Jean-Francois Rey, Marseilles, France
17th August 2012 Colour is a key component of the eyewear created by Marseille based spectacles company J.F. Rey, the label headed by the eponymous designer. We asked Jean-Francois and his wife, Joëlle about their love of bright colours and contrasts in spectacle design. (Above: model JF 2431).
Which bright colours are traditionally successful in your collections? While black, silver, grey, brown and tortoiseshell are still the great classics; red, cobalt blue, cream, aniseed and various shades of purple are the most popular bright colours. Over and above the choice of colours themselves, our pieces are successful for their colour combinations, and particularly our use of dual colours on the inside and outside of the frame.
A recent example or our colour work is our Pixel concept, inspired by graphic arts. The frames have subtle dual colour schemes, with the colours shading off or graduating into each other. With a choice of 4 to 10 colours per model, a selection of stylish, sophisticated colours and some highly successful matt/gloss effects, we have gone against the traditional codes. Without compromising on creativity or innovation, we are constantly experimenting on new harmonies and new contrasts. The colours we choose are a driving force in our product development.
Why do you encourage bright, happy and vibrant colours? Our eyewear expresses its colour differences loud and clear. Colour is one of the key features of the brand, which uses a surprising, unusual colour palette to support J.F.Rey’s creative, upmarket positioning. The colour combinations we develop are the result of sophisticated research: the colours are chosen with great care and the lacquering, which is all done by hand, is of an outstanding quality.
Acetate plays a key role, with its soft, silky feel and explosive colour contrasts. Joëlle guides the choice of colour in our collections. While our customers like to say that J.F.Rey is behind the designs, Jea-Francois’s wife is really the colourist. Her character, love of good taste and sensitivity to the harmony between materials and shades enhances our collections.
What are your bestselling colours? We have added feminine forms to our collections and, for these, we offer bright, silky, harmonious colour shades. Women prefer cream, plum and fuchsia variations and acetate prints, while, for men, the colours tend to be more assertive, with very elegant matt and plain finishes. Electric blue, silver, grey and coppery brown are in demand. We are also seeing that certain classics, such as black, brown and tortoiseshell are consistently popular with men and women.
Does brightly coloured eyewear work for all personalities? What can colourful eyewear add to somebody’s personality? Our eyewear speaks for you; it has a strong personality. Colour is a detail that makes all the difference for the wearer. Yet it is a highly personal choice, linked to the individual’s culture and origins. While bright colours are not a successful choice for every face, they can reveal a personality and bring out the individual’s character. Find out more at www.jfrey.fr CN