June 2011

1851

Graz

From “down under” in Australia, Graz Mulcahy creates edgy, distinctive eyewear.  It’s always an adventure to view his collections at the eyewear shows.  He believes in statement frames – designs that are bold and distinguished. Experimenting with the unusual is something that he particularly enjoys – such as the sunglasses shown above in matte acetate.  The frame is handmade, blasted with a very fine sand to create a non-reflective surface.  After the blasting, the matt is left untreated, which allows the frame to take on its own character.  With wear, the frame becomes slightly darker in different areas, which Graz likens to what happens to jeans.  This frame has a feeling of strength and substance, yet with its smooth matte finish, possesses subtle and understated beauty. For more information, visit www.grazstudio.com JG

 

02 Isolde 1300

Ralph Vaessen

Unusual materials to be found in eyewear include the unexpected use of snakeskin, favoured by Dutch designer Ralph Vaessen.  I spotted these sunglasses at jlc opticien on chic and fashionable Rue de Bac in Paris, and liked the oversized shape, strong brow and linear movement. The fit is superb too.  Vaessen’s entry into eyewear came about as a fluke – he couldn’t find frames that he really liked, and an optician suggested that Vaessen design his own frames.  The optician knew a small atelier that could make them. Already passionate about music, art, fashion and architecture, Vaessen has found his true metier in creating luxurious, unique eyewear, and was nominated for a Silmo D’Or in 2010. More details at www.ralphvaessen.com and www. jlcopticien.com JG

No Mercy 740

Intrigue NY

This is a real New York collection – spirited, sharp and sleek – created by a real New Yorker, Jeff Royce.  I haven’t seen this collection yet, but a chat with Jeff and studying photos confirm his goal to design eyewear with flair, precision and superb craftsmanship. Royce works in beautiful Italian and Japanese acetates.  No Mercy, shown above, illustrates acetate’s flexibility, with the front colour contrast giving a robust quality to the modern retro shape. This frame is also available in black and tortoise – stunning!  Intrigue NY frames are not yet available in Europe, but we hope they will be soon. www.intrigueny.com JG

Super Seven 30

Rolf Spectacles

Prizes – a Silmo D’Or in 2010 – and plaudits are well deserved for Rolf Spectacles.  The Tyrolean based brand has chosen a centuries old environmental material – Bamboo – for this beautiful, green and sustainable frame. Clodagh and I are both fans of the emphasis on Bamboo this season.  The material has the ability to withstand pressure with its natural strength, making it very effective for eyewear.  Rolf Spectacles uses an intricate process that is required to achieve the smooth elegant surface on the frame.  The wonderful texture of the bamboo and the gentle curved shape ensures a distinctive character. Each Rolf frame is handmade, and can be equipped with buffalo horn temple tips.  Rolf Spectacles is a young, creative firm – definitely one to watch in eyewear.  www.rolf-spectacles.com JG

Kyla

Salt Optics

When I look at these lovely frames, I want to pack my bags and head for the seaside! The azure blue design in silky acetate triggers happy memories of the sea, sand, sunshine, and seagulls.  The flow of the frame shape demonstrates the versatility of acetate and its shimmering beauty.  These glasses are perfect for sunny outings at the beach, with polarized grey gradient CR39 lenses, providing superior protection from the sun’s rays. Salt is a California based company, and the handcrafted, stylish collection is available in Europe.  www.saltoptics.com JG