are much more graphic with unique details on the corners…”

For the current season, men’s and women’s styles have launched including models Jose and Michelle pictured, paying attention to the refined aspects of transparent colours such as nude, rose and blush and blending them with more concentrated tones to allow for definitive accents at certain points on the frames.

An independent label, Ørgreen is based in Copenhagen – the frames are available worldwide from high level opticians and include models in titanium, acetate and state-of-the-art 3D printed Polyamide. All the latest models are now available in selected stores and through Ørgreen’s flagship store (Copenhagen). Find more details at www.orgreenoptics.com CN

Glittering holiday events present magical possibilities for fun and fashion flourishes – and eyewear is no exception! Designers concur – as frames are beautifully crafted with luxurious diamonds, sparkling crystals, and captivating accents. The exceptional designs are not only holiday oriented: shapes and exquisite colours are destined to be worn beyond this glorious  period, and will enliven and brighten your days – and attitude – throughout the year. Celebrations start early for Finest Seven and Frame Chain, where their brilliant designs were photographed at the trendy cult bar – “Bananas” – in Barcelona (above image). Finest Seven’s glamorous, lightweight sunglass designs provide luxury, comfort and elegance. www.finestseven.com The prestigious UK brand Frame Chain ensures your frames are protected with sophisticated and practical chains in plaited silver and gold. www.framechain.co.uk

If the holidays take you to sunny climes, the dramatic shaping that characterises The Emperor, by award-winning Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson, is certain to dazzle. The bold silhouette features crystals set in Japanese Titanium, plated in White Gold with Carl Zeiss lenses. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

 

Twinkling Swarovski crystals adorn a stunningly sculptured shape with Art Deco echoes on the frame sides. Capeline by Lafont Paris is available in a lovely selection of colours. www.lafont.com

The beauty and flexibility of acetate is splendidly featured in l.a. Eyeworks Pancha – clear acetate with a delightful, confetti-peppered motif in vivid colours. www.laeyeworks.com

For merry and bright occasions, JF Rey proposes Havane – a spirited design with its stunning round shape, stylish colourations and intricate details with sleek gold engraving. www.jfrey.fr

Buffalo horn is a traditional favourite for the embodiment of fine frames. LINDBERG luxury and flourish are captured in the latest designs teamed with white gold. www.lindberg.com

Jono Hennessy in Australia embraces the jubilant mood of Carnivale – with fabric-patterned frames in joyous colours. Discover the variations of The Carnivale Collection at www.jonohennessy.com JG

Italian craftsmanship is long revered in fine accessories…often viewed as an art form. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone (above photo) – the creative force behind L.G.R – combines the tradition of superb workmanship with his deep love of and passion for Italy and Africa. These elements ensure eyewear with artistic flair, purity of line, and subtle elegance.

The latest collection of stunning eyewear designs for men and women includes expressive eyewear shapes with timeless chic.

The finest quality hand-polished materials in acetate and metals are transformed into sunglass and optical designs that are equally comfortable for city and country pursuits.

The enduring beauty of tortoiseshell and the interplay of subtle interpretations in neutral tones gives the frames distinctive finesse.

L.G.R eyewear designs are sold internationally in style savvy opticians and boutiques. The frames are also available in the smart, sophisticated, L.G.R boutique on Corso Garibaldi in Milan. Explore and experience the individualistic eyewear artistry of L.G.R at www.lgrworld.com JG

Eyewear from across the globe will find its way to London in January for 100% Optical, the UK’s premier optical event (for trade), now in its sixth year. The event is a showcase for new and established eyewear collections, as well as the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology – and takes place at ExCel exhibition centre in East London. The fast expanding independent eyewear design collections are represented each year by a selection of highly regarded companies including Andy Wolf, Tavat Eyewear, Silhouette and Francis Klein. Above: Tavat Eyewear returns to 100% in 2019: their collection continues to expand with striking designs in premium materials and a much praised and innovative ‘sandwich frame design’ called “SoupCan”. www.tavat-eyewear.com

FACE A FACE will bring chic colour to the London fair and new 2019 sunglasses with an audacious character in their interpretation of light and colour.

“Our new collection is all about exploring colours and the dynamic movement created by sculpting with light,” explains Pascal Jaulent, Head of Design at FACE A FACE. “Playful transparencies highlight the contrasts between being and not being, challenging the viewer and creating optical illusions.” www.faceaface-paris.com

Newcomers to the London event will include Lafont Paris,  a label which has long been appreciated in the UK for its quality, elegance and design excellence. For those unfamiliar with Lafont, this Paris based company has an exciting history, originating in the 1920s. Their expertise continues to evolve with extraordinary creativity under the direction of brothers Matthieu and Thomas Lafont. www.lafont.com

Another notable addition to the London fair for January – and a must-see – is the Swiss label Von Arkel. Currently Von Arkel’s innovations and extraordinary design precision in the luxury eyewear segment is propelling the business quickly into new markets and the most exclusive optician’s stores, internationally. Their secret ingredient is there successful “marriage of eyewear manufacturing and Swiss watchmaking inspired hinges.” Find out more at www.vonarkel.com

Swiss label Gotti is a regular exhibitor in London, successful across the country for its appeal both technologically and in terms of its unique comfortable materials and design competence. As well as gorgeous titanium collections, they also highlight achievements in 3D printed eyewear, as one of few labels that has mastered a sophistication in the 3D printing process and combination designs using Polyamide and other materials – the resulting designs are impressive and a delight to wear. More information at www.gotti.ch.

100% takes place at London’s ExCel from 12th to 14th January 2019. The event has announced the launch of “Eyewear Week” from 7th to 13th January to further raise the profile of  eyewear as a fashion accessory. To find out more visit https://www.100percentoptical.com/ CN

Article + images: Copyright EYESTYLIST.COM

Paul Smith and Cutler and Gross are to join forces as eyewear partners, with a first collection launch planned for March 2019. The British eyewear brand will utilise its traditional production expertise that spans almost 50 years to create Paul Smith eyewear and sunglasses with a luxurious finesse in the metal and acetate materials and subtle design details that will tie in with the fashion designer’s colours and tailoring. Marie Wilkinson, long serving Design Director for the London eyewear brand will oversee the creation and development of the frames in collaboration with Smith’s design experts.

In a statement, Paul Smith explained: “I’ve always had enormous admiration for Cutler and Gross. Before we sadly lost him, Tony Gross was a personal friend of mine. The attention to detail and expertise that Tony practiced is still absolutely central to the work the company are doing today. I’m delighted to be collaborating with Cutler and Gross and look forward to an exciting and creative future.”

The frames, which will feature high quality Dalloz sun lenses, will be on show to retailers at Mido Milan – the Italian trade fair – in February. They will then be available from Paul Smith and Cutler and Gross outlets and a selection of premium stores and opticians globally. For more details about Cutler and Gross visit www.cutlerandgross.com CN

LINDBERG Precious embellishes winter festivities with the opulence and beauty of their handcrafted eyewear. The award-winning Danish label – who just received the German Design Award for 2019 in the Lifestyle and Fashion Category – celebrates this wonderful season with frame designs in 18 carat gold with splendid diamond highlights.(Above image: 18 carat solid rose gold with a 0.33 carat baguette cut pink diamond, and a 0.38 carat baguette cut purplish pink diamond) 

The frames exude masterful engineering with silhouettes that are exquisitely shaped to the contours of the face. Pink is fashion’s energetic and spirited colour of the season, and LINDBERG extols its virtues with the highest quality diamonds in alluring pink – as well as exclusive options in black, and raw uncut, clear diamond accents.

With minimalist construction, the frames are featherweight, yet durable, and each frame is individually crafted. The distinguished collection includes designs for men and women.

Treat yourself this holiday season, and just as importantly – your eyes – to the dramatic brilliance of a LINDBERG Precious design – a gift that truly keeps on giving – with its timeless, sophisticated beauty. www.lindberg.com JG

 

 

Simplicity is sublime and nobly emulates in the streamlined eyewear designs by Von Arkel in Switzerland. Complex engineering by master craftsmen combined with traditional spectacle making techniques, ensure that Von Arkel frames accentuate innovation; lightness; unparalleled flexibility; and comfort.

Switzerland excels in watchmaking, and certain elements unique to that industry are also reflected in Von Arkel designs – such as chamfers (cut-aways to make a symmetrical sloping edge) and the intricate, meticulous polishing – so respected and renowned for Swiss watches. These characteristics are beautifully expressed in Calibre 4 Outline designs.

Buffalo horn has long been considered amongst the most regal of eyewear materials; used in spectacle making for centuries. However, Von Arkel has a modern, environmentally-aware take on Buffalo horn – using only horn from domesticated Indian buffalos that have passed away. Warm, rich tones of Buffalo horn united with Von Arkel’s intricate, precise crafting results in a luxurious design that will be appreciated – and enjoyed – by the discerning wearer.

Superb gemstones opulently accent frames that are exquisitely crafted with unprecedented quality and distinction. Shimmering diamonds sparkle on a Calibre 8 Steelmaster design that embraces the apex of sophisticated gracefulness.

The Calibre 9 Entourage collection includes sleek silhouettes with enticing details: no rivets, no soldering or setting – and no screws. The Calibre 9 has a complex, hidden mechanism featuring a friction-controlled movement – a hinge that is durable, and a frame exceptionally comfortable to wear. Discover more of the illustrious and exquisite spirit of Von Arkel Switzerland at www.vonarkel.com JG

The passion to create original and imaginative eyewear creatively flows in the Goldsmith genetic code. The family-run business – now under the leadership of dynamic Claire Goldsmith – is embracing new horizons for the nearly century-old British company. Claire comments on the creation of her own innovative collection – Claire Goldsmith Optical.

Please tell us how you perceived and envisioned the concept that developed and evolved into CG Optical? “CG evolved through an inner ambition to pursue something for myself. Initially all the OG designs we made were replicas of styles held in our archive. They were relics brought back to life in beautiful new colour ways and modern acetates. We’ve since developed the collection to include new original designs, but at the conception of the relaunch there wasn’t a platform for me to create new styles. I was dubious about doing so under the Oliver Goldsmith name. It was so iconic and historically treasured. I wanted something of my own to create, and so the natural evolution was to launch my own brand.” (Above image:Claire Goldsmith)

Was your inspiration or motivation influenced by fashion trends; art or architecture; travel; or other appealing circumstances? “My initial inspiration certainly came from my heritage and the incredible brand my great grandfathers had created and the legacy they left behind. OG was at its peak during the 1960’s and 70’s – and these decades continue to be enormously influential to me: from fashion, car design, architecture…there is something so cool about that period of time that I am forever drawn to the fantasy of the era – the celebrity, the clothes, the apposition of both frivolity and attention to detail  – in detail. But CG is a new brand, and much as I enjoy looking to the past for inspiration, it is today’s customer we are dressing, and as a Londoner (myself) and as a London brand, I am lucky to be continually inspired by the city, and the people who live within it.”

What are your favourite materials and colours in which to create a collection? “OG is an acetate brand, and so it’s very much what I know best. It’s a material I understand, and I love the joy of creating new materials through laminates or changing the thickness of a frame to reveal the richness of its colour. For me, acetate is part of our identity, whether we are talking OG or CG. I adore super light stainless steel frames; I think they are beautiful, but you can’t be every brand to every person and it’s exhausting trying to be. I dabble with metals and combination frames, but my core material will always be acetate – other brands already do metals or wood or vinyl so well – I’ll stick to what I know and do best!”

What is the demographic profile of the CG Optical wearer? “I don’t really think demographics exist in the same way they once did. The CG customer is varied, simply because of the incredible cities and stores around the world where we are represented. Our frames are contemporary classics, and our customers tend to revere the values of the brand rather than because they fit into a particular demographic. We’ve dressed the eyes of so many different people, and so many age groups, and I love that.”

What shapes and colours do customers most desire this season? “When I purchase something I want it to last more than a season, and I like to think my customers buy into CG as a lifestyle rather than a seasonal piece. Personal style is so – well – personal – and if my frames can help someone express themselves or become an integral part of their image, then that makes me happy. I truly don’t design to fit into trends. Of course, I’m conscious of what fashion is dictating, but what someone wears on their face doesn’t always correlate with what they wear on their body. There are some amazing brands producing incredibly modern and fashion forward eyewear who dictate micro trends within the eyewear industry, but the colours and shapes we produce at CG focus more on longevity.”

You love to create and have an enterprising spirit. Are there possible creative design thoughts or ideas being cultivated? “Definitely! We are living in such an entrepreneurial era, with the internet and social media providing a platform for almost anyone to launch a brand or concept. I find this both incredibly inspiring and at times, overwhelming, but I do like the idea of being able to be creative in other industries: to dabble or delve into different projects as I see fit. For now, CG an OG keep me more than busy, but who knows, perhaps that enterprising spirit will need exercising at some point!” www.clairegoldsmith.com JG

 

 

“Since 2012, we have held Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart at Motorworld in Boblingen,” said organiser Nathanaël Wenger, “and this year we decided to change the venue to the centre of Stuttgart, where we found a beautiful, historical building – Haus der Wirtschaft. (Top image:Lars Malmsten Vasuma Eyewear and Nathanaël Wenger)

“Quality, independent labels were present – including among others – Blackfin; Orgreen; Von Arkel; Vasuma; Nirvan Javan; Didier Voirol; Götti; Coblens; and neubau. However, we were disappointed with the number of opticians that visited during the two days – which was below our projected expectations. Perhaps the rivalry of superb weather; Stuttgart’s Octobefest; shops open on Sunday; and Stuttgart’s challenging traffic contributed to fewer shops visiting.

“It has always been our goal to bring independent designer brands and opticians together. We have so enjoyed our years of involvement with Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart, but have now decided not to continue for 2019, and will focus on Hall of Frames Zurich for next year. We look forward to seeing you in Switzerland!”  www.hallofframes.ch JG 

Photos:Andrea Tännier All Rights Reserved