May 2013

21st May 2013 Looking for something different this summer? Eyestylist has noticed some stunning transparent acetate designs with very special inlays inside the frame structure. From Linda Farrow and shoe and accessory designer, Charlotte Olympia in a collaborative collection, this showy piece  (above) displays a tantalising coloured ostrich feather inside the clear acetate frame. It captures the mood of Olympia’s other pieces, such as her wicker bag featuring traditional wicker work mounted in transparent perspex. The sunglasses come in four delicate colours, including the peach/champagne version pictured above. www.lindafarrow.com

At Heidi London, real petals are the pretty choice of decorative inlay, adding a super feminine yet playful signature detail in a line that includes classic cat eyes and oversized circular shapes. Heidi Chan’s Sunglasses are available at some of the very finest fashion and online stores including Wolf & Badger (London) Henri Bendel (NYC), www.shopbop.com and, from this month, www.saksfifthavenue.com. www.heidilondon.com CN

17th May 2013 The very pale pinks have to be one of the most tempting choices for summer. We saw two of these three alluring styles at the last eyewear exhibition in Milan, as well as a variety of other soft pastel tones; as part of an outfit, these pretty shades will mix just as well with muted neutrals or a splash of bold colour. Bocca 2 from Face à Face (above) combines delicate rose pink with white arms designed as ‘legs’ wearing matching pink heels…decadent and chic, it’s a cat eye of the highest order that will provide lasting enjoyment. www.faceaface-paris.com

From Sydney’s Sunday Somewhere, a label that will be just two years old in August, comes the Chely, a generously proportioned design that has made it from Oz to my desk this week. It’s a headturner with its clean, sturdy design and very shiny translucent finish. I like the attention to detail – pretty resin-coated Italian gradient lenses, engraved with the Sunday Somewhere “SS” offer safe UV protection, even under the Australian rays.  www.sundaysomewhere.com

Another Day by Austria’s Andy Wolf is a super, round handmade shape that has bright flashy mirrored lenses coordinating with the pastel colour of the frame. It’s another example of the label’s dedication to high-spirited fashion and it’s one for those with a series of chic summer parties and music festivals booked into their diaries. www.andy-wolf.at CN

Mondelliani sunglasses arrive in London

15th May 2013 For a taste of the Mediterranean and in readiness for Summer, head to the prestigious jewellery store Kirsten Goss London on Holland Street. The shop is hosting a special, one-month-long pop-up for the Rome-based independent sunglasses label Mondelliani, who produce elegant sunglasses in exceptional Italian acetate. Bright, bold and beautifully crafted exclusively in Italy, the collection is inspired by the unique and joyful colours and moods of the Mediterranean and the Aeolian Islands near Sicily. Each model is fitted with quality Zeiss lenses with elegant tints that match or contast with the colours of each design.

Kirsten Goss London is a specialist accessory destination stocking unique labels such as Urban Edge, Bete Noire Jewellery and Gina Foster Millinery. For more on Mondelliani Glasses visit: https://www.eyestylist.com/2012/11/eolie-collection/

www.mondelliani.it   www.kirstengoss.com

Kirsten Goss London, 29 Holland Street, W8 4NA.

…Available online!

14th May 2013 Sunglass variations abound this season – and here we feature two designs that you can shop for immediately online via Eyestylist…click on BOUTIQUES to place your order!

British brand Fan Optics launched last year, and their frames take inspiration from old English regional names. Ailen, meaning made of oak, is luxuriously fabricated in amber toned acetate (above, Ailen in tortoiseshell). Handmade crafting ensures fine detailing and superb quality. www.fanoptics.co.uk

Christian Roth captures the spirit of summer, the luxurious mood of The Hamptons, and the feel of “The Great Gatsby” with Peace and Love (above). The pearl acetate frame is highlighted with a sunny yellow trim on the lenses – both front and inside – and a whimsical touch of green and yellow on the end tips. Cool and refreshing! www.christian-roth.com