Eyestylist

Eyewear trends: layer up!

Layering up is not just for winter apparel…layered effects in eyewear are popular again….

Layer upon layer of design details and fine materials, worked in beautiful ways! One of the most eye-catching trends of the moment in eyewear involves exceptional know-how and craft finesse, to create depth and unique twists in the structure of the frame. At Silmo in September, a variety of fine independent eyewear collections featured a particular example of such detailing, in different materials with all kinds of interesting and sometimes dramatic effects. Playing with layers for the exciting structures that can be explored, or using them to create a special mood or character in the frame, the effect of this design work on the face will reveal individuality and a nuanced expression, calling attention to the wearer’s unique personality and individual traits. Above: Layer 2 by FACE A FACE is one of the new highlights in the French collection this season. Two shapes are layered on top of one another, hence the name, Layer. The playful way in which this is achieved is further explored through the combination of the two colours which, layered together, reveal a third. The finely sculpted details of the wings add a further touch of subtle sophistication. www.faceaface-paris.com

PRIS by Veronika Wildgruber: a brand new release at Silmo last month

At Veronika Wildgruber, structure and architectural influences are a common thread from one collection to the next. The new model Pris has an aluminium bar running across the top as a defining structural element, reminiscent of the stark, functional lines characteristic of Brutalist architecture. The smooth acetate surface contrasts sharply with the rigid aluminium layer on top, emphasising the striking character of these glasses. The round lenses and horizontal bar mirror the Brutalist principles of exposed materials and structural elements. www.veronikawildgruber.com

Andy Wolf 4820

The “shape in shape in shape” concept has fascinated the design team at Andy Wolf for some time. Model 4820 is a medium-sized feminine combination frame combining three different shapes in a wonderfully layered design using acetate in clear and patterned tones with a fine metal wire. www.andy-wolf.com

Lonzo by l.a.Eyeworks

Model Lonzo by l.a.Eyeworks exemplifies a contemporary frame aesthetic that offers over-sized proportions refined by precise bevels that reveal layers of colour – the technical virtuosity permits a beautiful colour contrast with interesting light effects. www.laeyeworks.com

{REWIND} – ‘Happy Birthday Strass’

REWIND’s Happy Birthday style with diamanté is particular in its shaping at the upper rim where a transparent blue section appears to overlap a darker blue with a very pretty, feminine lightness. In this way, the diamanté crystals are highlighted in the top section where they have been meticulously hand-set to add a luxurious sparkle. www.rewindeyewear.com

Jenny by Morel – made in France

The audacious new Jenny optical style at the French eyewear compan yMorel features a layered effect – in a light transparent acetate – over the top rim of the frame front. By using a transparent material with a tiny dotted pattern over the intensely coloured red, the design takes on a more individualistic and artsy feel and the play of light around the design is elevated to create something eye-catching and different for the eyes. www.morel-france.com

Bastian by Jisco Eyewear

The acetate style Bastian by Spanish eyewear company Jisco explores a particularly popular look where the acetate layers are built up in different colours. In this green/black variation, both the front and the temples feature the layered look for a bold statement structure that is notably influenced by vintage icons of the past. www.jiscoeyewear.com

Organisme 3 by Parasite Eyewear

The layering effects are also observed in some metal collections. The designers at Parasite Eyewear have release some creative examples in their Organisme models which have steel structures decorated with a layer of colour in a bright organic formation across the front and the sides of the designs – appearing as if painted on the metal by hand. www.parasite-eyewear.com

IOKO Studio / One Of A Kind: Sunset & Sunrise

The design eyewear brand – IOKO Studio’s One Of A Kind (Bratislava, Slovakia), a project created by the founder of one of Europe’s most unique and forward-thinking optical stores, features the actress Antonie Formanová wearing the spectacular, one-of-a-kind eyewear styles

A series of stunning fashion images has been released by IOKO Studio – the eyewear studio and creators of One Of A Kind, conceived and created by Dana Prekopová and Erika Remencová. The images feature the new collection Sunset & Sunrise, a bold and confident concept made exclusively by hand each one as a unique piece, in a given colour and design. Above: Antonie Formanová wears IOKO Studio – Formanová is a Czech actress who starred in Dukla 61.

IOKO Studio – One Of A Kind

“As the morning dawn changes into the evening sunset, so do the glasses in the Sunrise and Sunset collection.The new emerges, the old disappears….the birth of one inspired the design of the next…..” IOKO STUDIO

IOKO Studio – One Of A Kind

Each shape in the collection is embellished with handmade decorative elements to create new contours and a sculptural relief. The colour palette is decadent and intense, with jewel-like tones of red and deep purple adding intrigue and artistic flair. The eyewear collection by IOKO Studio is available at IOKO Optica in Bratislava. The frames are designed with love and produced with the precision of jewellery making techniques. Find out more at www.ioko.sk/en/ Read our interview with Dana on Eyestylist: https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/11/10-questions-dana-prekopova-ioko-optika/

Hall of Frames 2024, Lucerne, Switzerland

An eyewear event that always has a fresh and informal buzz, Hall of Frames took place in September in Lucerne – over 50 brands exhibited, welcoming a professional audience at the elegant venue, the Swiss Museum of Transport

Hall of Frames (HOF), the Swiss eyewear event which took place in September for the third year in a row, welcomed interested opticians to see an impressive array of eyewear from different countries in Europe and beyond, showcasing the latest trends and innovations by designers and leading manufacturers. The event highlighted a continued focus on eyewear trends, bold colour and the quality of refined natural materials. Above: Hall of Frames eyewear shoot, Lucerne – September 2024 – photography by Studio Kronsbjerg – frame, Gigi Barcelona

Stone glasses by eyewear innovators, ROLF – the model comes from the Evolved collection – natural materials continue to be extremely desirable in Switzerland and other countries in Europe such as Austria and Germany

The organisers of the event have made a statement that revealed that the majority of participants are positive about the Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne as the venue and wish to return there in future. They said: – “Hall of Frames 2024 has once again shown that Lucerne is not only a popular venue, but also a successful one – a meeting place for creative minds, innovations and sustainable design that inspires
the industry and provides forward-looking impetus…”

Hall of Frames (HOF) 2024 – a showcase for independents

Hall of Frames (HOF) has been promoting independent opticians and eyewear designers for the past 15 years. HOF offers a comprehensive insight into the latest trends and innovations in the industry and represents an important meeting place for professionals in the Swiss eyewear market. New dates for 2025 will be announced on Eyestylist.com. Find out more about the event at www.hallofframes.ch

Photography by kind permission: Studio Krosnbjerg. 

FACE A FACE: I M PERFECT

Part of the new Dance release at Design Eyewear Group, the I M PERFECT sunglass style is signed by FACE A FACE and results from a creative collaboration between the French and Danish designers at Design Eyewear Group

Inspired by the concept of Wabi-Sabi, the I M PERFECT sunglasses design results from thoughts about how you can see beauty and opportunity in the accidental and unexpected. The designers wanted to explore the possibility of capturing elegance in a fractured or broken lens over which a drop of gold seems to flow towards the sculpted temple. Above: I M PERFECT by FACE A FACE, the simplicity of the design hides particular technical expertise and the know-how of Italian artisans who have produced it with so much finesse – the luxurious design is launched in a limited and numbered edition

FACE A FACE: I M PERFECT was shown for the first time at Silmo Paris 2024 – two lens shapes are available – the square version above or round

The imperfection on the lens is transformed into a beautiful element of the asymmetrical design, and has a jewellery-like finish thanks to the gold embellishment on the “fractured edge”. The I M PERFECT frame has been released in the gold version above as well as a silver finish and a selection of lens colours from which to to choose. www.faceaface-paris.com

Rimless Eyewear: Blackfin Aero Loop

Blackfin has introduced a rimless collection with titanium micro-hinge

A new rimless collection by Blackfin incorporates a titanium micro-hinge inspired by rivets used in the aeronautical industry. The hinge is hidden behind a patented lens fastener and dual circular lens holes, not visible from the side. This new design eliminates any protrusion on the front, making the eyeglasses almost disappear on the face while delivering a contemporary aesthetic suited to every day wear. Underlying the apparent simplicity is an extremely complex development process in which every detail undergoes meticulous research. The product was shortlisted in the Silmo D’Or awards 2024 in the Technological Innovation in Eyewear category. Above: the Aero Loop designs are light and barely-there

Blackfin Aero Loop: lightweight, durable and strong

The Blackfin Aero Loop collection has been designed to allow for a high level of personalization of the product, offering 40 different lens shapes, two bridge sizes and four temple designs available in 40 colourways. Some colours are applied by hand with artisan precision, others are created via Nano-Plating technology, while anodization lends bright, polished hues. Thanks to their adjustability, the soft medical-grade silicone LitePads, and the easy-to-adapt inclination and length of the temples, the Aero Loop styles offer a high level of wearability and a comfortable fit for all faces. For more information visit www.blackfin.eu