March 2017

theo trio

Stimulating, creative fresh ideas permeate the latest designs from theo. The Belgium brand orchestrates eyewear with innovation in silhouette and construction, plus unique colour combinations in a range of materials. Inspiration abounds in theo collections, and Kamasutra set creative genes in action with frame “positions” based on the ancient sex manual. Lotus Blossom and Sideways Samba (above)  – unite in two pieces that then click the frame together. No screws or other fixtures…oh! so theo!

Patatas from the Potatoes Acetate collection by theo

Potatoes acetate are fun frames named after a much-loved food – the potato. Six different shapes (Patatas shown above) range from bold and brash to elegant and feminine, very stylish and contemporary. Super theo colour combinations too – really a delicious feast for the eyes!

mille+47 from the MILLE quarante Collection by theo

The theo mille quarante collection introduces four new models in eight different colour combinations. The timeless designs and streamlined contours are further enhanced with unexpected textures, as expressed in mille+47 (above) For more information on theo’s exciting new releases, visit www.theo.be JG

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100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
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Bonnie by a-morir

A beautiful new release by “New York designer, artist, costumier and professional bedazzler” Kerin Rose Gold, who we have followed through every season since we first launched Eyestylist.com.

a-morir’s A/W 2017 collection reexplores decorative arts with exclusive jewellery settings, dreamy floral flourishes, sparkling coloured Swarovski gems and intricate gold filigree – interpreted with love and the expertise of a young female designer who continues to produce her original, audacious designs with dedication to handcrafting and bespoke finishings inspired by vintage frames from the early 20th century.

SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
Götti Switzerland
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
VAVA Eyewear
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TVR True Vintage Revival

Model Bonnie is one of several examples, striking for the asymmetrical flourish of gold detail with pearl settings that make a statement focal point on the classic tortoise front. Added to this, three little inset pearls at each side take the luxury story one step further. See more decorative eyewear from Kerin Rose Gold at www.a-morir.com CN

The Karmoie Culture – Kirsten & Lars Iverson

The Norwegian independent brand Karmoie derives its name from the Sanskrit word karma meaning “action” or “deed” and the French word joie for “joy”. With this stimulating philosophy, Kirsten and Lars created the company in 2013 with their concept of excellence, integrity and quality. Karmoie was awarded The Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, for the brand’s commitment to protect the planet’s resources. They share their perspective with Eyestylist.

Please tell us about how Karmoie was created. “We knew that we wanted to create a business that reflects our values and our personalities. Social commitment and creating a product that feels as good as it looks was at the core. The idea of doing that within the industry came to us as we were driving around in the South of France. It was one of those moments where everything just felt right. We knew we had a lot of research to do and an industry we knew nothing about to figure out, but we just had to go for it.”

Your designs are streamlined and pure – how do you develop your concepts? “We don’t really launch extensive new collections every season; rather we add on a couple of styles so our collection is always made up of both models from the first years and a few new releases. Whenever we develop a new model we make sure that it fits in with the rest of our frames, and that the colour palette remains cohesive.”

Karmoie Star in Black

What inspires you – nature, architecture, colours – when you are creating frames? “We are inspired by everything that surrounds us. Our friends and family, their style and requests give us ideas. While fashion is always inspiring, the pace of fast fashion is so stressful, so we seek more towards architecture and interior design, as that feels more built to last. When it comes to colours, we believe that nature is flattering on everyone, so our colour palette and patterns are based on soft, natural shades.”

Karmoie Nucleus in Kelp
Karmoie Nucleus in Kelp

How did your partnership with Eyejusters come about? “We had seen a segment on The Colbert Report about social innovation that featured adjustable glasses. Since we are not opticians or optometrists ourselves, the way Eyejusters work, allowing anyone to participate in distributing glasses, really resonated with us. With more than 700 million people worldwide without access to refractive care, it is great to be able to recruit anyone who wants to participate in helping. It also makes it possible to reach out to very remote areas that are hard to access with trained personnel and advanced equipment.”

Karmoie Rise in Twig

Karmoie is now entering its fifth year – what is the most rewarding aspect of your work? “We love hearing feedback from our customers and from our donation projects. Seeing people wear and enjoy our eyewear validates all the effort we put into creating them. Hearing from our donation partners and following the important work that they do in the field gives us hope and motivation.”

Any additional insights you would like to enumerate about Karmoie? “We believe that every positive action has a positive impact. We created a brand that is mindful of the importance in all the big and small choices we make on our way to the final product. For this we have been awarded the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark. Awareness is spreading and we are proud to be part of it.” www.karmoie.com JG

Arthur Arbesser for Silhouette

Fashion designer Arthur Arbesser has created stunning sunglasses for Silhouette that stylishly compliment his relaxed, easy-going clothing collection. Crafted in Silhouette’s unique mix of SPX and high-tech titanium, the frames are extremely lightweight and minimalist. The sunglasses also feature lens-in-lens technology that enables the frames to be worn as both optical and sunglasses. Arbesser has a broad perspective on fashion – he was born and raised in Vienna; studied at Central Saint Martins College for Art and Design in London; and is now based in Milan, where he is acclaimed as one of fashion’s most up and coming young designers. www.silhouette. com www.arthurarbesser.com JG

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Götti Switzerland

Mondelliani flagship, Rome

Mondelliani glasses, selected independent brands (Hoet and Theo) and bijoux accessories. The curated collections by the Mondello family have a new design home in Via dei Prefetti, an historic street with an abundance of chic stores located in the Campo Marzio neighbourhood.

The minimal interior, balancing bright colour and elegant white displays was designed by Claudia Campone of Studio THiRTYONE in Rome. An area for eye tesing has also been included as part of the project – allowing the team to offer state-of-the-art eycare as well as beautiful accessories.

Accessory display, Mondelliani shop

Following the opening in December 2016, Rosaria Mondello commented: “Eyewear is the accessory that speaks about who we are, more than any other. If you wear black and choose a red frame, for me, you are all about “red”. If you wear a “statement” frame, such as a heavy rimmed black design, you need to be able to carry it off, with grit and a strong character, otherwise you will look like a member of the Beagle Boys. What gives us great satisfaction is finding the right frame for each person: this requires sensitivity, taste and attention to detail”.

Via dei Prefetti 11, Rome. Other stores are located in via del Bergamaschi and via dell’Oca, Rome. www.mondelliani.it CN