The Austrian brand – Rolf Spectacles – who have pioneered the production of fine wood and horn spectacles made through a precise balance of technical innovation and time-honored artisan techniques, since 2009, is adding a new material to its collections in 2020.
The label, which has also developed its own unique collections using stone and 3d printed titanium is now adding a line made from a natural plant-based material taken from a species of the Euphorbiaceae family (commonly known as spurge), with exciting sustainable credentials.
Rolf eyewear: Substance, a plant-based collection
“The plants are grown in tropical climates without any kind of genetic engineering, they don’t compete with food crops, and they can grow very tall, very quickly: where a spruce or a beech will only grow a few centimeters taller every year, this remarkable plant will shoot up six metres in just four months, and it comes back every year,” explains company founder and visionary Roland Wolf. “This makes the new material more sustainable and kinder to the environment than ever – and the perfect foundation upon which to build a new collection of glasses…”
The new 3d printed Substance collection by Rolf comprises 23 flexible natural skin-friendly frame styles in 6 colours and makes a highlight of the refined design typical of a Austrian-made Rolf product, as well as the unique Flexlock hinge. Find out more about Substance at www.rolf-spectacles.com
Amsterdam-based blogger, model and influencer Linda Tol lives life in fashion’s fast lane. Her own-brand eyewear collection is the embodiment of her fresh, elegant, unpretentious personal style. Eyestylist spoke to her in an exclusive interview during lockdown.
What is your earliest memory of fashion? I grew up in a village nearby Amsterdam. Together with my younger sister. I grew up with fashion. My mum has a deep interest in it and I guess it rubbed off on me. Growing up, she loved to dress us kids for school. It looked like it was our birthday every day.
When did you begin your journey / career in the fashion industry? Before I started blogging I worked in Fashion PR. Many stylists and journalists supported me to do something with my style. A blog was the perfect way to share my love, passion and inspiration for beauty and fashion. After 3 years working for the PR firm, I decided to start my own company and LindaTol was born.
What are your thoughts on the “influencer” industry and social media platforms as we know them today? Social networks are the biggest source of inspiration. Billions of us are using social media platforms every day. We use it for every part of our lives. In our personal relationships, for entertainment, at work and in our studies. Social media changed the way we communicate. It’s changing the way we do business, the way we are governed, and the way we live in society. Social media is real. Influencers share their personal life, experiences and stories. And people relate to influencers.
When you’re looking for a particular item; clothing, bags, accessories – what, for you, are the 3 most important attributes to the item / the brand it is produced by? 1/I invest in timeless pieces: wardrobe investments 2/Quality over quantity 3/I ask if it is environmentally friendly production?
Does quality / lasting wear for you have an influence on purchasing a product? Yes. For me it’s really important to invest in a piece. I only buy products that are timeless and the quality is really important to me. Quality means it lasts longer. It has a different value for me.
Linda Tol – SS20 – in TOL Eyewear
What is your stance on environmentalism and sustainability in the fashion industry and in day to day life? Shop less, Collect better – be mindful of your consumer habits – shop Brands That Prioritize Sustainability.
Do you think there’s a similar need for accessories to become sustainable? Not really a need. But the idea behind TOL Eyewear is to invest in a timeless pair of sunglasses. A pair of sunglasses you buy and wear for many years. It’s a luxury product.
How would you describe your own style / and how has it developed over time? Style is all about personality; it’s an expression of your individuality, so if you don’t feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, then it won’t feel authentic. My style is quite diverse, but it’s always really recognizably me. When I was younger, I used to try a little bit too hard – I’d wear too many crazy prints or statement pieces all at once – but in recent years my look has become more sophisticated. Now, a typical outfit for me is a pair of boyfriend jeans and a T-shirt, but I’ll finish it off with some super-girly slingbacks. Comfort is the most important factor for me when I’m piecing together a look, so I live in denim.
If you could choose one only one category of accessory to wear, what would the category be and why? Hard to choose between bags and sunglasses. I love bags. In the same way that different types of bags define your personality, the way you carry them defines it too. It’s practical. I love sunglasses because they are the finishing touch of the look. They make me feel strong and powerful. I also wear sunglasses in winter. It’s an attitude. They make people feel confident.
Linda Tol – SS20 – in TOL Eyewear
When did TOL Eyewear present itself as a potential business prospect? From the moment we proposed the project to the Italian factory who produces TOL Eyewear. They believed in the project from the very beginning.
What are your plans for this collection? We have so many ideas in mind. Our dream is to become a successful global brand.
If any, what is the mission statement / brand motto for TOL and it’s future customers? TOL is an Amsterdam based design studio with an international approach to eyewear and fashion that is overseen and embodied by myself and Marieke Meulendijks. All our work derives from a deep interest in fashion, contemporary art, interiors, architecture and people. Above all, every story and every project begins with the creation of a new emotion.
The brand’s mission is to reach a fusion between creativity, technical innovation and traditional craftsmanship. This allows them to offer eyewear characterised by high quality materials and the typical excellence of Italian manufacturing. This combination of innovation and tradition is the principle that inspires us to create and design for TOL.
On a personal level, what is your feeling towards this current period we’re living through – a pandemic, self isolation…how do you keep busy and mindful? It was not easy in the beginning. Staying positive is very important. I try to create a routine for myself. I wake up around the same time every day. I get dressed and get my make-up done every day. I plan meetings (via Zoom) and try to create as much content as I can for my personal account and TOL Eyewear.
What would be your advice to young fashion creatives looking to work in the fashion industry? Stay true to yourself and ignore the critics.
Find out more at www.lindatol.com.and @lindatol_ on Instagram. To purchase the sunglasses visit @toleyewear (available from July). Interview by Victoria G. L. Brunton for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.
A vision of sun-drenched island vistas and fabulous colours, Peoples from Barbados eyewear by Alicia Hartman returns to inspire uplifting reflections for the future with new photography by Jaryd Niles-Morris, and Barbadian model Jalicia Nightengale.
Accompanying the imagery, and for the first time, the brand is publishing poetic words dedicated to the precious community from where it draws hope and inspiration – by the travelling street poet, Kevin Devaney.
“If the future that you are gazing towards is as bright as the Bajan sun, remember, it is a star and you are too, Peoples from Barbados” Kevin Devaney for PFB Eyewear
Peoples from Barbados PFB13: Jalicia Nightengale at Half Moon Fort
Peoples from Bardados eyewear lives and breathes the beauty, colour and spirit of the Bardados community. Produced exclusively in Japan, the eyewear collection highlights an extraordinary versatility in design style. The collection has grown to a complete set of 10 models, incorporating styles for men and women. PFB13, worn by Nightengale in the new shoot, is created in a pastel shade of mysterious purple pink acetate with glamorous grey undertones, finished with a high-end Japanese polishing technique to reveal a graduated shiny to matt finish across the surface. https://peoplesfrombarbados.com Find your PFB style at Alicia Hartman’s online store: www.eyeqstylistopticians.com
In the third and final recommendation in our series on creativity on Instagram this week, meet Chiara Veronese @centro_ottico_bastia, a young Italian optician and designer with an eye for style and curated imagery.
Chiara Veronese’s IG profile @centro_ottico_bastia is colourful, personal and full of fun and glamour. With a background in art and graphic design, Veronese took over her father’s optical store in 2016, and has a special passion for independent creative design. “After graduating from the University of the Arts London in 2011 I studied to be an optician in Italy,” she told Eyestylist. ” Today I’m the owner, the manager, the creative, the cleaner: I’m a one-woman band!”
Interior shot at Centro Ottico Bastia (at the foot of the Euganean hills, Veneto, Italy)
With posts that visualise the beautiful chic style of the shop, as well as Chiara’s personal edit of eyewear, design, fashion and accessories, a few very elegant selfies are also highlighted as part of the styling of this page, demonstrating the unique qualities of the frames in store.
“My IG inspiration is always connected with independent brands and creative individuals,” she says. “I follow many accounts on travel, design and ceramics, and I have a soft spot for Japanese photography and architecture. I’m very attracted to one-off projects, collaborations and hybrid design (useful vs beautiful).”
Asked how she’s faired in lockdown, she says she has tried to see it as a chance to explore creativity within the limits of her home. “For IG I’ve been using only what is immediately available and mundane, everyday objects and settings. I also had the opportunity to experiment with my first, rudimentary posts via IGTV.” Via Veneto 54, Loc. Bastia, 35030 Rovolon PD, Italy. Find out more about Centro Ottico Bastia at the new website:www.centrootticobastia.it
In our special series about creativity on Instagram, we introduce @nina_more_eyewear, a new Insta page by the Spanish design brand Nina Mûr designed to “connect, support and share” across the optical/optician community.
The Spanish label, already present on Instagram with their brand page @nina_mur_eyewear, have launched a second page @nina_more_eyewear, with design and lifestyle inspiration specifically for the optical community. “We wanted to share our knowledge, inspiration and philosophy with passionate opticians,” Lorena Serrano, Co-founder and Creative Director told Eyestylist. “To inspire and empower them to improve their sales – and also to feel good. On this page we highlight sustainability, slow luxury, arts & crafts, design and innovation.”
Thought-provoking, design inspiration in new Instagram page : Nina More
The page curates a wide variety of imagery about design, display, creative composition, colour and eyewear inspiration based on the brand’s main values but translating them into ideas and tips about window dressing, set design and decoration, marketing concepts and elegant minimal ideas for presentation.
“We see this side of Nina as a new window on our work – beyond glasses,” explains Lorena. “It talks about our philosophy and our soul and our activities beyond eyewear as a creative agency. Here you will find more variety of content and more value, giving ‘more’ and sharing ‘more’.”
Nina Mûr is a refined wooden eyewear label – crated by Davide Fichera and Lorena Serrano and based in Madrid. The label focuses on independent production, high quality and sustainabile materials, innovation and craft.Visit @nina_more_eyewear by @nina_mur_eyewear on Instagram – and find out more at www.ninamur.com
A special series of three posts about creativity on Instagram highlighting three individuals with an eye for social media and a unique design-focused content style
Bold compositions. Real people. Creative style and energy. Eyewear designer Jean Philippe Joly runs his own Instagram page @jeanphilippejolysunglasses with the hashtag #passionisborn. The photos are for the most part by the designer himself who tells personal stories of “travels, meeting people, art, furniture and new eyewear designs.” Above: “Be ready for the summer: model Seducteur by Jean Philippe Joly – available as a sunglass or ophthalmic model.”
Prototype frame created at home during lockdown: coming soon / Autumn 2020 – for Silmo 2020 release
Joly is a believer in capturing the attention of a real audience on Instagram with similar values and interests in design and life who appreciate his photographs and the stories he tells.
His time during lockdown, he says, has been dedicated to the creation of new designs for Autumn/Winter 20/21 which will preview at Silmo in October. He has worked on all the prototypes himself by hand from scratch in his workshop so they can be ready to go to into a limited edition production at the factory in the next weeks. “I want it to be perfect!”
Model Seducteur by Jean Philippe Joly: colours include a dark green with lemon yellow and a matt black with tortoise – as well as a patterned Mazzucchelli acetate
Originally from Paris, Jean Philippe Joly is a passionate traveller, designer, and eyewear + design connoisseur. Made exclusively in Italy, his frames are graphic and characterful with strong shapes and colours that highlight their unique artisan characteristics. With just over 12 timeless styles, each piece in the collection has an expressive design and colour palette which makes it immediately recognisable as a JPJ design. Find out more at www.jeanphilippejoly.com
With the expected long-term need for personal face protection in our daily lives against Covid-19 post lockdown, designer Joe Doucet has created a face shield with integrated sunglass lenses and arms – the first of its kind. The studio is currently seeking a brand or eyewear manufacturing partner to produce the unique futuristic design in a collaborative project.
Studies have shown that face shields or visors are much more effective than surgical style face masks, but in their current basic format they are uncomfortable and awkward. Doucet’s design aims to make wearing face protection “more practical and less alien and intrusive on the wearer”, integrating a fashion-forward ‘futuristic’ look more akin to trends in contemporary apparel and fashion in general. The design proposed with polycarbonate shield integrates an anti-fog coating to ensure clear vision when in use.
A face shield you would want to wear? An exclusive design by Joe Doucet
The design studio hopes that by improving the basic face shield design to a level that creates desirability in the product as an easy-to-wear fashion accessory aligned with sunwear, greater uptake for personal protection can be further encouraged in the weeks and months once lockdown is eased.
Based in New York, Joe Doucet is an award-winning designer, entrepreneur and inventor. After graduating from the Art Center College of Design, Doucet began exporting his vision into product, furniture, environment, and technology to find solutions for daily and societal challenges through design. His work deftly hybridizes function and visual appeal while conveying layers of meaning and message. Doucet believes that design and, more importantly, a designer’s thought process can play a larger role in innovation and problem solving, as well as aesthetics. He currently holds numerous patents for his designs and inventions. Find our more about his work at www.joedoucet.com Photography supplied by kind permission of Joe Doucet. – CN
Putting a maximalist style at the heart of her work, eyewear designer Anna-Karin Karlsson has created a world of eyewear apart from the everyday. Decoration such as carved flowers, exotic wildlife and fantastical bugs and ‘claws’ have featured as embellishments for fronts, temples and bridges in works that highlight extravagant materials (24k gold, white gold and titanium) and immaculate execution.
This season, the collection unfolds with new dramatic sun entries, ‘Shady Luv’ and ‘Too Handsome’ defined by sophisticated forms with minute engraving work and jewellery settings. In 100% Japanese titanium, Shady Luv is hand-set with Swarovski crystals. Each colorway is available in just 100 limited edition pieces. The style is a reminder of the oversized mask shapes of the 00s with single visor lens. Above: Shady Luv, pictured in white gold with Zeiss mirrored lens.
Too Handsome by Anna-Karin Karlsson
Style “Too Handsome” combines Japanese acetate and titanium with attention to metal detailing and the engraving of AKK lettering. Another Limited edition entry, each colour of this design is produced in less than 50 pieces.
Aviator sunglasses continue to earn their iconic status. They lift and compliment most outfits with extraordinary versatility, a style staple through seasons and activities, from beach to business. The original teardrop silhouette is adaptable for many face shapes – just as much for women as men; it’s recommended if you have an oval, heart or square shaped face, but for the most part, with so many versions and sizes, there’s one for us all.
Independent eyewear labels are exploring the lightweight qualities of the design whilst make subtle changes to aesthetic details, eye shapes, lens colours or technical features to bring the styles a new-found directional elegance.
Above: Berlin-based designer Veronika Wildgruber’s new collection is inspired by geometry, the future and architecture. The Kent frame in the Interspace collection explores a completely new shaping of the lower section of the double bridge. Photo by @kerstinzupan. For more details about designer Veronika Wildgruger visit www.eyewear.veronikawildgruber.com
LINDBERG 8209: modern minimal lines + traditional teardrop lens shape
The LINDBERG 8209 is part of the Air Titanium line with full-rim made entirely of ultralight titanium wire. The frame is vintage inspired and timeless yet fully on trend with a choice of colourful Zeiss sun lenses, ranging from traditional to bold and bright. www.LINDBERG.com
Delon by Gotti Switzerland – an ophthalmic shape, adapted from the classic aviator
Gotti Switzerland’s new entries for Summer include the very finely structured model Delon, a large shape for men, with a slightly angled rim below the top bridge line. The minimal design is achievable through the expert application of ultralight Japanese titanium. www.gotti.ch
We have a soft spot for oversized sunglasses, particularly the round ones and the styles that Jackie O’ made her own. The shape is here again – of course it is! – worn in a variety of ways, by all ages, with quirky individuality or classic poise, a celebration of timelessness and characterful ‘iconic’ style. Above: huge round, idiosyncratic and ageless – vintage-infused sunglasses with pale lenses – shielding the face while the eyes are still visible. Photo by Gennaro D’Elia (Paris Fashion Week) exclusively for Eyestylist.com
For a dazzling Jackie O’ design: Oliver Goldsmith: The 1960s – 001
From Oliver Goldsmith’s wonderful series of iconic designs (there are several Jackie O’ styles here, depending on your face shape), the bold 001 is produced in classic acetate materials in perfectly chic colorations which include black leopard, military white or black powder (above). The frame, which is ideal for an average width face, is available to purchase online at www.olivergoldsmith.com
For a statement tortoise model, Christian Roth revives the look in the graceful model Jackie 60, one of a line of distinctive designs in the iconic collection, combining the styling so popular with the former first lady and the exacting contemporary finish of a technically robust Japanese made frame. Find out more at https://christianroth.com
#THEGOODQUARANTINE Collection by @nina_mur_eyewear – Spanish label is producing its next edition in virtual collaboration with opticians through the lockdown
Nina Mûr founders Lorena Serrano and Davide Fichera have launched a sustainable design project during the coronavirus quarantine – out of their home in Madrid – to share the creation of their next edition of eyewear with opticians. Their aim is to produce something both creative and unique at this unprecedented time through virtual connection with friends and optical partners.
The design duo plans to create five unique collaborative styles in the Quarantine collection – underlining the sustainable concept and production typical of the Nina Mûr brand while bringing together a community of like-minded people to create a human connection and shared ‘creative’ experience beyond the isolation and lonely existence of lockdown. Above: Lorena working from home on lockdown in Madrid (April 2020) – pictured with son Luca
“We will create these glasses with our usual sustainable materials, principally wood, and our usual local production in Madrid,” explains Serrano. “We have asked friends and optician contacts taking part to provide a drawing or a photo of a drawing as a starting point. We have people working on this project around the world, in Japan, France, Italy and the USA. Once the designs are in they will then vote themselves on their favourite designs – we propose to create the most ‘popular’ five styles through this process, once the voting is completed the week after next.”
#TheGoodQuarantine Collection by @nina_mur_eyewear + @nina_more_eyewear with be available for purchase in May 2020. Watch this space to see the collection soon! For more information visitwww.ninamur.com
Since 1926, fans of the Oliver Goldsmith label have been drawn to the pure heritage style and signature design flair of this British brand which continues under the direction of Claire Goldsmith, the great granddaughter of the founder. Claire took the business under her wing in 2005, leaving a steady regular job to reignite the tremendous legacy and style of her family’s historic company.
In a new video, Claire talks about the origins of the business, the release of Oliver Goldsmith “sunspecs” at Fortnum & Mason in Picadilly in London in the late 1930s, and the appearance of OG in Vogue in 1942 – the first acknowledgment by a fashion magazine of the potential of spectacles as a statement style accessory.
Above: The iconic OG style Yatton – first created in London in 1964 – has been re-released in the gorgeous colour combination described as White Christmas Maze. The soft geometric shaping of the design provides the iconic dramatic glamour typical of the Oliver Goldsmith label. https://www.olivergoldsmith.com/product/yatton/
The video (above) – ‘An introduction to Oliver Goldsmith by ClaireGoldsmith’ – includes rare footage and imagery of early OG designs, and the most famous people who have worn the glasses through the last decades…personalities who include musicians, actors, actresses and members of the royal family whose eyewear was a natural enhancement to their style and personality.
Decades: The 1930’s: small sunglasses
Today, the Spring season brings new colourful releases to the iconic OG collection which preserves its history and artisan quality, in designs reignited through the label’s extensive and carefully preserved archives – and the intricate skill and technological benefits of modern eyewear crafting. In the Decades collection, this thick rimmed round sunglass style pays homage to the 1930s, and the Hollywood stars of the era. The frame is handmade in Japan from acetate and comes with 2-base flat 100% UVA/UVB lenses with backside AR coating.
Icons Manhattan 1960 – as worn by Audrey Hepburn
One of the most famous styles in the Oliver Goldsmith repertoire, the Manhattan sunglasses – represent classical statement style with the perfect timeless balance of shape and colour. As well as the iconic dark and light tortoise versions, the Manhattan sunglasses are made in contemporary tones of mocha or the delightful ‘rain’ colour – a delicately mottled blue/black finish. Find out more about the iconic specs and sunglass styles by Oliver Goldsmith and visit the online store at www.olivergoldsmith.com
