Expressive colour pairings, delicate floral-inspired patterns and carefully proportioned reduced silhouettes. The new designs in the S/S 19 sunglasses collection by Fleye Copenhagen is the result of a creative process that highlights an appreciation for Scandinavian culture and FloraDanica – an iconic collection of plants from the 18th century. The design team created their own floral portraits using flowers, trees and shrubs often seen in Danish gardens – and the results offered a wealth of exciting and “powerful” tonal combinations and special engravings that make these artisan sunglasses a highlight for Spring/Summer.
Above: Model Melanie Baird wears Fleye’s cateye model Utopia – in deep brown with a shiny pink inner rim from the Signature Collection. Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com at Bageriet, Nordic Bakery & Cafe, Covent Garden. www.bageriet.co.uk
Utopia by Fleye Copenhagen in Matte Rose Gold with Shiny Powder Green
These comfortable lightweight frames – in mixes of titanium, beta-titanium and/or acetate – feature delicately tinted polarized lenses which provide 100% UV protection.
Cosmos by Fleye Copenhagen combines Matt Gold and Shiny Gold
Fleye Copenhagen sunglasses have arrived in London for Spring. Visit Spex in the City in Covent Garden to see the new frames. www.spexinthecity.com / To find further stockists in Europe visit www.fleye.dk CN
Eyestylist Exclusives: LINDBERG: Style with substance – Spring/Summer 2019 Sun Collection
LINDBERG’s air titanium rim collection of the 1990s, a time when the Danish company flourished through its innovation in super light, highly technical almost invisible eyewear, is behind the slick fashion direction of their sunglasses for 2019 – a collection that combines essential fashion style with extraordinarily precise technical qualities designed for supreme functionality and comfort.
When it was launched for the first time in 1993, the air titanium rim design was an immediate success much for its lightweight comfort and technical excellence – as well as the individual identity and advanced functionality of the spiral hinge which continues to be seen as one of its most iconic design innovations to this day.
In model 8316 (above), the trendy narrow proportions of the micro frame are further enhanced by a vintage-inspired double bridge. The design featured shows the super thin titanium temples in a refined gold coloration paired with a distinctive black front, a combination that adds a luxurious finish to the model. Above: Danish model Josephine Skriver wearing LINDBERG 8316, the new micro sunglasses style
LINDBERG 8317: cat’s eye sunglass design
In recent years, the combination of acetate and titanium has entered several LINDBERG collections. Sun model 8317 illustrates the way in which the two materials can complement one another from a design perspective, as well as through advanced technical precision to create light, easy-to-wear sun models. The titanium temples and nose pad detailing are easily adjusted to ensure the frame fits the face perfectly. A narrow titanium line sweeps across the brow line creating a unique contemporary feel on the classic cat’s eye frame shape. For the full EYESTYLIST EXLUSIVES news and more LINDBERG designs click on the link: https://mailchi.mp/29a16a503861/eyestylist-exclusives-1563353
Exuberant, vivid and charismatic, Frida Kahlo grasped the bold beauty of Mexico’s abundant nature and artefacts. Joëlle Rey at BOZ captures the diversity, distinctive flair and dazzling colourations in a fabulous new collection of frames. There are fourteen exceptional designs, inspired by the unique personality of Frida Kahlo, and the amazing art that she created. Interpretation of the artist’s flamboyance is expressed in graphic elements, luminous transparencies, and exceptional patterns.
Illusion from the Frida collection by BOZ
The distinctive shape of ILLUSION is derived from the theme of Mexican festivals embodied by a symbol of femininity – the Flower, which symbolises many of Kahlo’s paintings. A unique interplay of technicality, inventiveness, and joyful colours complete the sleek, sophisticated look.
Impala by Joëlle Rey for BOZ reflects the lace that appears on Mexican openwork shawls
Aesthetic elements and decorative motifs on the top of IMPALA reflect the lace that appears on Mexican openwork shawls. The frame exudes sumptuousness and graphic codes inspired by geometric abstraction.
Coquetry and charm: Ibonia from the Frida Collection by BOZ
Detailed metal work highlights IBONIA with lacy trim around the frame front. Modern and feminine, a small removable charm accessorises the design with a touch of coquetry. The tiny charm refers to popular Mexican holidays. Discover the charismatic, uninhibited spirit of Frida Kahlo and Mexico skilfully expressed in this stunning new collection at www.boz-eyewear.frJG
Wearing glasses is an exciting expression of style, flair and individuality. Choices abound – technical innovations with intriguing materials; amazing colourations derived from nature and imagination – plus tantalising shapes. Whether sporty; glamorous; contemporary; sophisticated; cool or trendy; optical designs offer impressive, stunning options. Leading label l.a. Eyeworks launches spring with spirited, signature designs in vivid provocative colours, as featured in Mollusk (above image) in a medley of tones with scalloped shaping.
Double-layer colouration in Zecca by l.a. Eyeworks
California designers Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gheradi at l.a. Eyeworks have a great sense of humour, which is creatively infused into the frame designs – as well as colour and style options. The contemporary shaping in Zecca – circle meets square dialogue and colours enhanced with double layering – is shown above in Rad Red, and is also available in hues of Cosmic Tortoise; Tulip Sun; Rain Puddle and Black Pearls.
Hatch by l.a. Eyeworks – designs with dynamic energy and charisma
Graphic and bold, acetate and titanium join forces in Hatch – a sleek silhouette embracing unique colour combinations, including Matcha Net with Black Velvet shown above. The latest optical frames from l.a. Eyeworks vibrate with dynamic energy and charisma. See more Limited Edition designs at www.laeyeworks.comJG
An imposing handpainted mural (above) portraying the founder Wim Somers in neon tones at the top covers one huge expanse of wall at the front of theo’s home in Antwerp. The colour combinations and design are indicative of a pioneering spirit and the bold, innovative and industrious direction of the theo family today represented by the second generation, brothers Mik, Jan and Toon.
In its own equally expressive statement, the Graffiti collection by theo, launched at the Paris eyewear fair Silmo 2018 and now available in stores, looks to pay homage to the freedom and impact of street art. It explores the specific language of expression and lettering used by the New York graffiti artist ‘Phase 2’ in the late 1970s, reworking the effect with a whole different look in the frames.
The style of the ‘bubble-letters’ or ‘softies’ became extremely influential at the time and continue to be regarded in the art form as a ‘gigantic leap’. Here in the new theo eyewear collection, the expression of the letters is achieved through the protruding rounded acetate rims, in coordinated or contrasting colours on the stainless steel base frame, also worked to replicate the bubble effect with little ‘breaks’ through the design.
Three frame shapes – models Tag, Throwie and Piece – realised by Serge Bracké, work with the acetate and stainless steel mix – and come in eight graffiti inspired bright statement hues which include ‘glowing’ neon-like pinks and oranges that perfectly identify with the ultra-brilliant tones of the best fluorescent spray paints.
theo belgium’s first glasses became available in 1989. Today their collections are sold in 1,400 stores in 50 countries. Many of their optical partners make the journey to Antwerp to visit HQ and experience the theo world first hand. Find out more at www.theo.beCN
Eyewear creations from Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson are abundant with glamour, beauty and sensuality. Frames are crafted with unique statement style – exploring new concepts in shapes, colourations and details. Karlsson is an active advocate for equality and women being able to be who they want to be, and expressing this with fashion freedom. The latest designs are fuelled with Karlsson’s signature luxurious details: Zirconia stones; 24K gold plating and rose gold plating; Japanese Titanium; and Carl Zeiss lenses. Lush Diamond in Green Pearl (top image) is an elegant combination of acetate and metal, with 24K gold plated sides, and refined Carl Zeiss lenses.
Deluxe details: Half Moon by Anna-Karin Karlsson
Sleek and sophisticated, Half Moon is dramatically silhouetted with stone accents.
The ultimate accessory: Magic You in Emerald Crystal by Anna-Karin Karlsson
Bold and charismatic, Magic You accentuates an exaggerated round shape studded with sparkling Emerald Crystals. Explore more of Anna-Karin Karlsson’s eyewear dazzle at www.annakarinkarlsson.comJG
It’s by no means an obvious choice in adult eyewear, but its popularity in fashion has led to a surge in delicate blush or blossom tones for frame and lens. At the Spring fashion and eyewear fairs, this delicate, soft tone was a key feature across collections from emerging to established, sitting next to the darker classics of black and tortoise and establishing its presence for what we believe will be several seasons to come.
Above: Heidi London cateye with pearlised textured finish. www.heidilondon.com – Model: Melanie Baird – Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com – London, Covent Garden
Above: Evangelisti Eyewear: Squared acetate sunglasses Drop 01.
Young label Evangelisti was created by designers Giulio Milano and Giacomo Beghin. The sunglasses have a bold appearance with sculptured “flame-like” pattern on the temples. The design was launched this season in five statement colorways. https://evangelistiworld.com/
Grass by Fleye Copenhagen
The Danish independent brand Fleye has added new styles in the Signature collection, with pink tones, inspired by floral compositions in their “Flowers of Denmark” campaign.
Jasione by Fleye Copenhagen
Tones range from the bright baby pink of model Grass or the more neutral blush pink combination in the double rim optical style, Jasione. www.fleye.dk
Titanium frame Yuma 933 by Ørrgreen Optics
Ørgreen’s latest release of titanium eyewear, Titanium Tribe, explores the effects of milling the edges of the frames to create softer, more rounded edges. The contemporary palette, created by colorist Sahra Lysell includes brights such as Rio Red and Grape Juice, as well as the more delicate shades of Cloud Cream and Misty Rose (above). For more details visit www.orgreenoptics.comCN
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
