New icons: Lafont Paris

It’s coming up to one year exactly since our visit to the creative studio of Thomas Lafont and Lafont Paris HQ in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a leafy south western corner of Paris near Porte de Versailles. This elegant, personal and historic world of creativity continues the traditions set by earlier generations since 1923, and Laurence and Philippe Lafont, Thomas’ parents before him. In their place of work, brothers Thomas and Matthieu Lafont, now the custodians of the business, are surrounded by fine books and arts and textile inspiration, as well as the rich and colourful archives of the esteemed French family business. Above: at the entrance of Lafont Paris, an explanation of the making of Jupiter, one of the label’s iconic P3 frames. This wonderfully classic frame style continues to be available – and is updated in a range of colorations.

Hirondelle 4047 by Lafont Paris; this intricate frame is named after the swallow, the small delicate pointed-winged bird

A year on, the latest Lafont frame creations, launched this September (at the Paris edition of Silmo Outside the Walls), are a reminder of Thomas’ dedicated creative work, highlighting a unique interest in textiles and how texture, pattern and playful colour combinations can be achieved in fine acetate. Model Hirondelle explores marble-like patterning with a bi-colour front in delicate complementary tones.

Halley 1082 by Lafont Paris: iconic pairing of panther print and crystal clear acetate – a specialty at the Parisian eyewear design house

Model Halley is the latest Lafont style in a line of rich and exotic animal print creations, each one bearing the signature artisan qualities of the fine materials, studied combinations and exquisite ‘made in France’ production so dear to the house. Lafont Paris is celebrating its 40th anniversary.  To find out more, visit their website and blog at www.lafont.com

Lunettes Alf: through trends and time

Ageless beauty meets timeless design in new portrait imagery by Dorian Prost for Lunettes Alf

The new campaign from Lunettes Alf, rolling out in the months to come, expresses the modern versatility of the French artisan label, and its sober minimalistic style, inspired by iconic glasses of the 1920s and subsequent eras, with particular fondness for the 50s, 60s and 70s. Delicate yet powerful, ageless and uncluttered, the collection by Alf promises elevated finesse through primary materials – refined hand polished Japanese acetate combined with photochromic mineral glass lenses, and for the cord and case, natural leather. Above: Bernard Fouquet wears model h19.01, the optical version of Alf’s e18.01, an elegant, classic round spectacle design. Photography by Dorian Prost

a20.02 by Lunettes Alf worn by Maeva Prigent

Model a20.02 is a reinterpretation of a frame created by the Italian ‘salute pubblica‘ (National Health system) in the 1960s. The rectangular design and strong shaping of the bridge is reminiscent of Marcello Mastroianni’s eyewear style in Fellini’s great cinematic works. The frame is well suited to men and women and an oval face shape and comes in a retro-inspired variety of colours which include clear crystal, dark tortoise and black.

a20.02 by Lunettes ALF worn by Bart Alalof

Lunettes Alf – and their artisan eyewear collection 20/21 was created by brothers Germain and Alexis Bouchara in 2018 and has quickly become available at some of the world’s finest optical boutiques including Kitschenberg (Munich), Frank Lo (Rome) and Opta (Paris). To find out more about the latest additions in the Lunettes Alf collection visit their website at www.lunettes-alf.com

Kirk & Kirk : bold + colourful for ’21

Supersize styles in confident colours, from the UK design label

The colours just keep coming at the British eyewear company, Kirk & Kirk, whose latest additions in the Centena collection offer extra large sizes in bright, exciting statement colorways. The Kirks say that they are responding to a demand for larger sizing (adding eye sizes 59 and 60) with, in models Angus and Guy, an elevated choice of bright acrylic translucent tones – beyond the mainstream styles in brown and black. Above: Model Guy in the Centena collection from Kirk & Kirk. This square and angular men’s frame has a distinguished double bridge detail and thick temples. These frames come in a choice of ten technicolor tints.

All about style: Angus from the Centena Collection by British label Kirk & Kirk – in colour ‘jade’

Model Angus has a square eye shape with flat brow line. Created in Kirk & Kirk’s acrylic in small traditional spectacle-making factories in France, the frames are very light to wear. By using a 10mm thick material the frame has the extra advantage of hiding “even the most challenging of lens prescriptions” to ensure a strong fashion vibe as well as real comfort. Find out more about the new releases at www.kirkandkirk.com

Highlighted brand: Reflect Eyewear, London

Thomas Farrow Tomson wrote to us about unique sunglasses brands for a younger age group, from around 16. There began a project to identify specific collections, more unusual and unique styles, and an opportunity to highlight those frames and their details and benefits to reach the 16-25 age group wishing for fashion with an ethos of style, comfort and originality.

Reflect Eyewear, from London combines a love for hand-finished Italian craftsmanship and distinctive gender-neutral shapes and colours made for all ages, without using conspicuous logos and leaving the design and overall look to speak for itself. Their appeal for the young wearer and this particular audience is the combination of design, quality and price – at £179 sterling (online) they are affordable and similarly priced to mass-produced “famous” fashion eyewear brands.

Above: Thomas wears AF11 Unique by Reflect Eyewear, an Italian acetate sunglass style with Carl Zeiss Vision sun lenses – “As many of my close friends know, I have strong feelings about being myself and showing who I am. You can do this even through the expression and style of your glasses….” Thomas Farrow Tomson – photography by @suede_baby

The AF13 by Reflect (above and below) has a thick Mazzucchelli (Italian made) acetate frame fitted with Carl Zeiss Vision sunlenses for high-quality UV protection. The squareish bold eye shape of the front mixes corners and curves which complement the contours of the face.

Reflect model AF8

Model AF8 in clear pink has a downward curve in the top bar and matching crystal pink infused frame and lens, a look that is back with a vengeance for trans-seasonal wear.

About the brand – the London-based brand Reflect Eyewear was founded by Andrea Pisano and Francesco del Garda two years ago. Their aim was to create a high-quality line of glasses, produced in Italy with timeless yet innovative designs that could appeal to an audience who seeks a distinctive and unique style. The brand first launched its models at Sonar, the electronic music festival in Barcelona. Later in June 2019, to mark the launch of the ‘Colour’ collection Reflect Eyewear presented an installation with elements of wood and mirrors at the luxury designer store LABOUTIK during London Fashion Week.

Photography by @suede_baby. Model – Thomas Farrow Tomson @thomasfarrowtomson – for Eyestylist.com. Eyewear by Reflect Eyewear – www.reflect-eyewear.com – For enquiries about product placements and working with our UK-based team of photographers and models, please contact [email protected]

Newcomer highlight: Tyche + Iset Eyewear, Los Angeles

Virtual products showcase The Galápagos Collection is a metaphorical reflection of my journey within the eyewear industry as an emerging designer, says Morganne Leigh, founder and designer, Tyche + Iset Eyewear. She says this latest Collection has evolved into a lesson about persistence and adaptation in order to survive; such as the exotic flora and fauna of the famed islands in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured above: Las Islas in midnight marble

Las Mariposas sunglasses comes in three unique colours

Bold, glamorous, with fine crafting and careful attention to materials, the line offers versatile shapes (find geometric, oval and oversized squareish forms), and a confident artistic design language.

Las Iguanas from the Galápagos collection

The award-winning young label Tyche + Iset Eyewear is founded on the mythological aspects of life, telling stories through eclectic and alluring design.

Products: Galápagos collection Brand: Tyche + Iset Eyewear Website: www.tycheandiset.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

French chic at Volte Face Paris

Virtual products showcase Volte Face, from French design house JF Rey, is synonymous with a classic offbeat style. The label introduces new exciting silhouettes for the season, infused by a free and powerful femininity of spirit. Shapes and details alongside exclusive colorations come with patterned materials in unexpected transparencies and finely finished mix-and-match tones. Above: model OHM in the Volte Face line: the frame is inspired by the Art Deco movement

Ofelie by Volte Face

Innovative light effects, hidden details and sculpted volumes are characteristics of the new frames. Model Ofelie is representative of the combination styles in metal and acetate. A narrow metal bar in two colours defines the brow line and complements the acetate colorations.

 

 

Ola by Volte Face

The handmade classic shapes of Ola (above) and Onyx (below) are paired with a pretty textured-look acetate informed by the iconic technical folds of couture pieces by Issey Miyake. The material is delicately sculpted using a sharp milling technique giving the frames exceptional shine and artistic qualities playing with reflection.

 

Onyx by Volte Face
The designs reflect a Parisian elegance, with creative, multi-colored proposals which give the line its wearable, modern aesthetic.
Product: Ola, Onyx, Ohm and Ofelie Brand: Volte Face at JF Rey Website: https://www.jfrey.fr/volte-face/ Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Frame Chain: Vintage Disco is here!

The new arrivals at Europe’s favourite ‘eyecessorry’ label – for masks, specs and sunnies

Virtual products showcase The Frame Chain team are back with a new accessories collection, designed to bring edge and style to glasses and sunglasses – while offering a convenient way to hold a face mask.

“We can’t burn up the dance floor right now but we are keeping Disco alive, at home, in the office or at a socially distanced gathering,” say co-founders of Frame Chain Vanessa Harrington and Ann-Margret Kearney, who debuted their collections in 2014, at Liberty of London. “Now is the moment to add a little bit of optimistic charm to your everyday frames.” Above: model Donnie in yellow gold

Frame Chain goes Disco

The Vintage Disco collection features graphic or sensual links in 18ct yellow, white or rose gold plating. The styles are versatile, functional, stylish and fun: you can chain your frames with one style or layer them for added glamour. Each chain can also be worn as a necklace or choker.

Fashion and function have always been the raison d’etre at Frame Chain and their styles remain extremely versatile; they make a perfect solution for holding a mask – as well as glasses.

Frame Chain: now a favourite accessory to hold a face mask close by

Frame Chain is a leader in the optical accessories arena, with worldwide stockists in both fashion and optics. The designs are inspired by diverse sources – vintage jewellery, everyday accessories and 90s streetwear, and feature a range of embellishments such as Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls.

Products: Vintage Disco collection Brand: Frame Chain Website: www.framechain.co.uk Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

SALT. Optics: Andy + Henderson

Virtual products showcase Fans of the Californian-designed SALT. Optics collections have something new to look forward to for the season. The highlights include models Andy and Henderson, two frames for those who love classic style, a Japanese handcrafted finish and the wonderfully subtle, nature-inspired colorations typical of the label. Pictured above: model Andy by SALT. Optics.

Andy by SALT. Optics – pictured in black. Made in Japan
The acetate frame Andy has a substantial frame, with a rounded panto inspired unisex shape – it’s a totally versatile classic.The technical spec is typical of a SALT. frame with details such as rivet hinges, polarized glass and CR-39 lenses and a finish with a high lustre.
Henderson – new colours are now available

The Henderson titanium style (available in optical and sun) sees the addition of two brand new colours: Black Sand/Honey Gold and Copper/Antique Gold.

Paying homage to semi-structured eyewear, a mainstay of the rock & roll and civil rights movements of the 1950’s and 60’s, these tapered titanium optical frames highlight the same classic aesthetic, while utilizing modern flat-sheet titanium technology. The Henderson features two-tone colour options, custom bridge bevels, and top-down tapered titanium thickness allowing for a unique design language, clean colour transitions, and an amazingly balanced, comfy feel.
Henderson: a fine example of SALT.’s titanium collection
Products: Henderson and Andy Brand: SALT. Optics Website: www.saltoptics.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Rolf Spectacles: natural focus

Virtual products showcase A classic car – the Vauxhall Velox –  informed the design of the new walnut Velox style in Rolf Spectacles’ Evolved collection. The car, which was in production from 1948 to 1965 was a large family car with a design that mirrored North American styling trends of the time with tail fins, swathes of chrome, and wrap-around front screen.

Velox in the Evolved collection by Rolf Spectacles

With its subtle curves, the distinctive Rolf style is available in four different wood combinations. These highly researched natural and sustainable woof materials offer a wealth of benefits including comfort and durability and the designs feature a unique wooden hinge free from screws and metal parts.

Velox in the Evolved collection by Rolf Spectacles

The Rolf Spectacles’ Evolved collection is known for exclusive design, natural materials including wood and stone and a detailed precision in handcrafting to produce timeless, one-of-a-kind designs which are made to last. The label has been awarded numerous design awards including most recently the Muse award for its smoked larch and cherry frame called “Lark”.

Product: Velox in the Evolved collection Brand: Rolf Spectacles Website:www.rolf-spectacles.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected]ylist.com.

Erker’s 1879

An historic label with an evolving modern style

Virtual products showcase The US heritage brand Erker’s unveils its new models in the Trumpet collection, a much anticipated frame series which upholds the distinctive style and handcrafted finish of this family-owned brand, born in Saint Louis, Missouri. With its range of materials which include stainless steel and high density acetate, a wide palette of colours, and shapes that evoke a respect for tradition and craftsmanship, the technical precision of these products has been refined to maximum effect for a well-balanced and comfortable fit. Above: Model wears model Busch by Erker’s in crystal – a style which is described as “fitting like a glove”. The model combines an acetate front and stainless steel temples

Convy in the Trumpet Collection by Erker’s – in navy/gun: classic with a touch of modernism

Among the noteworthy products here for the new season is model Convy in the Trumpet collection; the style has a thin, metal, modified square shape with a bold, acetate brow line and is part of this line dedicated to a classical yet revolutionary design aesthetic inspired by Miles Davis and his extraordinary virtuosity in music. According to the Erker’s family, this completely fresh, one-of-a-kind expression has been an underlying inspiration for the company, and its “trumpet logo” defines this spirit, a reminder of the brand’s geographic location in Saint Louis, birthplace of Miles Davis and home to some of the world’s most outstanding jazz and blues, since the early 1900s.

Cedric by Erker’s in brown: beautiful colorways and distinctive features

Cedric: A larger rectangle with a key hole bridge, the Cedric frame is created is a strong material to achieve a thinner yet noticeable fit; this hand polished frame features Erkers’ traditional hallmark rivets on the temples.

Davis by Erker’s in silver: a durable, modern stainless steel frame

Model Davis, from the Trumpet collection, with its pared-down stainless steel rim, has an interesting shape that fits a wide range of faces and is very flattering on the wearer.

Family owned Erker’s Eyewear began in 1879 and grew into a global eyewear design and manufacturing house at the forefront of innovative optical design and craftsmanship. The company describes itself as “the oldest optical company in the United States” and is still owned by descendants of founding father, A.P. Erker and brother, August. The label has recently become available in fine eyewear boutiques in Europe.

Products: Busch, Convy, Cedric, Davis Brand: Erker’s 1879 Website: https://erkers1879.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Blackfin: titanium edge

Virtual products showcase Titanium models Hoover, Greenport and Crosby are among a selection of products announced this month at the Italian label Blackfin. The frames represent a new offer for the Autumn/Winter 20/21 season comprising 10 styles – seven in the Blackfin One line and three featured shapes in the Razor line. Above: Blackfin’s Timeless Memories campaign in 2020, shot on location at The Great Cretto, in Southern Italy

Model Hoover by Blackfin – distinguished titanium design

Model Hoover features large rims, and a lively colour palette of bold, fresh colour combinations. Find the frame in dark blue/Venetian red, metallic bright blue/matte black, blue/glossy silver (above) and a smart classic black with gunmetal grey/glossy silver.

Model Greenport by Blackfin: for those who love a minimal metal style

A squared frame in matte or metal pastel colours (they include gunmetal grey + metallic bright blue/matte black) Greenport is part of the Razor collection of streamlined 1mm thick titanium designs. The shapes are informed by distinctive retro traits.

Model Crosby by Blackfin: statement style

In the Blackfin One line, model Crosby is a large round panto with a thick front rim. The colour choices are typical of Blackfin’s Italian styling. The expressive combinations of gunmetal grey/metallic bright blue, dark graphite blue/matte red and army green/mauve green are particularly eye-catching.

Products: Crosby, Hoover, Greenport Brand: Blackfin Website: www.blackfin.eu Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Fleye Copenhagen: Elements of Art

Virtual products showcase From the Elements of Art collection by the Danish label, models Hilaro and Marianna are testimony to the company’s fondness for the arts, translated into wearable designs with a clear focus on exceptional detail.

“Elements of Art” is a tribute to the Danish museum; Thorvaldsens Museum – the first of its kind in Denmark. The characteristic museum was built to exhibit the work of the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) and offers outstanding experiences in art and archictecture – where brightly colored walls, richly decorated ceilings and mosaic floors are a backdrop for Bertel Thorvaldsen’s marble and plaster sculptures, capsuled by the high-seated light. Above: Model Hilaro by Fleye Copenhagen

Model Hilaro by Fleye Copenhagen in pure white: the semi-rimless frame has a light, slim almost floating silhouette

A trip to Thorvaldsens Museum led to the inspiration process the collection, leading the design team to experiment with molding, reflecting the preliminary process of creating the marble sculptures, and putting it into a present-day context. Rather than molding in clay and cast, the designers began creating soap in various forms, colours and patterns from Thorvaldsens Museum. The geometric blocks of soap were stacked on top of each other, creating art sculptures and visions for the frame designs.

The graphic art sculptures inspired the designs in the “Elements of Art” collection. Solid block colours and intriguing patterns from the museum have been directly transferred to new colorways and engravings in the eyewear designs, as well as patterns and transparency created by light reflections.

Marianna: Elements of Art by Fleye Copenhagen – complex study and research led to a collection inspired by the Danish museum, Thorvaldsens Museum
Marianna by Fleye Copenhagen: in ‘stone brown spotted’
Products: Marianna and Hilaro from the Elements of Art Collection Brand: Fleye Copenhagen Website: www.fleye.dk Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].