2012

Black and Gold Charm

23rd November 2012 During the shows this autumn, we’ve seen stunningly creative frames in black and gold. Each colour is significant on its own – and when featured together, the results are sophisticated and elegant. Today we are showing two versions we’d love to wear! Anne-Karin Karlsson has the magic touch with black and gold in Coco on the Run (above). The frame is acetate with metal inside, a patented material that has never been used in eyewear before. “It’s very tricky  to execute, but with the result as I imagined”, says Anna-Karin, and the result is superb! www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Vera Wang’s interpretation of black and gold is a striking design- Rava (above) – in black acetate, accented with gold at the nosepiece and around the lenses. The curvy shape and the bold temple lift ensure an even more glamorous frame. www.kenmarkoptical.com JG

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