January 2014

RVS by V. launches collaboration

with New York’s a-morir

21st January 2014 Turkish independent label RVS by V. by Vidal Erkohen and luxury designer Kerin Rose Gold of a-morir have joined forces to produce an exotic Limited Edition Luxury Collection.

Vidal Erkohen spoke to Eyestylist: “This is the first of several collaborations we plan with Kerin Rose. Included in this first launch are existing RVS classics embellished in the luxurious a-morir style (above), and new designs made with Mazzucchelli acetate with the RVS by V. signature matte finish.”

All designs featured in this first collaborative series by the two eyewear labels will be released in limited editions of 100 pieces per model and sold through selective boutiques worldwide.

For more information visit www.rvsbyv.com. www.a-morir.com CN

Warren Alfie Baker

Fashion Tips from Noted Men’s Stylist

17th January 2014 Our thanks to Brent Zerger at l.a.eyeworks for introducing us to Warren Alfie Baker – celebrated men’s stylist for magazines, TV and cinema. Baker offers suggestions and insights into what well-turned out males will be wearing in fashion and eyewear.

Do you see any definitive trends for men’s fashion in 2014? “I think for spring we are going to see men being a little more adventurous with bold prints and colours. A resurgence of the bold 1970’s colours like Burnt Oranges and Yellows, with some Fuchsia pinks. Also, I have seen some great pastel coloured suiting for men that I think will be a huge trend.”

Do you think that men are paying more attention to how they dress? “For sure, there are a good percentage of men that get fashion and follow trends, but there is also probably the same percentage of men that don’t care too much. A lot of my job is about education and how to make clothes work for a particular person’s body. I still think a lot of men are scared to try something new, but that is changing…..slowly.”

Who are your favourite men’s wear designers? “OK – so I’m a huge fan of Vivienne Westwood’s tailoring. They have superb fabrics and colours, not for everyone, but I love her designs. I love Ports 1961 – again great fabric choices with classic cuts. I love Sandro too, simple but super chic.”

What should men look for when selecting eyewear? “When I select glasses for my client I look for frames that will suit their personality and style. I think frame selection is an important one to get right, as they will be the one item that people look at constantly. Look at colour, and the shape to make sure it fits the frame of your face perfectly. I have these beautiful 50’s style frames from l.a.eyeworks that are metallic gold with a beautiful design (Silverman). They are simply amazing and I can’t go anywhere without them!” www.warrenalfiebaker.com www.laeyeworks.comJG

“To See and To Be Seen”

Men’s Frames with Character and Style

14th January 2014 Coppe and Sid – creators of fine eyewear – offer suggestions for men on how to choose frames that are elegant and smart, and suit the wearer.

“Think about your lifestyle and needs – will I be wearing these frames in the office? home? outdoors? work? Listen to your optician for advice on size, materials and how to choose suitable products, especially when high index/progressive lenses are required. Select a design with which you are comfortable, and a colour that best suits your style. Be unique without being eccentric! Pay attention to the quality of the product and look for where it is made. Just because a brand or style is popular, does not mean that it is the best style for you…so try on a variety of frames. And be aware of good value for money – the quality of the frame, the style, design and price. Because frames are “to see and to be seen!” www.eyedesignclub.com JG

Featured frame: Wellington 03 from the Oceania Routes Collection by Coppe and Sid. Handmade in Italy in fine quality acetate and titanium.

 

The Japanese innovators

Factory 900

11th January 2014 If you haven’t seen this name already, then take a look. The super creative Factory 900 hailing from Japan have particular technical aptitude when it comes to voluminous plastic, and this translates into some out-of-the-ordinary colourful designs.

The round style with floating lens (above) fa-1111 won the Silmo d’Or in the Sunglasses Category last September, but alongside that, there are plenty of others that break the mould. Factory 900 has produced several avantgarde show pieces including a collaboration with Aoyama Kogaku and an unusual multicoloured stained glass window mask design, first launched in 2011.

fa 1120, colour 450
fa 1120, colour 450

We took a look at the label’s full collection recently, and were pleased to see a growing number of wearable styles featured throughout, including the two-tone full rim fa 1120 (above), which also comes in crystal with bright tone combinations. In 2013, the Belgian eyewear label THEO and Factory 900 created two models together – theo by Factory 900 – for more on this project visit:

https://www.eyestylist.com/2013/11/cutting-edge-collaboration/ CN

Hapter at Ottica Fontani, Florence

10th January 2014 Pitti Uomo has come round again, and there have been some eyewear brands of note in attendance. They include the award-winning Italian design label Hapter, whose frames are made from natural fibres and stainless steel.

Guests try out Hapter Eyewear
Pitti guests try Hapter Eyewear

The label’s opening event for Pitti took place in central Florence at Ottica Fontani on Wednesday – www.otticafontani.com. “We have launched our new window presentation at Ottica Fontani,” Eric Balzan, Founder at Hapter, told Eyestylist, on route to Munich, “you will see this display of our collection in top optical stores across Europe in the months ahead.” CN

New display ay Hapter
New display ay Hapter

www.hapter.it