Eyestylist

Free-spirited and adventurous, RIGARDS launches their latest exhilarating designs with bold, distinctive silhouettes. Designer Ti Kwa is fascinated with the work of H.R. Giger, the Swiss painter also acclaimed for his amazing special effects in the film Alien. The intrigue with Giger’s concepts led to Sentinel (above), moulded in natural horn with larger than life dimensions that ensure the frame is all the more imposing. Sensuous sculpting on the frame front adds to the dramatic, luxurious and impressive effect.

A favourite childhood film – Clash of the Titans – is the inspiration for RIGARDS striking design Nite Owl. The mechanical owl in the film – Bubo – influenced the stunning, painstakingly crafted frame in lightweight aluminium and magnesium. Deftly cast with a beak-like bridge, flowing sweeping curves, and ribbing details, Nite Owl fully expresses RIGARDS masterful accomplishment for powerful, unorthodox eyewear. Discover more avant-garde, splendid designs from the independent creator at www.rigards.com JG

In England it’s been pouring, so Pitti was the place to be this week. Florence buzzes when the men’s collections show in June, and if our images offer an indication of what’s happening in men’s eyewear, then old-school updated seemed to be the most prevalent trend across the board, with the natural linen suits, wide brimmed or bucket hats and colorful summer shirts – some white, some gaudy, lining the entrance, inside and outside the fair grounds. Above: sunglasses trends: angular metal rims or round in thick acetate.  Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.

Classic shades, and the shapes we’d expect… wayfarers, aviators, round shapes, and ovals (Francesco Monte wore small oval sunglasses in gunmetal with dark lenses) dominated the accessory line up, while a few slightly more extravagant or unusual vintage designs with colored tints or prominent key hole bridges attracted media attention.

Also popular are the beautifully finished tortoiseshell frames with clip-ons. In contrast, a few men sported oversized shields (Prada Sport or Oakley visor), which appear to be taking over from last year’s mini 1990s inspired Matrix sunglasses.

Pitti Uomo takes place in Florence, Italy twice a year (www.pittiimmagine.com). It is described as the world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and acessory collections and for launching new projects in men’s fashion. Eyewear brands exhibiting at the fair include Delirious (Italy), TBD Eyewear (Italy) and Percy Lau (Hong Kong). CN Photography by Gennaro D’Elia for Eyestylist.com. For more images at Pitti visit our Instagram page @eyestylistmagazine.

Travel is synonymous with eyewear creations from KBL. The spirit of discovery, exploring, and adventure permeates in every design. Proficient craftsmanship by Japanese artisans ensures that frames are meticulously produced with exceptional premium materials; distinctive original shapes; and colours with dramatic richness. Sun selections include dynamic and expressive frames that infuse KBL’s quest for streamlined, eloquent and refined designs.

Experimenting with Havana variations, Alex (top image) is shown in Orange tones, and is also available in Green Horn, Crystal Clear and Champagne acetate. Photographed against Berlin’s prominent landmark – the tall, 365 metre TV Tower – built in this vibrant German city, is a reflection of KBL’s attitude and spirit to a modern, fresh, urban approach to eyewear – with exciting, innovative ideas.

Generous shaping in Kudamm reveals a glamorous design that combines acetate and titanium, with flattering graphic contours, exuding a sophisticated aura.

Immerse yourself in relaxing summer afternoons, wearing KBL’s amply shaped butterfly sunglasses – Love Parade. Crafted in Titanium and superbly lightweight, the frames are shown in Gold, and also available in Dark Gun and Rose Gold. KBL showcases a creative, diverse selection of sleek designs in both sunglass and optical versions. Visit www.kbleyewear.com for additional discoveries. JG

Exquisite Swiss precision, luxurious materials, design sensuality and streamlined silhouettes are signature characteristics in Von Arkel’s eyewear creations. The latest designs are stunning collaborations of man and machine: uniting traditional spectacle skills with the most advanced technology. The following video elegantly illustrates the beauty, refinement, precision and perfection that infuses the Von Arkel spirit.

Sleek sun styles include statement Valencia (top image) the new Caliber 4 Outline frame that embraces lightness, special attention to every detail and meticulous polishing borrowed from the watchmaking industry. Simplicity and alignment is an art form at Von Arkel achieved in the masterfully crafted designs. The silver frame features silver temples with crystal end tips and polarised green lenses.

For women in the Calibre 4 Outline selection is the beautifully contoured Verona, smoothly polished with the essential hinge mechanism stripped down to its core. The superbly stylish silver frame features crystal rims, with polarised solar lens in grey and blue. Discover more distinguished designs from the acclaimed Swiss brand at www.vonarkel.com JG

Seaside pleasures, silky sand, blue skies and the sea inspire the latest elegant sunglass designs by Blackfin. The Italian label combines stylish design, impeccable crafting, superb materials and rich colours into each frame. Blackfin’s theme centres on Natural Awareness – a journey of discovery and rediscovery, culminating in new realisations. Minimalism accentuates the frames in the material par excellence – Titanium –  celebrated for its characteristics of strength, durability, and featherweight properties. A plus for summer – titanium is resistant to corrosion in seawater and does not tarnish. Among the exquisite designs (above) is Cape May, a tribute to the Victorian charm of the summer resort in New Jersey on America’s east coast.

Titanium technical brilliance shines expressively in Ventura with a contemporary form, and distinctive detailing on the frame front and a double bridge. Innovative titanium production processes ensure the frames are extremely flexible, yet lightweight and strong.

A dramatic silhouette reminiscent with hints of retro, Coral Cove is generously shaped and trimmed with white on the frame front. Coral Cove is also available in other striking contrasting palettes. Click on www.blackfin.eu for more Blackfin designs with beauty and technical superiority. JG   Photos: Giovanni De Sandre All Rights Reserved

Alluring, bold and distinctive sunglasses adhere to the edit of Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink, the founders of Sol Sol Ito. They believe that frames should capture the personality of the wearer, plus ensuring beautiful craftsmanship, comfort and durability. Sol Sol Ito sunglass creations are individualistic with dash and dare, as seen in style 020S (above) with its splendid voluminous shape in acetate and metal.

Voluptuous shaping highlights glamorous Sol Sol Ito Original style 039 in luminous acetate and quality metal. Precision production and intricate technical advances are ingrained in each pair of stunning frames created by the independent Swiss brand.

Prodigious shaping and eye-catching design radiate strong, confident impressions in Sandra and Monika’s latest sunglass design – Sol Sol Ito Original 043DC. Black-gold highlights the acetate front, with jade side pieces and golden metal temples. Discover more fascinating Sol Sol Ito designs at www.solsolito.com JG Photos: Nina Maria Glahe All Rights Reserved

Gracefully sculpted with generous, glamorous shaping, Finest Seven sunglasses boost your summer fashion esteem. Passionate about eyewear – the husband and wife design team – Jesse and Ainjali – embrace their belief with frames that are contemporary, comfortable and chic. Precise attention to detail additionally enhances the luxurious materials featured in Finest Seven designs. The design duo – originally from New Zealand – bring an artistic attitude to frames with graphic elements combined with handmade excellence. Above photo: A distinguished round shape – Zero 14 – features a delicately curved nosepiece with alluring gradient Violet Flash lenses.

Different frame colours and lenses create a totally individual look to a design. White frames are trending this season, and Zero 14 with gradient Navy lenses reflects current eyewear directions, plus a cool nod to retro. Visit www.finestseven.com for additional expressive sunglasses from the independent label. JG Photos: Laoqin xxx Styling: Pur Style All Rights Reserved

With her keen eye for elegance, refinement and detail, Birgitte Falvin creates bespoke frames that reflect her philosophy for subtle, chic luxury. Her jewellery background, unified with precision and attention to every aspect of fine design, enables Birgitte to create beautiful frames with discreet opulence. SHADES for the sunglass season, highlight frames the Danish creator streamlines in customised, graceful Titanium silhouettes, sometimes accented with rose gold or 24carat gold. (Above image: Orbit and Halo Shades)

Danish and Japanese craftsmanship by gifted artisans who understand the importance of comfortable fit and the sleek contours of the designs, ensure frames with a prestigious pedigree. Discover more sumptuous FALVIN designs at www.falvin.dk JG

New labels with an artisan direction make a refreshing focus in a crowded eyewear field

Designed in Paris. Made in France. Closely following the most timeless sunglasses designs of the past. The French label Lunettes Alf, now in its second year, is the work of two brothers, Alexis and Germain, who have made it their mission to produce a small, authentic collection based on classic design and precise traditional production techniques.

“Our designs are removed from any eccentricities, they are true timeless classics,” they say enthusiastically. “The Alf brand takes its inspiration from sober and refined styles. The ambition of our products is defined by the authenticity and uniqueness of the design, our best-in-class production method, innovative and carefully targeted communication, and a selective product distribution.”

The sunglasses are produced in carefully selected acetates from Japan combined with very comfortable to wear photochromic mineral lenses – offering high-quality and a very attractive colour finish. Design elements such as the rivets – as in traditional frames – are visible in the front of the frame and on the temples. When you buy one of the sunglasses designs you receive an artisan leather case and matching cord.

The brothers have worked to achieve a strict quality control, and this is immediately evident in the frames when you hold them in your hand. “We have represented our dedication to quality on the designs themselves by adding a red thread knotted by hand (in the left end tip) in the workshop,” they explain.

“For now, we have 5 sunglass models in 6 acetate colours and 3 lens colours (a total of 90 possibilities!). They are offering 4 optical models in 6 colours (24 possibilities). The name Alf is short for Atelier de Lunetterie Français translated ‘French Eyewear Workshop’. For more information about this emerging brand, visit www.lunettes-alf.com CN