2012

Ic Berlin’s Ralph Anderl on Creating Sunglasses

22nd May 2012 “My favourite design this season is the ‘dr. ihab rough’. I took the inspiration from a painting by Caravaggio, which is in Berlin and called ‘Amir Vincit Omnia’. It is smooth, but rough and very beautiful with light, dark, and strong emotions. Inspiration also comes from Giordano Bruno, Karl Jaspers, Sir Karl Popper, my sister, a physician, also inspires me, and my mother in some very rare moments. For me it is easier to design for men than for dogs or horses, but for woman it is very easy, because women have more soft lines everywhere – more or less, and of course, some parts are also edgy. As long as men and women have two eyes and one nose, it is relatively simple to find a design or a shape which works on a face. I love to design for my mother, father, girl friend and boy friend, and people in the wild, wild West. Russians also appreciate our designs very much.

“Sunglasses are cooler than rx glasses, even if they are not necessary for nightlife or in clubs. If you do not see the eyes of a person, for some reason it is special, cool and fascinating. I love sunglasses and wear them much too often. Sometimes I do not see holes in the road at night, and have fallen off my bike, and broken bones. However, the future is bright and we need sunglasses.” www.ic-berlin.de JG

Top photo, Ralph wears another sunglass favourite: Rückblick

The Rolf Team – Ready for the Sun!

Christian Wolf discusses the Rolf Spectacles team’s favourite sunglasses for Summer 2012 –  Skylark 41 – featured in the above photo.

“Rolf has a strong connection to old cars, so it is not a surprise that the first ‘woodstone’ sunglasses are inspired by a vintage car. The Buick Skylark Convertible – which like all Rolf frames – was handmade when first produced in 1939. Nowadays, only a few car companies build their cars by hand, or without a lot of computer engineering. I think the same happens everywhere – also in the optical business. Crafting a pair of Rolf glasses requires several hours of handwork and a high degree of craftsmanship. The sanding stage requires lots of concentration and precision, which we leave to experienced hands only. At Rolf, we are always searching for new materials that correspond with the company’s philosophy. The challenge was to try out a material that was not yet used on the market. Stone is the perfect addition to wood and bamboo frames, since stone also offers unique characteristics, which have developed over thousands of years. The layered structure of shale lends a lively up scale surface to the frames. Shale is prone to splintering and breakage. These characteristics have caused doubts about the viability of the project. In order to avoid destroying the stone during pressing, new technologies have been used.

“We try to keep our designs as pure as possible. As we work with natural materials, we think there is no need for special colour lenses, or a huge logo placement. We try to transport a kind of understatement. It is important that customers value the products, and do not spend lots of money because of brand attention. We try to transport a story – not a brand. I think the future will bring more and more sustainable products and new technical innovations. Also, the importance of multifunctional eyewear will increase. In the future, you will be able to do more with sunglasses than just protect your eyes from the sun.” JG

www.rolf-spectacles.com

Mary Pace – Sales Director, Rem Eyewear

18th May, 2012 “I’m a big fan of high quality acetate and light weight titanium sunglasses. I’m always drawn to smaller shapes, as I find I cannot support larger size frames – both for fit and my particular style. My favourites at the moment are innovative trend setting shapes, vintage redone with flair and details of the moment. I love matt and textured finishes mixed with crystal. (above, Mary wears John Varvatos style 774 in crystal.) I’m definitely a frame collector! Each season, I probably have about 10-15 pairs that I chose from. For work, I always try to have items that create multiple outfits, as I travel constantly. Accessories are a must and fun to play with – always a scarf and glasses – relaxed, rock chic! For leisure, there is nothing better than putting on my bright skinny jeans, a cashmere pullover and my Converse Chuck Taylors’s! I love some of the colours for this season, like the champagne colour of my new leather shirt jacket from “All Saints” – mixed with brights in large tops and skinny jeans. I still love Armani for the great fit and super leather jackets that feel like butter. I’m a fan of Rick Owens, for great fitting jeans and leather items. The most influential ideas and concepts today come from Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, and Proenza Schouler for women. For men, it’s John Varvatos. Wearing cool eyewear is a must in any season – it can change your look and your mood with simple effort. Sunglasses should certainly fit your lifestyle and express your fashion sense – colour, shape and detail are important in great glasses!” www.remeyewear.com. John Varvatos is available in the UK from www.eyerespect.com JG

Image: Rachael Branum Photos are legally privileged. All rights reserved, www.eyestylist.com.

Paris Designer Visits Savvy California Boutique

17th May 2012 Eyewear connoisseurs Derome Brenner have created a jewellery collection to complement their beautiful frame designs. Necklaces and bracelets are crafted in the mode of the eyewear – bold statement designs, unexpected details, and exciting colours. The frames and jewellery have delicate volume, and the effect is subtly dramatic. Xavier Derome made an in-store appearance to present the collections at the trendy Southern California boutique – Gogosha. Guests had the opportunity to meet the eyewear artist, be personally fitted for frames, and discover the jewellery.

Julia Gogosha is recognised for her ability to find and promote the finest in independent eyewear designers, and the event was memorable! www.deromebrenner.com  www.gogosha.com JG