Sensuous silhouettes, luxury materials, and impeccable tailoring define the glamorous evening dresses and chic daywear by Zac Posen. These finely-honed skills and high-caliber attributes are also creatively characterised in striking eyewear designs for men and women. The American designer is renowned for his contemporary, modern aesthetics that combine innovative shapes, quality materials, and signature details. Sunglasses are oversized, with slim lines; very lightweight; comfortable to wear; and adapt freely to city and seaside environments. Thiola (left above photo) is an alluring, exaggerated cat-eye shape; while the men’s frame – Roscoe – is casually and distinctively tailored.
Dinero (left) and Chaka from the Zac Posen optical collection
Posen’s optical designs are classically conceived with timeless elements that synchronise with fashionable attire for everyday wear, with subtly refined, yet impressive frame details. Explore www.kenmarkeyewear.com for additional noteworthy eyewear from Zac Posen. JG
Italian Craftsmanship harmonises originality and creativity in Oliviero Zanon’s luminous acetate designs for Res/Rei. The versatility and colour possibilities of acetate delivers vibrant, rich expressions to individualistic eyewear designs for men and women. Frames inspired by art, history, music, and sculpture are accentuated in a diverse collection of sought-after styles. Art and sculpture are among Zanon’s passions, and his awareness of grand Italian sculptors – including Canova and Donatello, Rodin and Milo – are the inspiration for The Sculptures Collection. Frames are crafted to achieve a striking three-dimensional allure, as seen in Balla (above image). The chic Res/Rei ring from the jewellery collection is symmetry in motion – eye to hand fashion coordination with stunning frames and a matching mosaic ring.
Milo from The Sculptures Collection by Res/Rei
Milo, also from The Sculptures Collection, is elegantly refined with gently curved temples. Res/Rei frames are handmade in an atelier close to Venice, and infused with artisan diligence, skill and personalised attention to every detail.
Left: Azalea from The Flowers Collection; Right: Mai Tai from The Cocktails Collection by Res/Rei
Spring is here! And Res/Rei celebrates with their joyous Flowers Collection – combining acetates of different hues to achieve prominent colourations. Azalea (above left) is available in a gorgeous variety of spring flower tones that happily interplay on these decorative frames.The Cocktails Collection takes its cue from light, airy and delicious cocktail colours, interpreted in high-density Mazzucchelli acetate, which is then carved into slim silhouettes. Mai Tai (above right) is voluminous in shape, yet extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. Explore the complete collection of Res/Rei by Oliviero Zanon at www.resrei.comJG
As our attention as consumers is drawn increasingly to sustainable, eco-friendly innovations, eyewear companies across the business are exploring an eco-conscious path with creativity and resourcefulness.
Vinylize, the independent Budapest brand that turns old, unwanted vinyl records into beautifully made ‘upcycled’ artisan eyewear, has moved on its own potential in eco-friendly eyewear production in a special project with coffee giant Nespresso, in Hungary.
“This was a pilot project,” says Zack Tipton, founder of Vinylize. “The limited production run sold out within a few days. We used a material produced from Nespresso capsules, recycled by the coffee company in Hungary. The used coffee grinds are separated from the capsules and sent to composting. The capsules are then smelted and turned into aluminium sheet which we can then use to produce the frames. The entire process is documented and certified.”
Vinylize-Tipton x Nespresso – recycled frames made from coffee capsules
The result was an eye-catching limited edition glasses collection for Nespresso with designs inspired by the tones of the Nespresso Kazaar, Dharkan, Roma and Livanto capsules – in tones of satin midnight blue, gold and chocolate. “The coloration and finish were determined by Nespresso. They wanted a perfect match with the original colours of the capsules,” explains Tipton. “The durability we were able to achieve surpassed expectations. The frames were also prescription ready.”
Recycled frame for Nespresso: Oval – Livanto – in gold
The shapes produced in the first edition are inspired by the classic oval, butterfly and square designs, with a contemporary interpretation.
Vinylize-Tipton x Nespresso is ‘a salute to recycling’, designed to remind consumers of the infinite durability of aluminium which can be re-melted and reused, again and again. The project also aimed to further boost the recycling of Nespresso coffee capsules by showing the infinite potential of the recycled aluminium material.
Vinylize-Tipton x Nespresso
The sophisticated matt finish of the frames is achieved through a tumbling process and hand-lacquering treatment at a German facility, while the eco-friendly felt case and paper box the frames were packaged in underscore the eco-credentials of the special edition. Further editions are planned for 2019.
Tipton Eyeworks and the Vinylize brand were founded in 2004, and have become world-renowned for their handmade production using vinyl to produce fashionable sunglasses and eyewear in Hungary. For further details: https://vinylize.com/CN
Every Von Arkel eyewear design epitomises elegance and luxury; created with precious and exclusive materials, and then meticulously finished by masterful artisans. Traditional spectacle guidelines harmonise with sleek, modern technology, culminating in beautiful and exquisite frames. The stunning Calibre 4 and Calibre 6 frames are unique expressions of refined sophistication, precise technical specifications, and an exemplary fusion of lightness, attention to detail, lasting durability, and incredible comfort. The latest frames include innovation and character from the Calibre 4 Outline Collection with stylish simplicity, as featured in the above silhouette in stainless steel with PVD coating, and slim double bridge.
Calibre 6 Classic by Von Arkel
The Calibre 6 Classic concept unites acetate and stainless steel in relaxed, casual frames with purity, and a streamlined structure.
Outline Calibre 4 by Von Arkel
This sleek round shape merges retro and contemporary preferences in an Outline Calibre 4 frame in stainless steel with PVD coating. The ring on the inner frame is in Polyamide, and will soon be available with an acetate ring. Discover more Von Arkel frames and luxurious refinement at www.vonarkel.comJG
The independent, artisan French brand Plein les Mirettes heralds spring with delightful new colourations for their stylish Diva designs. PLM Diva’s are distinctive, shapely silhouettes in glistening acetate, with unique colour combinations.
Shapley silhouettes in Plein-les-Mirettes Diva designs
Conventional tones, unexpected mixtures, Havana’s, pastels and mottled designs bring lively radiance to the chic frames. Cat-eye inspiration, cutout details, or layering ensure additional flair in each design that is individually handcrafted in PLM’s Normandy atelier. More exciting Diva’s and PLM designs at www.plein-les-mirettes.fr JG
Achieving a centennial goal is an extraordinary accomplishment, and family-owned British brand Kirk & Kirk are now joyously celebrating – and commemorating – this iconic milestone. Jason Kirk grew up in the family business, and now he and his wife Karen are poised to continue the family tradition of exceptional creativity in style; superlative materials; exclusive colourations; and encompassing a multi-sensory approach to eyewear. (Top image: Esme in Jade from the K&K Centena Collection
Cecil in Iris from The Centena Collection by Kirk & Kirk
To herald the occasion, Kirk & Kirk have released a lovely video that spotlights the Centena Collection – innovative eyewear crafted from superbly lightweight 10mm acrylic, with streamlined styling, and stunning colourations.
In the video, the male model wears Bert in Corn Yellow, and Dennis in Royal Blue. The female model features Esme in Corn Yellow, and Dena in Tiger Orange. The energetic colours with luminous clarity enhance the smooth, sleek frame silhouettes. Visit www.kirkandkirk.com for more captivating styles. JG
60s fever, and gold and silver retro metal rims, are challenging the elongated It-Girl cat’s eye as one of the most popular sunglass looks as we head into Spring, and we’ve seen it on the streets at London Fashion Week, and again in Milan. The lens tints are fun and colourful or very delicate, so they don’t completely hide the eyes, while the rims are extremely narrow, closely representing the styling of the past. Above: Em . The Lipstick Fever, wearing metal rim sunglasses at London Fashion Week in February. https://thelipstickfever.com/ Photography by G. D’Elia – exclusively for Eyestylist.com
Amira sunglasses at Andy Wolf
Austrian label Andy Wolf has made the metal rims a key feature of the 2019 collections, experimenting with very small shapes as well as classic panto shapes, such as model Amira (above). This design comes with a variety of gentle lens tints including soft blue, pale pink and gold. Available at Matches Fashion, or for further information visit www.andywolf.com
Greg by Viveur, Italy
Or choose a unique style from one of the smaller labels. Viveur’s elegantly fashioned metal designs are made in Italy and have a chic finesse. The metal material is 100% hypoallergenic and very lightweight. The collections for Spring/Summer include round “panto” designs and slightly modified angular shapes such as Greg above – a shape with a flattened top that’s on the rise. Available to purchase online at www.viveursunglasses.com CN
Buffalo horn. Fabric. Rubber. Acetate. The eye is drawn to the individual qualities of these materials in contemporary eyewear as young innovators highlight the form and structure of the product with special tactile details and deep nuances in coloration, some of these qualities, just visible with the naked eye.
In the Icons Line at Hapter, the rubberised surface featured has been developed to offer an exclusive tactile aesthetic and feel, with a retro inspiration and a slightly “aged” elegance. Italian founder Eric Balzan has invested years’ of research and development into collections that, for 2019, are further enhanced with a newly patented 8-GON Hinge. The brand will exhibit at Mido in the Design Lab (Pav 4 Stand S11) www.hapter.it Above: RBBR002 – the Icons Line – HAPTER
Rigards – buffalo horn
Rigards has attracted much attention in the last 12 months with their avantgarde collection, and in horn, they highlight the natural qualities of the material, the asymmetrical colorations and the beautiful striated patterns and effects where the surface is hand polished or left in its more natural state. www.rigards.com
Explorer – Delirious
Delirious Eyewear, the Milan label, produces buffalo horn frames with a distinct, light touch and artistic aesthetic: designed in Italy, the frames are made from natural Indian water buffalo horn. The process begins by milling two small boards of the same material; one for the front, and the other, for the temples. All the parts are ‘tumbled’, to smooth the little parts and surfaces in a process that can take up to a week. Finally, the artisans put the design together, polishing the surface with pads that highlight the details of the material and the brilliant surface. www.deliriouseyewear.com
Tactile by Tavat Eyewear
In a similar vein – studying the possibilities in surface finishes worked by hand, TAVAT Tactile includes models that have been hand scratched and designs worked on with a pin-stripe laser treatment – mimicking the lines of the iconic Italian “Riva” boat. The frames are made in Italy and designed to offer the utmost comfort on the face. www.tavateyewear.comCN
Find these and other innovators at Mido – the Milan trade fair – from 23-25 February 2019.
With a backdrop of blue skies marking the first feeling of Spring, London Fashion Week opened on Friday. Alongside the main catwalk events and the colourful street style scenes off the catwalks – one of the highlights are the Designer Showrooms on The Strand, offering a diverse, handpicked showcase of over 50 smaller, up-and-coming international brands, a valuable platform for exposure and introductions to the world of fashion in the UK. – Above: buffalo horn frame detail, Delirious Eyewear. Photography: G. D’Elia
“Showcasing within the LFW Designer Showrooms allows brands to develop relationships with globally influential stores and helps to increase their exposure to top international journalists, publications and stylists.”
Representing the eyewear category at the Showrooms and premiering in the UK is Delirious Eyewear from Italy, an exclusive design label recognised by Vogue Italia’s “Who’s on next” awards (2018). Created by young entrepreneur Marco Lanero, the collection is produced in titanium and beta titanium, and the finest acetates and natural Indian buffalo horn, and is currently designed and made in Italy, with focus on traditional Cadore craftsmanship and expertise, rigorously monitored to ensure a unique and accomplished finish.
The name is discreet, engraved on the inside of the temple : Delirious Eyewear Photography by G. D’Elia
Buffalo horn remains a popular luxury material in eyewear, and Delirious aims high, using lengthy techniques in the production and final “tumbling” and polishing by hand. Their expertise in this material has attracted the attention of the fashion industry, through an ability to use the traditional techniques and merge them with contemporary design elements.
Oliver from Luxury Men’s Accessories brand Hector Powe – www.hectorpowe.co.uk – wearing buffalo horn sunglasses by Delirious – Photography by G. D’Elia
The Delirious Eyewear collections go into stores in London this season. The definition of luxury eyewear, their alternative design focus brings a contemporary look to the most classical aspects of traditionally made spectacles, as well as providing an impeccable comfort and fit. For more information about Delirious Eyewear visit the company in Milan (Mido trade fair) from 23-25th February 2019 or visit their website at www.deliriouseyewear.comCN Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.
Falvin’s Signature Eyewear – launching for the Spring/Summer season – combines Danish design expertise and exquisite Japanese crafting in contemporary shapes in lightweight titanium. The frames celebrate a passion for a Copenhagen landmark – the Crystal – a building from which founder Birgitte Falvin takes inspiration, for an eloquent direction in line and form. Above: released at the German trade fair opti last month, the new Falvin model Stellar. New additions are coming for the Mido trade fair, Milan. The brand exhibits in the prestigious Lab Academy ( Pav 6 / Stand LA 47) where up-and-coming designers and innovators showcase their collections.
Model Stellar (above and in featured video) is a contemporary version of the traditional cat’s eye frame, offering a supreme level of comfort and a statement shape in the state-of-the-art material. Using techniques that can only be mastered by hand, the beautiful two-tone base silhouette offers a luxury expression with black, white or champagne Wesselton diamond settings to create a personalized look. A trained jewellery designer, Birgitte Falvin has studied this element for the finishing of her distinctive eyewear, creating a one-off luxury detail that is both gentle yet sparkling – to catch the beholder’s eye.
The innovative diamond setting is of the highest quality, assembled by a top jeweler in Denmark, appointed by Falvin Eyewear. Find out more about the luxury designs for men and women by the Danish label at www.falvineyewear.com CN
The ways we wear colour in eyewear are always changing, and the impact can be subtle or powerful, depending on many nuances, material combinations and the work on the details and structure of the frame itself. Impactful designs this season include sunglass designs in one single colour for frame and lens. The accomplished innovative fashion brands are doing it – many others are set to follow.
In Europe, Ørgreen Optics is one of eyewear’s trendsetters in colour directions: their Yoko design is defined by the over-sized, circular lenses and elegant details. New vibrant colours of the Yoko include saturated lemon, blue or dusty pink. Above – Yoko in mat vibrant lemonade with yellow contrast lens. www.orgreenoptics.com
Mykita + Maison Margiela MMESSE023
Like Ørgreen, Mykita’s new sunglass collections for Spring/Summer 19 open the door to fresh and fruity colour proposals. The impact of the tone-on-tone effect is seen in their Mykita + Maison Margiela model MMESSE023 – in Baywatch red with matching red lens – as well as the eye-catching tone this style has a bold, eye-catching shape – the experimental flat diamond aviator (1990s inspired) has a very narrow reduced stainless steel framework. www.mykita.com
Zero 14 acetate blue with graduated blue lenses
Finest Seven’s fantastic Zero 14 is a fashionista must-have in this colour genre: luxuriously light to wear, in stunning brights such as shocking pink and baby blue, with the brand’s trademark narrow metal bridge and sinuous temples acting as a a balance to the thin bright blue rim and coordinated lens tone. To find more of their statement colour combos, visit www.finestseven.comCN
Over the years, eyewear for the young set has evolved into an inspiring sector with frame designs that are exciting and innovative, plus incorporating the latest production technology. Frames are crafted from fine quality, hypoallergenic materials, in appealing colours, plus safety factors for notorious tumbles and playground antics. Fashion statement frames also ignite a life-long connection – and identity to – exceptional, intelligent eyewear design. JF Rey has a superb Kids & Teen collection with fresh styling and bright colours. Hannah (above image) happily wears a charming round design – Oasis – created with an exclusive acetate component. www.jfrey.fr
Dimension Next for children by Götti Switzerland
Götti Switzerland’s chic Dimension collection for adults is also available in cool looks for kids – Dimension Next. Luxurious 3-D printing, streamlined styling and sophisticated colourations appeal to emerging fashionistas. Designer Sven Götti approached the designs with an imaginative understanding of the important specifications required for children’s glasses. www.gotti.ch
Devinette by Lafont Paris
Trendy, sporty and charismatic designs for youngsters are a speciality at Lafont Paris. Polka dots are timeless, and Lafont features a delightful variation in Devinette in black and white, and a subtle salute to the cat-eye shape. www.lafont.com
The Mungarutal Jr by Original Penguin Jr
Mini-version of sought-after adult styles are skilfully adapted for youngsters in Original Penguin Jr designs. The Mungarutal Jr is a relaxed, carefree, round shape in a contemporary tortoiseshell variation. www.kenmarkeyewear.com
Zoobug London ZB 1039
Children’s frame specialist Zoobug London has launched flattering, diverse and desirable designs for spring/summer that will enchant kids. ZB 1039 is a hexagonal silhouette in vivid, bouncy colours of Red, Neon Yellow and Navy (above). Ideal for youngsters 5-9 years old. Photo by Lol Johnson – All Rights Reserved. www.zoobug.com
LINDBERG KIDS Skye in air titanium
Exacting craftsmanship, beautiful materials, and styles that children will enjoy wearing highlight frames at award-winning Danish label LINDBERG KIDS. An awesome little shape in air titanium is wonderfully comfortable on young faces, plus frame attributes of durability, lightness and flexibility. www.lindberg.comJG
