Hall of Frames Zurich

Craftsmanship, creativity, and fine design are the benchmarks for independent eyewear designers exhibiting at Hall of Frames Zurich in September. Organiser Nathanaël Wenger said: “The show has made a name for itself as a meeting point for independent opticians and eyewear designers.”

Top Swiss model Sandra Wildbolz – who has walked for Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier – wears BOLD 1 by Götti from the Perspective Collection

“For the first time,” continued Wenger, “the event will take place in September – Sunday 15th and Monday 16th. Our location remains the same – the historical Papiersaal in Sihlcity in the centre of Zurich. Many of the exhibitors are among the pioneers who have shaped the eyewear market over the years.”

Luxuriously crafted Von Arkel designs embellished with fine Swiss watchmaking techniques, will present their collection at Hall of Frames Zurich

Wenger noted that diverse collections to be seen at the event include designers and brands with selections in acetate, metal, stainless steel, wood and horn, plus 3D technology that have set new standards for alluring eyewear.

Randolph Engineering with eyewear crafted in Massachusetts, will present their collections for the first time at Hall of Frames Zurich

Among the participants are Blackfin from Italy (top image) Swiss labels Götti; Von Arkel; Nirvan Javan; Baselli and Fassungswerk; Orgreen from Copenhagen; German brands Dusseldorf; You Mawo and Matze Marpe; Rolf Spectacles from The Tyrol in Austria and Andy Wolf; Randolph Engineering from USA; among other exciting labels.

Nirvan Javan style NJE 25 from the BECAUSE I CAN campaign by the Swiss label

Demand for high quality, innovative eyewear remains strong. “In general, the mood among independent specialist opticians is good,” said Wenger. This optimistic attitude is a reflection of the distinctive, desirable eyewear designs beautifully crafted from international creators. Save the dates! 15th and 16th September, Hall of Frames Zurich at Papiersaal. Additional details at www.hallofframes.ch JG

Eyestylist with Lunettes Alf in Florence

Pitti, Florence – “Sunglasses style for Summer”

Classic shapes are confirmed as the ultimate accessory for men this summer. Not only do these designs define an outfit and look good on most faces, their beautiful colorations, details and subtleties, particularly in the superior acetate materials, make a design statement in themselves.

Emerging label, Lunettes Alf has created one of the most easy-to-wear artisan collections of timeless designs, made in France and signed with a small red thread woven by hand into one temple tip as a reminder of each model’s provenance, quality and refined detailing.

Above: Model e18.01.006, the first model in the Alf collection – an elegant, rounded hand-polished Japanese acetate frame. For further details: https://lunettes-alf.com/collection/?lang=en#alf_1 Photography by Gennaro D’Elia for Eyestylist.

Lunettes Alf: model e18.02.008

Inspired by famous faces of the past, and a touch of the elegance of James Dean and the refined humour of Woody Allen, the e18.02.008 in crystal embodies an old-world 1940s charm with its half-ring profile and riveted hinges. For more details: https://lunettes-alf.com/collection/?lang=en#alf_2

Lunettes Alf: model e18.04.007 – Photography by Gennaro D’Elia

Unisex model e18.04 – available in several classic colours of tortoise, black and crystal, is inspired by the soul and hip hop street culture of the 1980s and like the other highlighted models features the brand’s signature photochromic mineral glass sun lenses. More details: https://lunettes-alf.com/collection/?lang=en#alf_4

Eyestylist shot on location in Florence, Italy. Photography by Gennaro D’Elia (@genndel) exclusively for Eyestylist.com. Model: Alex Mancini (@mancini_alex). Sunglasses by Lunettes Alf. https://lunettes-alf.com CN

Divergent designs: RIGARDS

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.

Nite Owl by RIGARDS

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

Pitti Uomo 2019: street style ‘classics’

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.

Dark ‘panto’ shaped sunglasses with matching lens tone – Photography: Gennaro D’Elia

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.

Sunglasses style: the classic clip-on as a finishing touch over tortoise Photography: Gennaro D’Elia

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.

Geometric double-bridge metal frame with orange lens tint Photography: Gennaro D’Elia

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.

KBL: Bold, adventurous & expressive eyewear

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.

Kudamm: glamorous graphic contours by KBL

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

Love Parade in Titanium by KBL

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

Von Arkel: Swiss chic and craftsmanship

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.

Verona Calibre 4 Outline by Von Arkel

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

Top accessories by Diffuser Tokyo

The accessory brand we love for 2019

Taking the eyewear accessory trend into a new era is the Japanese label Diffuser Tokyo, whose range of accessory products provide the perfect balance between style and functionality, and all the right qualities to pair with the finest eyewear and sunglasses on the market. The label has arrived in Europe at some of the most gorgeous optical shops already including Lunettes Selection (Berlin), KLAR (Darmstadt, Germany), Milan Lunetier (Paris) and Une histoire de lunettes (Montpellier), and it’s about to make its mark very quickly as a brand to watch.

Beautifully finished cases and eyewear pouches – Diffuser Tokyo

The selection of designs by Diffuser includes soft fabric cases, leather cords, cords with silver engraved holders, novel ‘wearable’ eyewear cases and protective leather frame boxes. All the designs are made in Japan and make use of special high-quality materials with much variation including Italian leather, Japanese cow leather, suede, Japanese silk and metal parts in silver, brass or 18k/24k plating in precious metals such as rhodium.

Unisex Eyewear Cord by Diffuser Tokyo

Diffuser launched in 2012 as a fashion brand for men and has quickly expanded to produce unisex designs for men and women. Masaki Hirose, who had been working in eyewear sales in Japan, joined with a team of creatives and their products saw instant success at fashion retailers and leading department stores in Tokyo for the balance of quality design and price that has given them immediate immediate appeal for the design-driven eyewear enthusiast.

Diffuser Tokyo will be exhibiting for the first time at Silmo in September 2019. The fair takes place from 27th to 30th September. For full details on the collection visit www.diffuser-tokyo.com CN

Kate Moss, 1992 sunglasses: new collaboration

The Iconic Series-4001 In Collaboration With Stephanie Pfriender Stylander – featuring Kate Moss

Christian Roth’s reissue of Series-4001, the dramatic, otherworldly eyewear silhouette that defined the look of a decade as featured by Kate Moss in 1992 comes as no surprise.

Interest in the Series-4001 soared with the publication of “The Untamed Eye,” a fashion monograph released by photographer Stephanie Pfriender Stylander in September last year. The book’s cover features a black and white photograph of Moss, then 17, and a relatively unknown talent; she is lifting the Series-4001 sunglasses over her eyes to reveal a gaze that has since graced an unprecedented number of magazine covers and fashion campaigns.

“Kate, during her early years, had an innate magic mix of vulnerability, curiousness and determination,” Pfriender Stylander recalls. “When I shot these pictures, we were at the beginning of our careers. We were young and unknown, and the story plays homage to that — romanticizing this period of youthful innocence.” The story, commissioned by Harper’s Bazaar Uomo, was one of Moss’s first fashion editorials, and quickly set the tone for the gritty, restless style that became synonymous with the early 1990s.

1992: Kate Moss photographed by Stephanie Pfriender Stylander – wearing CR Series 4001 sunglasses in black

The successful launch of “The Untamed Eye” inspired Christian Roth and business partner, Eric Domege, to collaborate with Pfriender Stylander on a reissue of the style from the cover. “Stephanie’s photographs are nearly three decades old, but the ideas and emotions they capture — young love, rebellion, curiosity — are timeless,” Roth explains. “After speaking about her work and its significance to our label’s heritage, it was clear that the time had arrived to share a piece of our history with a new generation.”

Launched last month, the sunglasses are now available through DITA worldwide. Photographs by kind permission of Christian Roth. All Rights Reserved. Available online at https://christianroth.com/en-us/archive-1993/?id=1756#174=1754&175=1354 CN

Independent newcomers: Poente, Portugal

It’s not on the scene quite yet in a big way outside Portugal, but the young 26 year old designer of Poente Eyewear, who represents the 4th generation in a family of eyewear producers is taking care to develop his label in line with an artisan family tradition. “I’m 26 years old,” says Bernardo Romão. “I was born and raised in Lisbon. I’m a designer and the owner of the emerging label.”
Poente Eyewear: an emerging brand from Portugal
Poente, meaning sunset in Portuguese, is inspired by a fresh and youthful aesthetic and lifestyle. The products are handmade in Portugal, using high quality Mazzuchelli acetate with Carl Zeiss Vision lenses.
“We are working with dynamic people…designers, artists, street artists, filmmakers, photographers and writers. Our collection has a strong feeling of classic eyewear design, with a modern, forward-looking approach to presentation and style. We already have some special stockists including Optica do Sacramento (Lisbon), M Oculista (Lisbon) and Optical Boutique (Porto).” The focus is now on expanding further afield.
Poente Eyewear produces handmade acetate optical frames and sunglasses, made exclusively in Portugal in line with traditional production techniques and family traditions. Find out more about Poente Eyewear at www.poente.pt CN

Summer sunglass serenade: Blackfin

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.

Contemporary form: Ventura Blackfin Natural Awareness

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.

Dramatic silhouette: Coral Cove by Blackfin

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

Sol Sol Ito: Captivating sun styles that sizzle

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.

Stunning sun specs by Sol Sol Ito

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.

Bold and beautiful sunglasses by Swiss label Sol Sol Ito

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

Finest Seven sunglasses: Sleek style statements

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.

Contemporary chic: Zero 14 in white by Finest Seven

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