Intuitive colour: Folc Eyewear

Barcelona-based designer Marta Llinares Perez of Folc Eyewear has a particularly beautiful mood-enhancing glasses colour palette for the months ahead

Seasonal colours for Spring are already on our Eyestylist horizons as winter sets in! And with the intense situation of recent months, a move toward calm, positive, tranquil colours looks set to be an immediately appealing, essential stimulus for good energy and optimism in 2021.

Folc Eyewear’s (Barcelona) new imagery struck a chord with our editorial team. The colour palette of the collection – which features striking, bevelled architectural acetate shapes, some with an oversized design and ‘sculpted’ finish – includes light tones of aqua and touches of blue as well as deeper forest green hues and delightful transparent cantaloupe or rose. Above: model Roundy – glasses colour – aqua mix by Folc Eyewear

Folc Eyewear – model Lizy green combo – with a deep red temple tone

These tones, against a fresh and stimulating backdrop + styling focusing on details in coral, aqua mint and soft neutrals were instantly representative of a definitive trend toward a softness and lightness in the new collections, paving the way for a new vibrancy and visual purity that calls for simple, flattering tones that we can easily enjoy to wear.

Folc Eyewear – model Roundy – aqua mix – transparent and delicate on the skin

Folc Eyewear is based in Barcelona, Spain and their chic artisan collection is now available in fine optical boutiques including DM Optics (Spain), Optica Girona (Spain), Auerbach & Steele (UK), and Blick Brillen (Rotterdam). For more details and to see the collection online visit: www.folc-eyewear.com Folc’s new campaign (images above) was shot by Edu Garcia Martin.

Folc Eyewear is one of the featured brands in the new Eyestylist ‘trend bulletin’ – the first of which highlights sophisticated nature-inspired colours in the independent collections 2020/21. To access the free bulletin, sign up on the link: http://eepurl.com/hkkXlv

Op-art inspired: FACE A FACE Hollow

The Parisian label proposes a new visual experience in its latest collections. Hollow, a concept playing with transparency, neon and multi-textured surfaces is one of the highlights in the collection for the season to come.

Bold. Intense. Almost dizzying. With artistic references, interpreted in creative “graphic effects”. Hollow by FACE A FACE is one of the concept styles for the new season, a grouping of frames crafted in homage to artists of extraordinary stature: Escher, Vasarely and Bridget Riley. Above: the new FACE A FACE campaign, featuring the Hollow frame.

HOLLOW1: layering up in new season colour – a bold, round eye shape by FACE A FACE

Hollow1 – now available in 8 individualistic colorways, is at its most dramatic in the new flash blue under a contrasting shocking fresh papaya tone that highlights the details. Furthermore, the style boasts a precision machined shaping under the temple, with a front that displays different layers to create texture and an illusion of light. The frame is closely inspired by Bridget Riley and her works where geometry and optical effects are explored along with exciting notions of how to combine colours where the tones boldly echo one another and interact together.

HOLLOW3 – a classic shape with a colourful update

In Hollow3, neon touches punctuate the completely clear temple tips, and seem to be suspended in the air; the glittery and pearly tones highlight the futuristic spirit of the design.

Created in Paris more than 20 years ago, FACE A FACE has become a contemporary reference in eyewear. Inspired by the boldness of modern art – a beloved theme of creative director Pascal Jaulent – the brand remains audacious and avant-garde while displaying a creativity in colours and expressions that has brought them recognition and accolades through many years. For further details: www.faceaface-paris.com 

Written by Clodagh Norton, Eyestylist.com – all rights reserved.

Emerging label: Shelter

Elegant, eco-friendly, and made-in-France

Luxurious, design-focused and crafted in the Jura, the team behind up-and-coming eco brand Shelter says their passion is creativity and working with natural wood.

The main collection – Renaissance, featuring compressed wood layers and metal, is based around an intense 2-year development for a patent. “The frames are light, thin yet flexible and strong,” Amicie de Bouteiller told Eyestylist in an interview this week. “We developed them making sure that the lenses can easily be placed in the frame. The Smartwood patent is in the glue and the technique we have developed for compressing the thin layers of wood.” Above: model Gabrielle by Shelter worn by Agnès.

Andrea in the Renaissance collection by Shelter

A second collection, Douce France, which takes as its reference from the beauty of the French forests, features bio-acetate with the essence and “feeling” of different types of French wood, a choice which includes palm, spruce, walnut burl and crab apple. The materials in this line are exclusively recycled or recyclable.

Jean in the Renaissance collection by Shelter

Making their first appearance at Silmo, the Paris optical fair, in 2018, Shelter who are based in Cran Gevrier, Annecy exhibited at the recent Silmo Hors Les Murs, this year’s “substitute road show” event which opened in Paris in Jardin des Tuileries in October.

Gabin in walnut burl from the Douce France collection by Shelter

The brand’s commitment to sustainable values and eco-friendly production is manifested in many ways from the selection of materials – which includes upcycled wood sheets from the French specialists Marotte – and a commitment to a philosophy of “less is more”: “for each new frame, we attach a real importance to not being wasteful in the use of the primary material.” Find out more at: www.shelter-manufacture.com 

Nina Mûr: an ode to optimism

An experiment comes to fruition: The Good Quarantine collection 2020, produced in a virtual collaboration with opticians around the world

Sustainable principles, a shared human experience and a creative vision: Nina Mûr’s Good Quarantine collection has launched this season. Through a process of virtual consultation and an exchange of ideas during the isolation of lockdown in April and May, the concepts for each model grew out of shared experiences and design discussion, fueling creativity as an “escape” in difficult and uncertain times. Above: model Bux in blue steel / hammered gold. The imagery in the new campaign was inspired by haunting images of David Lynch

Ansostyle in the TGQ Limited Edition Collection

“We collected the cinematographic and surrealism of the moment that we lived during lockdown, while we created this very special collection together….” Lorena Serrano, co-founder and creative director

Participating opticians were eventually invited to submit their original designs to be voted on by a panel of professionals, among which Eyestylist was delighted to take part. The resulting collection includes 5 models – Alohe, Ansostyle, Ottificio, Bux and R&B, each one made to order in the label’s high-quality birch wood, a material that is flexible, lightweight and perfectly sustainable, with origins in a reforested cultivation in Finland.

Model R&B in the TGQ Limited Edition collection

For more details about the TGQ project read Eyestylist’s first feature about the collection written in April 2020 during lockdown: https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/04/from-lockdown-nina-mur-launch-collaborative-design-project/ For details about the frames which are made-to-order, visit www.ninamur.com

Ørgreen Optics: Imaginary Lines

New models launched: Ørgreen Optics’ ultra thin eyewear in advanced titanium

The Danish brand’s new Imaginary Lines collection pays tribute to the Ørgreen ethos of innovation combined with material quality, design precision and colour nuances. The seven new models announced are testimony to a label that continues to push boundaries with creative drive and a committed design attitude resulting in contemporary proposals in unique and refreshing colours. Above & below: Balancing colour and design in the Imaginary Lines collection: Model Hemishere by Ørgreen

Model Hemishere by Ørgreen in mat Miami Ocean green

The classically inspired shapes include model Hemisphere, a perfectly round frame, inspired by the imaginary lines that define the globe. A delicate but impactful frame,  the design embodies the lightness of state-of-the-art titanium and the elegance of the brand’s colour world. The colorways range from a shiny rose gold to mat miami ocean green / mat white gold – a light, pure and delicate combination for natural skin tones.

Model Tropics by Ørgreen, in mat lavender with mat rose gold

Not to be mistaken with tropical islands, the Tropics frame is named after the regions of Earth surrounding the Equator. A fashion forward frame – distinct for its characteristic geometrical shape, this style is offered in a range of six colours, including mat deep space blue / mat rose gold, and mat brown / shiny gold.

Model Border by Ørgreen in antique blue

A highlight for men, the Border frame is also the result of a meticulous design – with emphasis on an ultra slim and cool looking double bridge. A wide frame (available in size 56-16-137) and made to fit larger faces, it comes in a range of six colours, including trendy antique finishes of blue, gun or teal.

Ørgreen Optics is an innovator in the field of eyewear with collections which include acetate and precious metals – titanium and beta-titanium. Find out more about the new Imaginary Lines capsule collection highlighting combinations of 100% pure titanium and beta-titanium at https://orgreenoptics.com/

Something for the weekend: theo

theo Lavalands “hot vs. cold” – geologic-inspired designs, in daring colours

Inspired by the raw encounters of the forces of nature – hot lava and cool seawater – and the creation of unique volcanic islands, a new series by theo pushes the boundaries of eyewear creativity for the new season – as we’d expect – with stark contrasts in materials and powerful somewhat awe-inspiring colour choices. The five frames – named after well-known volcanic islands – Santorini (Italy), Maui (Hawaii), Flores (Indonesia), Karukera (Guadeloupe) and Aogashima (Japan) combine warm acetate and cool steel, with contrasting angles, smooth surfaces and strong, exhilarating shapes – all in their own way daring, idiosyncratic and spectacularly dramatic. Above: model Karukera by theo in the Lavalands collection – an iconic round shape in the series.

Model Aogashima by theo © 2020 copyright protected Artworks,
Photography & Graphic Design!

Each model is available in eight contrasting colours and materials, with highlights including fiery tones of yellow and orange and signature theo colours of bright blue, cool “ash” grey and hot pink. The line is one of three new collections themed under the motto “theo goes upstream” – promising an injection of absolute uniqueness and personal style – in pure design that goes far beyond its functional purpose. Access more visuals and further details on Lavalands at theo’s website – www.theo.be

Mykita Lite: essentials for the season

Mykita’s edit in the Lite collection for autumn/winter points to timeless qualities in classic eyewear shapes and essential technical precision to create frames that are easy-to-wear while imbued with a stylish spirit for today. The models are strong yet understated, and come in predominantly natural tones, to complete the autumn wardrobe, metallics and neutrals such as dark brown, mocca and raw green for lenses. Above: Mykita Lite Jul – a lightweight stainless steel frame with slender acetate details – image from the 2020 campaign shot by Mark Borthwick for Mykita.

Paulson from the Mykita Lite collection, combining stainless steel + acetate

The classic panto shape model Paulson is offered both as an ophthalmic frame or sunglass style. For sunglasses, the tinted lenses of the Lite collection have anti-reflective coatings on the reverse side and total protection from UVA and UVB rays as well as protection from glare.

Flemming in the Mykita Lite collection – pictured in glossy gold

Round shape Flemming is a wonderful balance of comfort and lightness, with a simple construction and fine lines, and it comes in metallics such as gold or silver as well as black or navy. The frame is one of those classic designs that reflects an iconic look of the past in a union with modern manufacturing. Mykita Lite frames are defined by their smooth contemporary silhouettes and pure constructions and are made exclusively in Berlin, Germany at the Mykita Haus (Kreuzberg).  Find out more at www.mykita.com

Sustainable eyewear: Sea2see for aw 20/21

New releases: setting the agenda for timeless, comfortable designs in recycled marine plastic

In a climate that continues to make sustainability a more pressing priority in fashion, independent eyewear label Sea2see is achieving notoriety as eyewear’s eco disruptor, wherever it goes. As well as their social enterprise initiatives in Africa for the collection of waste – creating a new source of income for local communities – the brand has recently launched a special edition ‘Chinook’ Collection of sunglasses supporting @searchingforchinook – an initiative to protect the last 72 Southern resident orcas. Sea2see also works closely with leading retailers around the world to promote their “seastainable” values and initiatives for recycling marine plastic…among them is the Canadian chain New Look Eyewear whose latest campaign for Sea2see features the vegan activist and eco influencer Jessie Nadeau. Above: New Look campaign with Sea2see: Jessie Nadeau wears model Verona 03 by Sea2see. Photo courtesy of New Look Eyewear. www.newlook.ca

Murano by Sea2see – a bold construction with key hole bridge

A keyhole bridge detail gives model Murano a distinctive retro design in line with the trend for timeless styles. The frame has an oval eyeshape with a thick rim. Colours include matte black (above), blue and matte havana.

Santorini by Sea2see – a classic round shape with narrow flattering frame shaping

The intellectual round shape model Santorini is a new entry in the autumn/winter line and comes in a choice of bold colour combinations of red/blue or retro-inspired classics such as black or tortoise (pictured).

Sea2see’s contemporary, lightweight, robust frames are made from the company’s own recycled material deriving from marine plastic and collected by Sea2see’s initiative – established in Europe and West Africa over the last four years. The collection is made in Italy and is now available worldwide through independent retailers and leading chains such as Synsam in Scandinavia (www.synsam.se) and  New Look in Canada (www.newlook.ca). Find out more and see the new models online at www.sea2see.org

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]