May 2017

High performance, exceptional and distinctive technical engineering – along with fit and comfort – merge stylishly in Limited Edition sunglasses by SALT. Optics + AETHER. The two companies are based in Southern California, and they fully understand the focused passion – and benefits – of experiencing the outdoor life and sporting activities. Top image: The Explorer

The sunglass designs were created with the motorcycle rider in mind – but are so fashionable that they can be worn by anyone. The Scout and Explorer are crafted in beta-titanium, and feature perforated air vents; titanium nose pads; and polarised photochromic or mirror lenses. The frames also fit comfortably and easily under a helmet. The colours are striking – Black Sand, Brushed Honey Gold and Tempest.

The foundation for SALT. Optics is the effortless beauty of nature, and the carefree California lifestyle. AETHER was created with the concept that contemporary, specialised accessories need to work as well in urban environments, as they do in the great outdoors. SALT. + AETHER believe in premium quality united with the finest materials. The results are two exciting frame silhouettes that provide style, comfort, and optical clarity for their enthusiastic wearers. www.saltoptics.com  www.aetherapparel.com JG

Acetate may be a traditional frame material but the latest proposals in this classic in eyewear open a new phase of colour refinement with a contemporary outlook. From revamped tortoise creations to prints with grain effects inspired by natural stone or fabric – these wonderfully playful designs provide the wearer with a personal and effortless statement in modern dressing.

Jono Hennessy, one of a handful of independent Australian labels releases innovative colours and patterns season after season. Model BLAST 8408 represents an example of the mix of lush tortoise colorations (blue and red infused tortoise) that continue to trend alongside the classic tortoise colours. The designer was inspired by the sails of the Sydney Opera House for the angular shapes. Find more inspiration from designer Jono at www.jonohennessy.com

The small Italian label Dabrach – from Piemonte, Italy – has explored (among several classic colours) some intensely bright and patterned materials – including rare acetates – since it first launched in 2015. Their combination of angular handmade shapes and unusual colour effects make a delightful and distinctive spectacle. Further details: www.dabrach.com

Behind Woow Eyewear – a label that has grown out of a heritage of colour and style innovation – is a love of bright, impactful shapes. Model Make It 2 is on point in the context of playful tones, bringing a strong translucent aqua together with multicoloured, mottled-effect temples. www.wooweyewear.com

French artisan label Plein Les Mirettes specialises in women’s designs with quirky yet wearable shapes. Colours range from brights to highly decorative and multicoloured: the very pretty asymmetrical DIVA VIII is part of a limited series produced in some fresh and unconventional coloured acetates. For more details: www.plein-les-mirettes.fr CN

Roland-Garros – the prestigious Parisian tennis tournament – celebrates its 30th anniversary in collaboration with Lafont Paris – with two Limited Edition sunglass designs. Lafont’s Parisian eyewear chic captures the heritage and performance of Roland-Garros with striking designs, inspired by two tennis legends – Suzanne Lenglen and Marcel Bernard. Lenglen dominated women’s tennis from 1914 to 1926 – winning The French Open (Roland-Garros) twice – and Wimbledon six times.

The Suzanne frame (top image) expresses retro-chic spirit in dark tortoiseshell, a softly sculptured shape in high tech materials, beautifully crafted in the Jura region of France.

Marcel Bernard brought glory to France when he won the French Championships in 1946; later he was President of the French Tennis Federation. The sunglasses that bear his name are distinguished with their contemporary shape and a “Mousquetaires stripe” inside layer displaying the tournament’s colours.

Suzanne and Marcel feature anti-reflective brown lenses, and a laser engraved Roland-Garros logo. The Limited Edition of 150 models are numbered and certified “French Origin Guaranteed.” The sunglasses are available in Lafont’s Paris boutiques – visit www.lafont.com for details – and also at Roland-Garros stadium when play commences 22nd May. Designs that are a perfect “ace!” JG

There is nothing like beautiful, luxuriously crafted sunglasses to enhance your mood, perk up fashion attire, and make the wearer feel wonderful! This season the selection of sun specs is more alluring than ever, with frames in gorgeous colours and materials, plus striking details. Discover enticing sunglass creations by artistic designers – contemporary to eclectic interpretations of a fashion accessory brimming with style. Top image: Streamlined sophistication in LINDBERG n.o.w.8305.  www.lindberg.com

Glamorous Cat-eye Dazzle: Swarovski crystals glitter on Anna-Karin Karlsson’s Billion Dollar Babes in acetate, with 24 caret gold accents. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Nautical inspiration: CM11 Christian Mascré’s sleek acetate sunglasses in perennially loved sea-faring colours. www.vuedc.fr

Timeless Class: Tom Herrington’s fabulous sunglass designs include Lucy, inspired by a photo of his mother taken in 1983…reminiscent of Lady Diana Spencer, Isabelle Rossellini, and simpler times…www.rockoptika.com

Glamour with wit: Lou in striking colourations  – called Sno Cone – of lustrous acetate with voluminous shaping from Fiction by l.a. Eyeworks Collection. www.laeyeworks.com

Subtle luxury and nature’s effortless beauty merge harmoniously in SALT. Optics Nia, with uncluttered lines and pure aesthetics. www.saltoptics.com

Charm and featherweight chic is characteristic of stunning sunglasses – Zero 13 –  by Finest Seven, in platinum with soft pink mirror lenses. www.finestseven.com

City and seaside – distinctive shapes and materials highlight the trendy, sun wear looks at Neubau Eyewear with Toni (left) and Mia. www.neubau-eyewear.com JG

Opticians and visitors from Germany, Belgium, and France viewed eyewear from independent creators in the historic surroundings of Dock One at last weekend’s show. The two-day event, situated in a restored factory on the Rhine, provided an ideal setting with spaciousness and a pleasant ambience. Established brands and newcomers presented their latest collections of optical and sunglass designs.

Among the highlights were Götti’s Dimension collection; the innovative magnetic hinge from French brand Baars; Powder & Heat with their award winning 3D printed frames; Orgreen’s elegant Danish designs; and the introduction of sunglasses by Swiss brand Von Arkel; plus distinctive designs by Adrian Marwitz; Kerl; Coblens; Blackfin and more!

“We had a good show in Köln,” said Co-Director Nathanaël Wenger, “however, we are thinking of making some changes. Perhaps we will alter the date, and have fewer exhibitors – so the show is very exclusive. The “Think Tank” seminars are growing – we want to offer opticians the opportunity to discover more about marketing, technology and other aspects of today’s optics.”

A trip down memory lane was enjoyed by opticians and visitors with the fabulous vintage eyewear collections of Alexander Dosiehn and Christian Metzler. Both are passionate about retro eyewear  – Alexander with a special love for Cazal, and Christian is always on the lookout for frames from the 1970’s to the early 1990’s.

Die Brillenmesse Köln presented eyewear collections with a strong focus on artisan designs, innovative materials, beautiful colours, personalisation, and superior production. Watch this space for further Die Brillenmesse news! www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

Top image: Nicholas Dimroci, Gyada Lanaro from Pride Eyewear, and Steffen Keil, co-director Die Brillenmesse Köln

All Images for Eyestylist by Patrick Müller/Die Brillenmesse Köln All Rights Reserved

Music is a powerful influence for artists, painters, and eyewear designers. The beauty, elegance and refinement of music inspire Charmant’s lyrical collection of eyewear (above XL2068). Line Art Charmant is a rare synergy of technological achievement and aesthetic perfection. Each exquisite handmade frame is crafted in Excellence Titan – a material that combines lightness and strength, durability, flexibility, with superb memory function, and is hypoallergenic.

View the video to see close up the perfect combination of contemporary luxury, impeccable design and sophistication in the new Line Art Charmant collection.

The latest designs include streamlined sensuality evident in XL2093 from The Duo Collection, with Swarovski Crystals in subtle monochromatic colourations. Visit www.charmant.com for more exclusive feminine eyewear designs by Line Art Charmant. JG

The twin-spired Cathedral, Museum Ludwig and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum are among the many treasures to be found in the two thousand year old city of Cologne, Germany. Located on the historic Rhine River, the city is a major centre for the Rhineland, with numerous cultural landmarks. This weekend – May 6-7 – Cologne is the landmark destination for creative eyewear by independent designers. The 2017 edition of Die Brillenmesse will be held at Dock One on the banks of the Rhine.

A superb line up of new and established eyewear creators will present their latest optical and sunglass collections. Participants include Götti Switzerland; Lafont Paris; Adrian Marwitz; Orgreen; Andy Wolf Eyewear; Miamai; Von Arkel; Pride Eyewear; Anne et Valentin; and Blackfin among many others. Vintage eyewear specialists Alexander Dosiehn and Christian Metzler will be on hand with items from their fabulous retro collections. In addition, both Saturday and Sunday, there will be Think Tank seminars with informative presentations on marketing, social media, technology and other topics. Die Brillenmesse Köln is the perfect opportunity to view Blackfin’s glamorous summer sunglasses (top image: Oyster Bay), along with their chic optical designs with evocative shapes, and inspiring technology. www.blackfin.eu

Götti Switzerland is presenting several exciting collections with optical and sunglass selections: elegant rimless designs from Götti Perspective, the superbly crafted Götti Dimension –  3D printed eyewear, and lightweight beauties in ultrathin titanium, including Lynn (above). www.gotti.ch

A passion for Cazal eyewear led Alexander Dosiehn to become an avid collector of the German made frames. Doshien recalled: “The more I was into Cazal, the more models I discovered that I couldn’t miss. I guess it’s the same principle for everyone collecting something; the more you dive into it, the more you get addicted. Most of the time it’s the hunt, not the treasure!” www.dosiehn.com

Pride Eyewear launched in 2015 and the Italian brand has already garnered a prestigious Silmo d’Or award. Their latest collection will be presented in Cologne – frames with distinctive shapes, a  unique blend of technologies and materials, and fabulous colours. Crafting eyewear is truly an Italian art form, and all Pride eyewear is handmade in Italy. www.prideeyewear.it

Provocative shapes, materials, and fabulous lenses highlight the Venice based Barberini Eyewear collections. Specialist glass lenses are a Barberini heritage, including the trademark Platinum Glass, available in fantastic colours. www.barberinieyewear.it

Discover for yourself inspirational, glamorous and unusual fashion forward eyewear at Die Brillenmesse Köln May 6-7 at Dock One. More details at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG