January 2017

Get Ready for London

30th January 2017

London’s 100% Optical Fair opens its doors this coming weekend, with an extensive choice of international eyewear on display for British optical professionals. Independent labels will feature across the fair, and include luxury and artisan collections that have become leaders in their field of expertise.

Gotti’s success in the UK is built on a reputation for Swiss design married with Japanese production excellence. Their selection of frames now encompasses horn, acetate, titanium, a state-of-the-art 3d printed range – showing for the first time in London, and brand new screwless rimless eyewear. For more details: www.gotti.ch

Photo above: fashion blogger Oliver Lips wears the eye-catching model Ellis by Gotti Switzerland.

100% Optical offers a special opportunity to see the latest luxury frames by Italian designer Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. L.G.R’s dedication to old-school artisan techniques is highlighted in optical frames and sunglasses such as the eloquent Monastir, a supremely lightweight frame with round eye shape and textured metal nose bridge. The metal work is extremely accomplished and unique. www.lgrworld.com

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

SILMO Paris - The Optical Fair. 25th - 28th September 2026

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Returning to 100% this month, Salt. Optics, from California brings a wide selection of new designs to the fair, including model Burkhart (pictured in matte mauve mist) fitted with Polarized CR39 lenses. The Burkhart’s 80’s inspired silhouette adds a new aesthetic of simplicity in functional styling with very narrow beta-titanium temples combined with the brand’s super smart acetate in natural colorations – comfort and style wrapped up in one statement piece. www.saltoptics.com

Akira from Vera Wang is one of the luxe styles in the elegant collection produced by Kenmark Optical, exhibiting for the first time at 100% Optical. US company Kenmark also produce collections with Zac Posen and Original Penguin, and show an impressive design direction as well as impeccable focus on minute design details.

The pairing of acetate with metal in model Akira has a gentle subtly. Swarovski crystals are inlaid at the top and bottom of the temple for a touch of sparkle. Colours available include noir, black cherry tortoise and walnut tortoise. For more information: www.kenmarkoptical.com / 10o% Optical takes place at ExCel from 4th to 6th February 2017 in London. More information: www.100optical.com CN

Reviews

Aneka by Fleye

25th January 2017

Aneka by FLEYE is ready to embrace sunny days with its charming cat-eye silhouette. The sunglasses are crafted in high-density acetate in elegant colours, with beautiful detailing from frame front to end tips. Aneka is available with either semi-mirrored or gradient lenses. FLEYE is presenting their optical and sunglass collections this weekend at OPTI-Munich Hall C1 Booth 437. www.fleye.dk JG

Design + Inspiration

OPTI-Munich keynote: Eyewear variations

24th January 2017

Variety’s the very spice of life. That gives it all its flavour William Cowper

The English poet chronicled 18th Century daily life in the countryside, with all its magnificent diversifications. Three centuries later, variety is the mainstream of living and culture. Eyewear enthusiasts can partake in a medley of amazing optic alternatives this weekend (28-30 January) at OPTI-Munich. International designers and labels will present their latest collections in optical designs and sunglasses. Featured here is a selection of the imaginative and inspiring eyewear that will be on display. Monoqool from Denmark (Koncert above) will debut their new SLIDER series with 3D printing. www.monoqool.com

Lovingly handcrafted designs by Christian Mascré for Vue dc feature sleek silhouettes in acetate. www.vuedc.fr

Artist Beni Bischof wear AMOS from Götti DIMENSION

Götti Dimension highlights superbly elegant 3D printed frames, and sporty models with the patented “spin & stow” temples. www.gotti.ch

Suzy Glam Smokes Cigars by Susanne Klemm

Suzy Glam Smokes Cigars in the colour Pipe is a new men’s design that radiates luxurious detailing and finish. www.suzyglam.com

Shasta shines with vivacious shaping and dynamic colourations in an optical design by l.a. Eyeworks. www.laeworks.com

Jérémy Tarian presents his collaborative design in association with his workshop at HEAD Géneve (Geneva University of Art and Design Switzerland). Eva Gaumé’s winning design is now part of the Tarian + Collection. www.jeremytarian.com

Lillum from the KOALI Collection Morel France

Nature’s beauty and bounty inspired the streamlined designs in the Koali collection by Morel France. www.morel-france.com

Cinque from Soupcan Acetate Collection by TAVAT

The new collection by Tavat – “Soupcan Acetate” – includes supremely light designs with striking colourations. www.tavat-eyewear.com

Come explore these innovative brands – both established and new – and discover and experience the many exciting aspects of eyewear at OPTI-Munich this weekend. www.opti.de JG

Creative spirits

Silvana Stefanovic-Riley @embellish_or_perish

23rd January 2017

Silvana Stefanovic-Riley @embellish_or_perish talks to Eyestylist about glasses, Advanced Style, and a lifelong passion for fashion…

“I started wearing eyeglasses to correct short-sightedness in high school,” says Silvana when we start to look into her first experiences of eyewear. “In those days I saw this as an impediment and I only wore glasses when I absolutely had to.” It’s a common reaction, yet, after a while, like many, she found a new direction in her glasses.

“Over time I relaxed into wearing my prescription sunglasses and started to appreciate them as an accessory that can enhance the look rather than detract from it. As for sunglasses, having lived in Australia for over 40 years, this harsh sunlight requires good sun protection for eyes.”

Photo credit (above): Lauren Farley of @doculifephotography

Photo credit: Lauren Farley of @doculifephotography — Photo credit: Lauren Farley of *@doculifephotography*

Explaining her favourite styles, Silvana is inspired by design and individuality: “I love colour and accessories. This makes it easy to find glasses to suit each outfit, mood and occasion. Each year, I buy two pairs of prescription glasses or sunglasses to add to my collection. I have recently purchased this year’s glasses. I have sent one of these frames to Brazil to be hand painted by the talented Erida Schaefer of La Frida Eyewear.”

Sunglasses in particular provide an opportunity for some fun and self-expression. With a sizable collection Silvana says she is always on the lookout for new and different sunglasses to add to the stash. “On occasion. sunnies also provide a much needed confidence boost by covering up the effects of the odd sleepless night. I often take selfies in the same outfit but change the sunglasses and the difference that sunglasses make to the overall aesthetic is incredible, she says.

LaFrida handpainted Eyewear by Erida Schaefer - Brazil — LaFrida handpainted Eyewear by Erida Schaefer – Brazil

Advanced Style
“I had followed Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style Blog and IG for a number of years as a ‘passive’ observer,” explains Silvana when we ask about her pictures in Advanced Style. “I do not recall how I initially came across Advanced Style in the first place, however there was a recurring theme of older women using personal style as a form of self-expression. These women radiate vitality, zest for life and creativity that defies the societal expectations of older people. Older people in general, and especially older women with grey hair, are not seen as being at the forefront of social change. Yet the Advanced Style movement initiated by Ari Seth Cohen is now a worldwide phenomenon.”

Through Ari’s Blog and Instagram, Silvana got to ‘know’ many other Advanced Stylistas, and learnt what gives them the life’s energy to continue to be active, creative and self-expressive older women. “I always thought that I would eventually become somehow involved with the spirit of this sentiment”, she explained. “However full-time work and other family commitments alway took precedent. Despite this, my interest in the Advanced style phenomenon continued. I admired the first Advanced Style Book, then the Documentary movie and eventually the second book – Advanced Style Older and Wiser.” (more…)

Design + Inspiration

Instant refresh: VON-IKKE accessories

20th January 2017

Handmade eyewear chains add an extra enhancement to specialist frames, and new labels are popping up with innovative ideas balancing practicality and eye-catching design. VON-IKKE eyewear cords are handmade in Mainz, Germany by Elisa Biscotti and Mario von Wantoch-Rekowski. Discreet quality details such as nickel-free eyelets and loops coordinate with the colours of the cords, and all the designs are made in Germany in their entirety.

Colours include bold brights such as orange, violet or coral, and multicoloured versions of which our favourites are the two-tone blue with multicoloured patterning entwined in the cord.

Having caught on quickly with opticians in Germany in the year since they created the start-up, the label is also producing a new Hangar necklace, which acts both as a frame chain and elegant piece of wearable art. Stockists include Vogel Optik in St Moritz (www.vogel-optik.ch) and Coblens Augenoptik (www.coblens-augenoptik.de) and For more information about VON-IKKE chains and their unique Hangar necklace, visit http://vonikke.de/ CN – Photography by Elisa Biscotti – www.elisabiscotti.de