Trends: Super square

Big is definitely beautiful when it comes to square frames. This shape has re-emerged in 2019 with bold retro-inspired depth and bulkiness – or a minimalist airiness – in a choice of ingeneous colorations, that beg to be worn as modern statement pieces.

Above: Essedue model Ecstasy in grey from the Italian label’s Prima collection, a handfinished line produced in a family factory in Irpinia near Naples. Prima sunglasses by Essedue are available direct from the Essedue website at www.esseduesunglasses.com

Fuz by Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses

Frames with a classic retro flair are an easy bet for all-year-round styling, and the square designs are already being hyped for SS2020. Model Fuz from Oliver Goldsmith is one that has inspired many other sunglass designs. First created in London in 1966, the frame is still constructed with bold bevelled edges and paddle temples – and comes in lots of new colorways including black leopard (above) and black cherry. www.olivergoldsmith.com

Percy from the Centena Collection by Kirk and Kirk

The UK label Kirk & Kirk always delivers a classic shape with a unique twist. The Percy is one of their acrylic optical styles in the Centena collection, providing a magnificently bold silhouette with the flash of transparent colour that lights up the face. www.kirkandkirk.com

Finest Seven Zero 09 in Burnt Champagne

In contrast, Finest Seven brings on the square with a special super fine structure. Their oversized Zero 09 has a large squareish lens with a neat double bridge. The frame is made of stainless steel wire and fitted with 100% UV 400 high quality Italian lenses. For more details visit www.finestseven.com CN

Japanese eyewear: True Vintage Revival TVR®

Introducing TVR®, an eyewear collection by skilled craftsmen from Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Japanese precision, tradition and artisanal craft: at the centre of the frame manufacturing region of Fukui, where artisans have worked for over 60 years in old family-owned workshops, today there are just a few traditional factories existing in Sabae who still produce handmade eyewear, and a handful of craftsmen and women of this age who continue to produce eyeglasses by hand. Some of them work exclusively with True Vintage Revival – TVR®, a small label dedicated to their extraordinary expertise through the revival of the historic “classic” shapes. Above: Artisan Yamada Mitsukazu, in his 70s, works with his wife in their traditional workshop. He has been making frames since he was 16 years old. Between them, they make around 100 frames a month.

Inside the Sabae factory where TVR® frames are produced

TVR® uses time-tested methods to create these high-quality “revival” designs as well as original tools and moulds which date from the 1920s to the 80s. They also use the  “Datum Expression Size” technique, a masterful method for measurement used during the 50s in Japan to obtain a subtle balance in the design for comfort, durability and lightness.

Craftsman Yamada Mitsukazu: one of the TVR® collections is dedicated to Yamada

In the making of the TVR® classics, vintage design features including the keyhole-bridge, functional ‘spear’ rivets, 7-barrel hinges, and other traditional spectacle details are boldly executed with skill, passed down through these generations of craftsmen whose families were responsible for starting the production of Zylonite/celluloid spectacles in the early 1950s.

Model TVR®504: a shape made famous by James Dean

Today, TVR® produces a selection of collections in Japanese zyl and SPM Sun Platinum Metal – a metal material first used in Japan in the 1930s and a favourite of the former Emperor of Japan, Hirohito. The shapes are inspired by 50 rare and collectible frames the TVR® team found discarded in an old Sabae factory. The collections include the mainline TVR Collection and “YM” – the Yamada Mitsukazu collection. For details about frames in the collections launched for 2019, visit www.tvropt.com CN

Summer Festivals: Vinylize at Sziget 2019

Sziget festival has become one of Europe’s summer season musical highlights. Held each year in northern Budapest, the week-long event now attracts over 565,000 visitors and puts on around 1,000 performances. This year, the line up includes singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots from the US and Martin Garrix, DJ and record producer from The Netherlands.

As in previous years, all of the lead musicians/performers will receive special commemorative sunglasses made by Vinylize, the Budapest vinyl eyewear brand. Above: custom sunglasses by Vinylize await Ed Sheeran this week – where possible Zack Tipton makes the frames from the artist’s own vinyl – in this case he was able to use a copy of ‘Divide’ – Sheeran’s third album.

Gold Foo Fighters logo features on sunglasses for singer-songwriter David Grohl

Vinylize was first commissioned to make sunglasses for Sziget when Zack Tipton, co-founder of the brand, had lunch with Károly Gerendai, the visionary behind the event. Gerendai appreciated the fit between Vinylize and Sziget instantly. After he sold 70% of his stake in the festival in 2018 to a US-based private equity firm, the new organizers saw the value of continuing to work with Vinylize and the relationship continues.

Previous years: Zack and Yulia backstage with Robbie Williams and Ayda Field

The Vinylize team arrives at Sziget the day before the festival begins and stays throughout. “We design and pre-make the sunglasses and take our buffing wheel, thermal equipment to form the frame to the performer’s face and sandpaper for the final touches. Much as we’d love it if the performers dropped into our store for fittings, we work from photographs. 90% of the time our frames fit pretty well, and we just need some minor adjustments.”

For more information about Vinylize music projects and their vinyl eyewear visit www.vinylize.com – Sziget Festival takes place this week through to 13th August 2019. https://szigetfestival.com CN Find out more about Vinylize frames by clicking on our latest link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/03/eco-conscious-vinylize-tipton-x-nespresso/

Yi Wen Lim: Soft Power Mono-glass

The Mono-glass is part of RCA fashion graduate Yi Wen Lim’s SOFT POWER project (RCA 2019). SOFT POWER celebrates women at work and represents a new image of power and femininity.

RCA Fashion (Womenswear) graduate Yi Wen Lim has produced a stunning, wearable Mono-glass as part of a finals project entitled SOFT POWER.  The jewellery collection was designed in collaboration with Yi Wen Lim’s close jeweller friend Agatha (Instagram: @raccoonandbabiesofficial), and explores re-appropriating jewellery in the formal workplace. Above: Model Mercedes von Thun-Hohenstein wears Yi Wen Lim’s design 
Mono-glass worn by Mercedes von Thun-Hohenstein

Highlights in the collection include the merging of power pearls with everyday work accessories, stationery and tech wearables – these pieces include a biro pen cap ear cuff, Airpods pearl necklace, ID Badge necklace and the Mono-glass with Hair-clip.

Mono-glass by Yi Wen Lim
“The Mono-glass is inspired by work glasses that women wear, sometimes as a means to establish their intelligence and competence,” says the designer. “It is also inspired by tech accessories like the Google Glass, which perhaps can one day be integrated into more ‘aestheticised’ designs like the SOFT POWER Mono-glass,” she explains.
Mono-glass by Yi Wen Lim
Yi Wen Lim’s friend/muse Mercedes von Thun-Hohenstien (www.mercedesvonthun.com) wore the monocle design at the RCA finals presentation in London in June – and immediately caught our eye. “I found her through Instagram @mvthun21,” said Yi Wen Lim. “She is a mature model, and has been very generous with her time and support for me. She has modelled for my presentations and for video and photoshoots. We have become close over the past few months, and we are now great friends.” For more information about Yi Wen Lim’s work visit her page on Instagram – @__wenlim. Other RCA posts on Eyestylist: https://www.eyestylist.com/2016/12/rca-x-100-optical/ CN

Fashion fresh & fun: Children’s eyewear

Fresh colours, fun shapes and fashion preferences enhance the immense variety available in children’s eyewear. With so many inspiring choices, youngsters can select frame styles that adapt to their individual personality. From toddlers to teens, children’s eyewear has a unique path with creative frames by international companies who take youngster’s style savvy knowledge into consideration. Danish label LINDBERG features innovative design for kids with the air titanium rim collection. With expertly crafted lightweight shapes, colours and safety elements with high density kid appeal – the air titanium rim designs are available in a variety of colours, including Jackie in two-tone green (above image). www.lindberg.com

Flamingo and Pool – beautiful new colours in the Next Generation Dimension collection by Götti Switzerland

The Next Generation is celebrated by Götti Switzerland with children’s designs using futuristic 3D printing. The stunning results are personalised frames that are light, flexible, stylish and sleek. Two new beautiful colours are welcome additions to the collection – Flamingo and Pool (above). The designs are constructed in Götti’s Swiss factory, with no screws or soldered joints, yet the Dimension Next frames are robust and will successfully withstand youthful antics and adventures. Contented children – and mothers – report that their children enjoy the uncluttered styling, comfort and stability of the Next Generation Dimension designs. www.gotti.ch

Street-art spirit: Slide from the JF Rey Kids and Teens collection.

Cultural richness and artistic excitement inspire the 2019 Kids and Teens collection by JF Rey. A street-art spirit embraces the geometric and graphic shapes, available in acetate and metal. Youngsters from the age of 4-16 can find frame shapes energised with beautiful colours in the wide variety of designs available in the JF Rey Kids and Teens selections. Kids will love to wear the compact round shape Slide (above) delicately scaled for small faces with exclusive hues and innovative styling. Discover more spirited designs for children at www.jfrey.fr

Entrechat by Lafont Paris from the children’s collection

Quality, durability, fashion and fine styling – you’ll find them all in the Lafont Paris children’s collection. The latest designs (including Entrechat for girls above image) combine vintage concepts with technical expertise, and stunning colour combinations. Entrechat reveals a subtle and graceful feline influence, with a three-dimensional perspective. Shown in blue with camel, Entrechat is also available in Red, Black and Tortoise. Explore more Lafont Paris designs for infants to teenagers at www.lafont.com JG

Eyewear & art: Götti style and charisma

Eyewear and art share and enjoy reciprocal excellence, and beautiful harmony is embodied elegantly with Götti’s stunning collections. With the perception of spectacle frames and an innovative accessory for your eyes and face, glasses radiate a distinct personality with character and finesse. Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland approaches his designs with a musical, artistic rhythm. Exclusively for Eyestylist.com, visual concept creators Elisa and Jasmin Teichtmeister, who are sisters, organised a photo shoot with Austrian artist Julian Epok in his Vienna atelier, wearing timeless eyewear designs created by Sven. In the above image, Julian wears Bold 11 – streamlined, sleek and lightweight sunglasses from the Götti Perspective Collection. The lenses are available in eight distinctive colours.

Götti Perspective DSO2 – Rimless with masterful minimalism

Artistically stylish and developed with high-tech expertise, the Perspective Collection embraces airiness, flexibility, and masterful minimalism. Style DS02 (above) combines graphic components in a striking double-bridge design. www.gotti.ch The complete Götti collections will be presented at Hall of Frames Zurich 15th-16th September www.hallofframes.ch and at SILMO in Paris 27th-30th September. www.silmoparis.com Jasmin Teichtmeister is a fashion stylist for eyewear and accessories. www.hello@purstyle.net Elisa Teichtmeister is a fine art photographer and multi-media artist. pur.photographer@gmail.com Austrian artist Julian Epok www.julianepok.com JG

Design Miami: See A Clean Future

The shift towards eco trends and sustainability is a continuing story in eyewear, with many new examples of eco-friendly innovations, greater sustainable focus in companies or more focused recycling endeavours in product and packaging.

One of the latest to launch is art initiative + e-commerce platform “One. All Every.” who has teamed with RVS Eyewear and Ugo Rondinone to launch See A Clean Future,  a line of colorful sustainable sunglasses, designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and climate change. The collection debuted at Design Miami in Basel Switzerland (the booth was made from wood and earth, pictured above) and is available for a limited period until June 2020.

Sunglasses designed by RVS Eyewear founder Vidal Erkohen

The frames consist of the innovative materials from the Italian Mazzucchelli company using their M49 bio-plastic, which is eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable. The bioplastic is produced from cotton linters and wood fibers, which are purified into a pulp and then transformed into a resin known as M49. (www.mazzucchelli1849.it)

Sunglasses with eco-aware packaging

All metal inlays as well as temple hinges in the sunglasses are made of a recyclable stainless steel. The steel is coated with ion plating which protects the surface and allows the engraving of the frames. Ion plating is a physical vapor deposition process that uses concurrent or periodic bombardment of the substrate with aluminium, which is recyclable and non-toxic to the environment.

The sunglass lenses revert back to the traditional use of glass. According to the project directors, glass lenses are not only more environmentally sustainable but also ensure precision clarity and a refined aesthetic.

Packaging by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone

Artist Ugo Rondinone’s designs are applied to the case and box containers, which are made from recycled cardboard and eco-friendly paper, made in London. Additionally, exhibition and furniture design at Design Miami consist of non-toxic and bio materials. The project supports the work of the Jane Goodall Institute, the Green Belt Movement and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. For more information: www.oneallevery.com CN

Ørgreen Optics: chic fashion + innovation

With the launch of two more far-from-ordinary retro inspired sunglasses, Ørgreen Optics’ Quantum collection continues to lead us down a path of advanced fashion styling, only achievable with the solid commitment in R&D and qualitative focus of one of the leading innovator teams in modern eyewear.

Amalfi by Ørgreen: a new look for the cateye

Models Marsala and Amalfi from the Down South series are named after the popular holiday destinations stretching along the coast of the Campania region in Italy and the Sicilian province of Trapani. Their classically inspired shapes are highlighted by an ultra-cool bas relief patterning created through the high-tech 3d printing technology, while the feeling on the face is of lightness, comfort, and ease of wear.

Quantum’s impact, since its launch in 2017, has been significant at the cutting-edge of the roster of 3d printed collections – particularly in the technically focused combination of titanium with Polyamide, and its patented hinge design using a minute spherical component which connects the titanium temple to the polyamide front. The frames are available at selected opticians and in Copenhagen at the brand’s flagship store. For more details about Ørgreen Optics, visit www.orgreenoptics.com CN

Fiction Sun l.a. Eyeworks

In time for summer – l.a. Eyeworks has launched FICTION Sun – stunning prescription sunglasses from the California label. Now FICTION designs are available in both optical (Eyestylist.com 25th April 2019) and sun options. Whether your preferred summer activities include parks and picnics, or sand and sailing, the contemporary styling of the new FICTION Sun styles adds fashion flair and exciting charisma. Timeless yet trendy, cat-eye frames transcend the decades. Dress (above) in Blue Wiggle is a jaunty frame with gentle contours, and relaxed comfort.

WAKE in Pewter: Fiction Sun by l.a. Eyeworks

Acetate and metal unite in Wake, with a curved double bridge in metal, and acetate frame front. The finely crafted frames merge the latest technology, with precise details, and sophisticated colours.

NOTCH in Tokyo Tortoise: FICTION Sun by l.a. Eyeworks

Among the contemporary designs in the capsule collection of eight different frames is the desirable NOTCH, in Tokyo Tortoise. Tortoise is an enduring colouration in eyewear, and the creative colour play in Notch, with a metal double bridge and retro hints, ensure a frame with self-confidence and expression. Visit www.fictionframes.com to see more FICTION styles, and the label’s diverse variety of innovative frames. JG

 

Kensington goes California: The Eye Est., London

The two year old Kensington optical boutique The Eye Establishment continues to lead the way in bringing fine eyewear collections to their local community – with an astutely curated selection of brands from around the globe – and the best optical parties in town. Located in a busy street near Earl’s Court, the shop itself stocks frames by L.G.R, Garrett Leight, Celine, DITA and Japanese label Eyevan 7285, among others. They have a beautiful selection of chains by Frame Chain, the trendsetting British accessories brand who have turned the eyewear chain into a must-have fashion staple.  Photography by Cesare Riccardi for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.

Sunglass trends: crystal colorations for summer (Photography by Cesare Riccardi)

Last week’s party brought together guests and regular customers for a full showing of the Garrett Leight Collection (GLCO) for Spring/Summer. The LA-based brand has sparked particular attention this season thanks to appearances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt at Cannes in their sunnies (Beach Sun and Calabar Sun) for the premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood.

The Eye Est / eyewear: Garrett Leight Jacqueline Sun (Photography: Cesare Riccardi)

Unisex designs with a square shape and graduated lenses, cat eye silhouettes and quirky multi-sided shapes like the Jacqueline Sun (pictured above) were a big hit with guests. The crystal acetate sunnies are also doing well for the summer, particularly when paired with colorful lens tones of pink, blue or berry. Vintage touches lend a touch of old-school design, which everyone seems to love, with features like a defined keyhole bridge adding style and a comfortable fit.

Square shapes are a hit this summer (Photography by Cesare Riccardi)

The Eye Est. is run by Nadeem Rob and his wife, Fahmida Kamal. For more details about testing at the Eye Est. and to purchase frames online visit: www.eye-est.com. California party design exclusively for The Eye Est. by the Event Builders @theeventbuilders. Eyestylist.com thanks the Eye Est. for a warm welcome at their summer event. CN

Finest Seven: Luxuriously sculpted sunglasses

Generous linear proportions, delicious colours and luxuriously sculpted, Finest Seven proposes glamorous sunglasses for summer adventures. Designed by New Zealand couple Ainjali and Jesse Fine, the frames are crafted in beautiful materials with dedication to exquisite details. For the latest campaign Ainjali commented: “We wanted a high summer shoot with lots of colour.” The frame silhouettes in Finest Seven designs are exquisitely formed with distinctive variations on contemporary shapes. In the above photo, the male model wears Zero 13 with blue gradient lenses. Colour variations of the lenses are beautifully expressed in Zero 14 with Tequila Sunrise lens, worn by the female model.

Zero 16 with Tequila Sunrise lenses

Sunglasses are a powerful – as well as a protective – accessory. Travel escapades enable people to follow the sun, and captivating sun specs are the ultimate fashion accessory. Ainjali and Jesse appreciate vintage eyewear, and Zero 16 (above) highlights this with a gentle cat-eye in a superbly slim, yet voluminous shape. Tequila Sunrise lenses give instant charm and charisma to summer fashions.

“Summer with lots of colour!” Zero 15 with Baby Pink Mirror lenses by Finest Seven

Finest Seven designs pursue romantic, mysterious, and contemporary concepts. Graphic streamlining in Zero 15, is complimented by a thin double bridge. Baby Pink Mirror lenses embolden the sunglasses with characteristic Finest Seven style. Discover more unconventional shapes, colours and dramatic details from the collection at www.finestseven.com JG Photos by Elisa Teichtmeister All Rights Reserved

 

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