2011

Sama Eyewear

26th September California based Sama Eyewear has a twofold agenda with the creation of these sunglasses – to design a unique, luxurious frame, and to help young people. The above frame was introduced to celebrate the company’s 10th Anniversary of “Fashion with a Cause.” The net profits from sales of the Heart of Gold series goes to the Sam Vance Foundation to aid young adults with drug additions. Fabricated in pure Titanium, the concept was to create an extraordinary frame that brings absolute attention to the impact of eyewear as “THE” most important accessory. Multi-dimensional jewellery casting, and custom coloured Swarovski crystals add to the allure. Stunning! www.samaeyewear.com JG

Zoe Jordan/Andy Wolf Collaboration

20th September 2011 Some wonderful pictures have come through from LFW…these are some favourite backstage shots at designer Zoe Jordan’s catwalk show, featuring oversized catseyes in acetate and metal versions from Austrian label Andy Wolf. The frames were perfectly in tune with the collection, paired with classic yet modernized silhouettes and very British fabrics and references (headscarves, tweeds and cricket jumpers) with traits of the 1930s. CN

14th September 2011 The new British label RockOptika will present its debut 10 piece optical collection at Silmo this month…I had a coffee with Tom in his bijoux Hasting’s shop (www.theopticallounge.co.uk) this week, and he showed me the full collection…mixing old-school vintage with some idiosyncratic details, the shapes are designed to be wearable yet bubble with personality, the colours fit perfectly into the new season, including a lovely transparent sea blue and a chic crimson, and each model works just as beautifully with sun as with prescription lenses.

“My aim is to make the frames I have always wanted to make….taking vintage elements and resizing them to make them wearable. I am very conscious of the aesthetics, and injecting something of my own character and a British eccentricity, but I also wanted quality and high-level production.”

Designed by Tom in the UK and produced in the Jura, the designs are made from Italian acetate…with some patterned variations featuring…an antique lace motif, and a vintage-look tortoise. As owner of an optical boutique, Tom has a true understanding of the needs of frame wearers in terms of fit and comfort. But he also has an appreciation for the minutiae of eyewear. Little touches such as the larger end tips are there to fit nicely behind the ear as well as adding a quirky touch. Available in the UK at McClintock Eyewear www.mcclintock-eyewear.co.uk.  For more information visit www.rockoptika.co.uk CN