November 2012

Eyewear with Swing in Gorgeous Blues

21st November 2012 Rhythm and blues can apply to eyewear as well as jazz! Its improvisational aspects inspires many – from musicians to eyewear designers – and the results are frames in cool blues. Music is the keynote at Vinylize  – the frames are created from old vinyl records, and handmade in Hungary. Simone (above) designed with Nina Simone in mind, is a stunning mix of metal on vinyl, with an arched brow and curved frame front. Simone is a special favourite of Vinylize communication director Paul, because Nina Simone once sang a song to him – “only six inches from my face” – Paul happily remembers. Available in Copenhagen at Optikerne www.optikerne.dk, and in Paris at Lunetiers Delambre www.lunetiers-delambre.com www.vinylize.com

Pierre Cariven has a winning way with cat eye shapes. One of his favourite designs is this lovely, gentle cat eye (MIG above) in electric blue acetate. The simplicity and elegant crafting of the design, coupled with the bold colour, is pure and sleek. “I like to create my frames in the way that I feel”, says Pierre.  If you feel like a bit of ‘jazz’ in your eyewear this season, there are stunning blue tones from which to choose. www.pierre-eyewear.com JG

Limited Edition in wood by W-Eye

19th November 2012 A wood brand I have been seeing regularly at trade fairs since it was created – I admire the lightness and robustness of the W-Eye frames and there are always some interesting organic or retro shapes. The label has recently released this special edition “Occhione” (model 505) inspired by the ’60s. The circular eye shape and stripy patterning make this very appealing as does the handcrafted necklace that accompanies it; this decorative piece is designed in collaboration with artist Brigitta Bertolini of the Laboratorio Orafo Artigiano Dada, Udine. To see more of Bertolini’s gold and silver work, visit the website: http://marioscrafts.com/it/a/dada.

The sunglasses are presented in a deep mahogany case, also made by artisans in the W-Eye workshops. To find out about this Italian label’s work with wood, visit www.w-eye.it  CN

More on W-Eye on Eyestylist.com: www.eyestylist.com/2011/10/model-203/

Götti Switzerland Launches Snow Goggles

16th November 2012 Winter sports are part of Switzerland’s DNA – and Götti has the know-how and creativity to design eyewear for snow adventures. Function, flair and fashion fuse harmoniously in Sven Götti’s sleek new Snow Goggles. I saw this stylish design when I visited Götti’s offices last month – and love it! Technical features include a polyurethane frame that is light and durable, plus anti-fog, ventilation and double-glazed polycarbonate mirror lenses, with 100% UV protection for sunny days on the slopes. The goggles are extremely comfortable, and compatible with helmets. Available in black with silver mirror lenses, and snow white with rainbow flash lenses – very impressive for après ski  –  now all that is necessary is lovely, powdery snow! www.gotti.ch JG

Gentle Colours, Distinctive Shapes

14th November 2012 Soft, mellow pastels are seen throughout eyewear collections this season, and these two designs and colours deserve special mention. Jodie (above) by Face à Face is a luminous acetate beauty with an arched  brow, and a tri-colour glow of cotton candy, vanilla and crystal. www.faceaface-paris.com

Bailey (above) by Claire Goldsmith Legacy explores the deeper intensity of pastel colourations, with a transparency play of jade on the frame front, highlighted with chocolate temples. A sculptural union of classic and contemporary defines the frame shape. www.olivergoldsmith.com