An eye on the Munich show, part 2
21st December 2012 On our must-see list at the show coming up in Munich are a number of collections for men including cool classic design for the well-heeled gent and strong statement pieces for the fashion aficionado. From Brit label Kirk Originals, models from the Beam collection gives a suitably punchy colour kick for 2013, with new tone proposals launching including a bright almost fluo orange, a trendy choice for the season. Kirk Originals will also show their Stripe and Pins lines in the Twenty Collection, a celebration of their recent 20th Anniversary offering colour in a retro style and an interpretation that is clearly a nod to the brand’s heritage and international successes over the years. www.kirkoriginals.co.uk
Leisure Society (Baum Vision Europe) will include the presentation of the very dapper classic round model Byron at opti, a new style by Shane Baum, inspired by the poet and featuring a classic key hole bridge and rich colourings. “With each new style comes heritage, perfect for the spring flaneur and chic conventionalism”, says Baum. “As a designer I am always aware of the smallest details in my surroundings; it is in the tiny features of even the most grandiose items that I find inspiration.” www.leisure-society.com
Also exhibiting in Munich is the young Californian designer Garrett Leight, son of Oliver Peoples’ founder Larry Leight and one of a small gang of new generation eyewear designers with a genuine passion for quality and creativity – and returning that to eyewear for the future.
The GLCO designs are contemporary classics, use traditional craftsmanship and hand finishing techniques, and feature old-school materials and natural, muted colorations – typically tortoise – that highlight the elegance of spectacles of the past. I saw them in Paris this year for the first time, and was surprised by the classical, understated direction and earthy natural colours I was shown. No attention-grabbing bright colours were featured here and yet the collection has its own personality that the fashion crowd connects with. One to see. www.garrettleight.com
For a full list of the designers and companies that will be visiting Munich on 25th to 27th January, go to www.opti-munich.com CN