Eyestylist

Encouraging youngsters to value the importance of eye care and the benefits of quality frames can set the stage – and cultivates – a lifelong appreciation of fine eyewear. Artisan eyewear designers encourage this educational process by creating frames that children – and their parents – will approve. Most importantly – that kids will love to wear! With Back-to-School underway, there are impressive and “eye-inspiring” frames to kick-start the academic year.

A dynamic new launch is the beautiful collection by Sven Götti – Generation Next – featuring superbly-crafted 3D creations. Said the Swiss designer: “Creating a collection for children has been on my wish list for a long time. But I know that just doing a smaller version of existing frames is not enough. Selling eyewear to children has a lot to do with respect and responsibility, and it is so important that this will be a good experience. Plus comfortable fit and a cool look, so children have confidence wearing glasses.” Generation Next ticks all the right boxes with designs that combine fashion, fit, quality, and durability. Featured above: DUMU – a sleek little round shape mirroring a silhouette which both kids and parents love to wear. www.gotti.ch

The enduring beauty of tortoiseshell is stylishly interpreted by Lafont Paris in Cowboy – a contemporary form in acetate with trendy nuances. Designed for youngsters 7-12 years old, Cowboy is ideal for pre-teens and small faces. Lafont also has super selections for babies to three-year-olds, and children 4-7 years old. www.lafont.com

In Marseille, headquarters of JF Rey, children gather to participate in creative workshops (above) organised by designers, when they are creating frame designs for kids. The children are able to chose from diverse colours in acetate that brighten little faces, create their own motifs, and select shapes they like the best. www.jfrey.fr

Stylish, flexible, lightweight, adaptable, comfortable fit and fashion cred – LINDBERG titanium wire is the magical material for children’s frames by the Danish brand. LINDBERG Kid air titanium rim Lucas (above) is also hypoallergenic, perfect for young, sensitive skins. www.lindberg.com

Zoobug has a superb collection of lively, colourful designs that captivates children’s interest. These opticals were created by eye surgeon Dr Julie Le, who fully understands the importance of quality frames for children. ZB1027 features a timeless shape in acetate, for 7-12 year olds, with print sides for additional style pizzazz. Shown above in Raspberry, the frame is also available in dynamic blue or subtle candy floss pink. www.zoobug.com

Parisian Caroline Abram designs fun frames  – Tetes à Lunettes – in a marvellous array of colours and shapes for youngsters 3-12 years old. Solid and two-tone colourations provide intriguing choices for young spectacle wearers. Explore more at www.carolineabram.com

Sabine B launched a charming collection of eyewear for kids with her innovative designs for mini be – frames with playful shapes including mini be cat’s (above) plus a gipsy theme frame, and round and rectangular shapes in neon tones. www.sabinebe.fr

Children frequently like to emulate what their parents are wearing, and clear crystal acetate designs are a perfect example by Very French Gangsters. www.veryfrenchgangsters.com JG

 Oliver Goldsmith Vintage Archive Collection

“If you wear spectacles then do it with panache and bravura” Oliver Goldsmith  (Jewish Life, August 1966, from Top of the Optic Pops)

Bold style is not so new. Some of the standout designs of the past were thick-rimmed in the most conspicuous colours, contrasting with skin tones. In the 1960s, actor and style icon Michael Caine’s signature was undoubtedly his unmistakable Oliver Goldsmith spectacles. He has been much applauded for giving glasses a stylish reference at the time: while the era was literally bursting with creativity in eyewear his everyday classics and the way he wore them with assurance and ease – he had several 1960s Goldsmith designs – paved the way for a confidence in cool suave statement eyewear styling for men that remains to this day. Above: A Goldsmith classic: model Ingema in dark tort acetate – worn by Michael Caine on and and off set.

With so much history in its favour, the beautifully structured model Ingema worn by Caine (and several other jaw-dropping creations that turned into icons in the same decade) is back in the Oliver Goldsmith Vintage Archive Range, available as a special bespoke order. The OG store in London (All Saint’s Road, W11) is the best place to view the archive of styles available in this range and discuss styling and prescription needs. It’s a space that is packed with history….celebrity endorsement inspiration from the past, exceptional vintage designs and rare eyewear that you won’t see anywhere else.

Today the company is run by Claire Goldsmith, the great-granddaughter of Oliver Goldsmith and a designer in her own right, whose collection is also on show in the store, distinctive in its links with the family style and excellence in quality, with modern touches in colour and detail and keen pricing, with handcrafted frames in acetate from £230. For more information visit: www.olivergoldsmith.com CN

Ingenious technology, pure aesthetics and streamlined style culminated in The Götti Perspective Collection (optical designs top image) being awarded Gold at the International Design Awards (IDA) in Los Angeles. The jury selected visionary designers who are pioneering in the way they think, innovate and energise inspiration and creativity. The IDA award is considered to be one of the most significant design awards in North America.

The Götti Perspective design is a simple lens assembly involving a 3D-printed push-fit system. This technical innovation features no screws or adhesives. Numerous possibilities in colours and shapes are created with just a few cutting-edge components. Sven Götti, Creative Director and CEO researched  – relentlessly  – to develop a new design language that resulted in The Perspective Collection. Götti said: “We are delighted that we were able to impress the jury as a Swiss company with our system of innovative rimless glasses.” Visit www.gotti.ch and experience gold-medal winning creativity. JG

The sun is shining! ‘Tis the season for fun and adventure! From festivals to fireworks, beach to boating escapades – sunglasses are the ideal accessory for summer style – and protective shade from UV radiation. The abundant selection is resplendent – with creatively designed, artisan-crafted frames, in beautiful materials and colours. Peak holiday season is on the horizon – and here are stunning sunglasses to provide fashion mojo and protect your eyes. Purity of line, luxurious crafted materials, and colours reflecting nature’s magnificence hallmark the Norwegian brand Karmoie, including Rise in Bark acetate (above).

Lightweight Earth acrylic is both durable and strong, and the luminosity of the material is bold and effective in Max, by Kirk & Kirk from the Sunglass Collection. www.kirkandkirk.com

Perfectly balanced silhouettes from the elegant Swiss brand Von Arkel are crafted in premium materials, and feature the amazing Caliber hinges with a foundation in watchmaking. www.vonarkel.com

For genuine summer cool and sophistication, Luca Gnecchi Ruscone has launched The Yacht Club Collection. The Skipper, in acetate covered with a special rubber layer, is destined to live life in Yachts Clubs, or on the water. More details at www.lgrworld.com

Sleek and contemporary – Bon by Fleye Copenhagen is distinguished by a double bridge and available in beta-titanium in subtle, distinctive colourations including semi-matt copper (above). www.fleye.dk

Carter Bond creates dashing titanium sunglass designs for men in timeless shapes – with classy details. www.carterbond.com

Tri-colour acetate highlights the holiday spirit in sun designs by the French label Plein Les Mirettes, made in Normandy. www.plein-les-mirettes.fr

Celebrate summer in ic-berlin’s Hauptstadt gunmetal sunglasses – strong in shape, character and quality. Handmade in Berlin. www.ic-berlin.de JG

Jonathan Hennessy Sceats – known in the eyewear world as Jono Hennessy – has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, at the National Gallery of Victoria. Jono’s father was an optician, so he grew up watching his dad perform eye tests and fitting fashion bespoke optical designs for his clients. Like father, like son…Jono developed a love for artisan eyewear and inherited the same devotion to quality and workmanship.

In the 1980’s, Jono began designing under his own label, and was a creative innovator, and soon the frames became the number one brand in Australia. A combination of an eccentric flair for life, passion for his country – which often inspire his designs – and always supporting the collaboration between independent designers and independent optometrists around the world, Hennessy has made significant contributions to Australian and international design.

The induction into the Australia Hall of Fame is a celebration of his achievements and dedication to his stellar career and creative innovation. Jono Hennessy will present their latest collections this weekend at Sydney SILMO 20-22 July. www.jonohennessy.com JG

Vintage influences always arise in the new collections, often with a subtlety that points to a particularly innovative direction or careful study of a timeless look from the past. The half moon, the monocle, the pince nez and classic reading glasses designs of the early 1900s – all of these specialist vintage designs have come into play in recent collections, influencing details and shapes with elegant, traditional and timeless overtones.

The award-winning Seeoo Classic reading glass design, described as a contemporary revisiting of the everlasting historical glasses, “pince-nez” comes from one of just a few specialist Austrian producers of eyewear. Connecting manufacturing tradition and contemporary technology, the Seeoo collection is made with Mazzucchelli® acetate and each design comes with a designer case, created for protection as well as ease of carrying. The mobile phone case is particularly practical. More designs are available at www.seeooshop.eu

The Parisian brand Lafont has a huge collection of perfectly formed antique-inspired designs including model Colette, also reminiscent of the classical shape of the pince-nez. The ever popular round eye shape paired with a high nose bridge is distinctive and refined, and the coloration – among them this gold and subtle tortoise combination – adds old-fashioned distinction and individuality. www.lafont.com

The Italian brand L.G.R is similarly in tune with the most iconic vintage designs which in the present day reemerge with refinement and love for authentic Italian artisan craftsmanship. Sunglass style model Tuareg – combines an ultra thin metal frame, high narrow brow bar and classical blue coloured oversized round zero base lens in a design that perfectly balances design of the past with sought after modern practicalities such as high-class UV protection and comfort and fit. For more classic inspired design by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, the Founder of L.G.R, visit www.lgrworld.com CN

 

Soft, pastel colours in fashion and eyewear create a refreshing tone when summer temperatures are sizzling. Airy and light, a pastel palette flows with revitalising ambience. Frames with muted intonations highlight designer collections – here are elegant choices to welcome record-breaking temperatures with cool poise – and style savvy. Pretty in pink…(above) Swiss brand Sol Sol Ito 019 AC in delicate pink acetate, sprinkled with glitter. www.solsolito.com

Jono Hennessy’s Limited Edition style 8449 is available in an alluring array of colours: aquamarine (above) plus tea rose, sky blue, and pistachio. www.jonohennessy.com

Cool and classy – Res/Rei’s Cocktail Collection includes streamlined Daiquiri in high-density Mazzucchelli acetate. www.resrei.com

Glamour and glitter: Bang Bang Baby by Anna-Karin Karlsson combines 24K Gold Plated stainless steel and acetate with graceful muted tones, and sparkling Swarovski Crystals. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

SALT. Optics Landry – its purity of line in Lemon acetate reflects bracingly chilled lemonade on a shaded terrace. www.saltoptics.com

Karmoie’s sleek frame Player in Twig is meticulously crafted with beautiful proportions and fine details. www.karmoie.com JG

A different site and new eyewear brands create a stimulating and exciting platform for the 2018 edition of Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart. Garage 229 is the ultra-spacious location, an Art Deco building with convenient access, lighting, and a favourite setting for music and motor events. On 13th and 14th October, Garage 229 will host independent eyewear designers – featuring well-established labels and recent launches. The award winning Swiss brand Götti sets the scene with stunning designs that include the beautifully crafted 3D Dimension (above) the technically brilliant Perspective Collection; and the elegant Götti Switzerland Collection. www.gotti.ch

The colour spectrum is re-invented by 450 Ultra Limited with their expressive eyewear designs. Bolzano is among the unique frames crafted in Italy that will be presented in Stuttgart. www.450vision.com

Mazzucchelli taupe acetate silhouettes the contemporary and streamlined design by NIRVAN JAVIN, from the beautiful Swiss-designed collection of optical frames and sunglasses.  www.nirvanjavan.com

Timeless designs by Koberg in Germany combine stainless steel and acetate in style 6998 with metallic lacquer details and acetate end tips. Discover more at www.koberg-brillen.de

Mark those dates now! October 13th and 14th for Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart in a unique, divergent  venue – Garage 229. www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

Ten years ago, Nathanael Wenger conceived a contemporary concept for an eyewear event – Hall of Frames Zurich. Artisan, independent brands would be featured, and Wenger was keen to find a unique location with sufficient space, amenities, and an historic past – blending both modern marketing techinques – with memorable, entertaining potential. He succeeded with Papiersaal, a noteworthy industrial building in central Zurich that is surrounded by modern architecture. With its convenient location the hall specialises in private, corporate and public events.

For a period, HOF Zurich was in other locations; now for the 10th anniversary of this annual eyewear event, the show returns to Papiersaal for a gala showcase of prestigious eyewear specialists. Participants include leading brands featured in the finest optical boutiques – including Götti Switzerland; Neubau Eyewear; Orgreen Optics; Von Arkel; Woow Eyewear; Falvin; Blackfin; Coblens; Face à Face Paris; and Specs Lab Zurich among other ultra-quality labels. Von Arkel (top image) will present their elegant designs including style 0807-001 from the Entourage Buffalo horn/Caliber 9 collection. www.vonarkel.com

Timeless designs in a variety of intriguing shapes feature at Coblens – the German label noted for its distinctive double-bridge styles. www.coblens.com

Bold and imaginative colours highlight Face à Face Paris frames in acetate (above) plus acetate and aluminium combinations. www.faceaface-paris.com

Retro and futuristic elements harmonise in Silverdale BF828 from the Blackfin Black Edition designs. The exclusive finish is possible with the Blackfin Nano-Plating treatment. www.blackfin.eu

Come join the fun – both business and pleasure – at Hall of Frames Zurich – 07-08 October at Papiersaal. www.hallofframes.ch JG