This frame is ready for action! Titan is an engineering feat by DITA, using a single piece of Japanese acetate – front layered – with a titanium frame over the top. Bold characteristics include acetate side shields, twin titanium temple plates, and a strip of hand laid enamel. The frame is amazingly constructed and detailed – all by hand – in sophisticated colours of black and smoke grey. www.dita.com JG
The Eco Collection from Modo is a good choice if you are wanting easy retro and I like the intentions of this brand: the frames are made from recycled metal and plastic, and for every frame sold, the company has committed to planting a tree. The collection carries an UL Environment Certification, validating that the products are made from a minimum of 95% recycled stainless steel and/or plastic, without any compromise in quality. With the One Frame One Tree initiative, for each pair of Eco frames purchased, Eco plants one tree together with Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that has been helping communities around the world plant trees since 1989. Eco also created a system that allows customers to donate their unwanted frames to charities helping people with poor vision in developing areas of the world. The box also includes an easy to use mail-in recycling kit. The packaging consists of a box and a case. The box is made of recycled paper and using soy ink for the printing. The case is made of RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) which is made out of recycled soda bottles. www.eco-optics.com CN
An acetate/metal “Club” design – semi-rimless with a heavier top and sleek under rim – which for me represents one of the leading shapes for men in 2012 and on into 2013 I believe. Featuring a double barrel and stainless steel optical hinges, the model comes in black satin and demi tort satin. Von Zipper is a South Californian frame producer, with a sports feel – they also produce goggles and apparel. The optical range offers a variety of retro oriented ‘geek chic’ looks for young adults and retro fans. www.vonzipper.com CN
A new collection of chunky vintage-inspired frames has just been launched by Ray-Ban. The line includes wayfarer shapes and this modified cat’s-eye, Ray-Ban 5281. Classic and more eccentric colours are proposed. I like the brown on opaline brown and the Havana, a colour choice that never seems to go out of fashion and always adds a vintage flavour. Ray-Ban is celebrating 75 years this year, quite something! www.ray-ban.com
Robert Marc is using elegant vintage acetate in some of his styles, a trend that has been taken up by a few eyewear companies this year. This model for men features a vintage crystal front with olive havana temples. The 50s look vintage crystal has a warm translucence and combines seamlessly with the darker temple contrast. The latest collection by Robert Marc which I viewed during Mido also includes these colour combinations using vintage acetate which we see as on-trend for guys this year. The temple is the classic signature Robert Marc design, for an additional contemporary twist. Available in selected opticians in Europe including in the UK, Icon the Opticians, Isis and Viren Jani. CN www.robertmarc.com