December 2018

Morel 1880 – style 60032M

The 1880 Collection from MOREL offers classical ‘retro-inspired’ styling based on the original designs of this established French eyewear company. Inspired by buffalo horn tones and textures, model Homere is in fact produced in a luxurious acetate, comfortable to wear and practical and hard wearing for daily use. The design has a tapered, three-section temple, with the hinge section revealing a discreet “M” when the temples are folded – based on original designs in the 1880 vintage collection. Colours are dark and muted in black, red, blue or brown with a solid or tortoiseshell finish – sophisticated yet flattering for different faces and ages.

MOREL is one of the original French eyewear producers of the Jura, the French spectacle-making region, located in eastern France – and remains a leader in the field – committed to quality and fine design. Their eyewear collections range from the classic luxury of 1880 to the modern 3D printed state-of-the-art LIGHTEC range. Find details at www.morel-france.com CN

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Acetate by Ørgreen Optics

When a titanium specialist like Ørgreen announces a new departure in acetate, all eyes are upon them: the material is different to work with, unique in its colour possibilities, transparency and design focus when compared to the characteristic pared back look of metal frames.

Launched in Spring 2018, the Minimal Vintage Collection strives to uphold the same quality and minimalist design typical of the Danish design company whilst adding a vintage feel with nostalgic design references suited to the acetate material. It has taken painstaking research and study – and the commitment and unreserved enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs behind the label who set out to achieve a high-level wearable fashion collection, with individual, innovative touches. The acetate launch signifies an important step for the business that has grown successfully in the titanium eyewear field since Henrik Ørgreen and the co-founders first set up in 1997.  Above: model Michelle, a shape within a shape – daring, playful and easy to wear.

“The Michelle frame is not your regular cats eye throw-back design, the colours are much more graphic with unique details on the corners…”

Model Jose – a cigar temple shape, low bridge and detailed metal core

For the current season, men’s and women’s styles have launched including models Jose and Michelle pictured, paying attention to the refined aspects of transparent colours such as nude, rose and blush and blending them with more concentrated tones to allow for definitive accents at certain points on the frames.

An independent label, Ørgreen is based in Copenhagen – the frames are available worldwide from high level opticians and include models in titanium, acetate and state-of-the-art 3D printed Polyamide. All the latest models are now available in selected stores and through Ørgreen’s flagship store (Copenhagen). Find more details at www.orgreenoptics.com CN

Somers Optiek: colour + celebration

theo’s exceptional Somers Optiek store in Antwerp, a window on the eyewear label’s world of colour, love, energy and design, always has a trick up its sleeve. In anticipation of the Chinese New Year in February and theo’s passion for all things ‘Valentine’ (14th February), the boutique is now resonating with the vibrant colours and textures of colourful dragons from the East.

Photography: © 2018 copyright protected Artworks,
Photography & Graphic Design!

Somers Optiek first opened in its current location behind the KBC Tower – a landmark ‘Art Deco Skyscraper” – in 2008. Since our last visit in 2012 – see Joan Grady’s feature at https://www.eyestylist.com/2012/11/somers-optiek/ – the store has expanded, with a new fresh open space designed to cater to a young customer and their particular requirements for styling, colour and design. The space was designed by APRIL ONE’s Karine Ribbens (www.aprilone.be).

The store features a comprehensive selection of new and past designs by the iconic Belgian company, many of which are hidden behind the scenes, ready for customers to explore and try on at their leisure. Just a few frames are displayed on cabinets or in alcoves to highlight new colour, shapes or special releases. Somers Optiek offers a comprehensive eyecare service with state-0f-the-art eye testing available in the lower level consulting rooms as well as styling expertise from ‘theo’ trained frame specialists. Visit online at www.somersoptiek.be / www.theo.be  CN

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Somers Optiek, Eiermarkt 41, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

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Festive flourishes

Glittering holiday events present magical possibilities for fun and fashion flourishes – and eyewear is no exception! Designers concur – as frames are beautifully crafted with luxurious diamonds, sparkling crystals, and captivating accents. The exceptional designs are not only holiday oriented: shapes and exquisite colours are destined to be worn beyond this glorious  period, and will enliven and brighten your days – and attitude – throughout the year. Celebrations start early for Finest Seven and Frame Chain, where their brilliant designs were photographed at the trendy cult bar – “Bananas” – in Barcelona (above image). Finest Seven’s glamorous, lightweight sunglass designs provide luxury, comfort and elegance. www.finestseven.com The prestigious UK brand Frame Chain ensures your frames are protected with sophisticated and practical chains in plaited silver and gold. www.framechain.co.uk

The Emperor by Anna-Karin Karlsson

If the holidays take you to sunny climes, the dramatic shaping that characterises The Emperor, by award-winning Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson, is certain to dazzle. The bold silhouette features crystals set in Japanese Titanium, plated in White Gold with Carl Zeiss lenses. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

 

Capeline by Lafont Paris

Twinkling Swarovski crystals adorn a stunningly sculptured shape with Art Deco echoes on the frame sides. Capeline by Lafont Paris is available in a lovely selection of colours. www.lafont.com

Pancha by l.a. Eyeworks

The beauty and flexibility of acetate is splendidly featured in l.a. Eyeworks Pancha – clear acetate with a delightful, confetti-peppered motif in vivid colours. www.laeyeworks.com

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Havane by JF Rey

For merry and bright occasions, JF Rey proposes Havane – a spirited design with its stunning round shape, stylish colourations and intricate details with sleek gold engraving. www.jfrey.fr

Buffalo Horn frame by LINDBERG

Buffalo horn is a traditional favourite for the embodiment of fine frames. LINDBERG luxury and flourish are captured in the latest designs teamed with white gold. www.lindberg.com

Carnivale by Jono Hennessy

Jono Hennessy in Australia embraces the jubilant mood of Carnivale – with fabric-patterned frames in joyous colours. Discover the variations of The Carnivale Collection at www.jonohennessy.com JG

Charleston by Blackfin

Luxurious crafting in titanium; exceptional shiny finishes in amazing colours; and sleek shapes ensure unmistakable elegance in Blackfin’s Black Edition. Frames – including Charleston (above) are available in dark blue, brown and black, and the finishes include striking colour details in Pale Amber Gold, Obsidian Black Gold, Imperial Yellow and Ancient Rose Gold. The Italian label has created an exclusive patented process – Blackfin Nano-Plating. This is a special treatment in which metal particles are vaporised in a vacuum, inducing sublimation that enables the particles to be deposited  – atom-by-atom –  on the the surface of the frames to obtain a stunning chromatic effect. The results are luxurious frame designs that are durable, sophisticated and comfortable to wear. Visit www.blackfin.eu to discover all the new optical models with Blackfin Nano-Plating. JG 

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