September 2020

Virtual products showcase The Galápagos Collection is a metaphorical reflection of my journey within the eyewear industry as an emerging designer, says Morganne Leigh, founder and designer, Tyche + Iset Eyewear. She says this latest Collection has evolved into a lesson about persistence and adaptation in order to survive; such as the exotic flora and fauna of the famed islands in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured above: Las Islas in midnight marble

Bold, glamorous, with fine crafting and careful attention to materials, the line offers versatile shapes (find geometric, oval and oversized squareish forms), and a confident artistic design language.

The award-winning young label Tyche + Iset Eyewear is founded on the mythological aspects of life, telling stories through eclectic and alluring design.

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

The new arrivals at Europe’s favourite ‘eyecessorry’ label – for masks, specs and sunnies

Virtual products showcase The Frame Chain team are back with a new accessories collection, designed to bring edge and style to glasses and sunglasses – while offering a convenient way to hold a face mask.

“We can’t burn up the dance floor right now but we are keeping Disco alive, at home, in the office or at a socially distanced gathering,” say co-founders of Frame Chain Vanessa Harrington and Ann-Margret Kearney, who debuted their collections in 2014, at Liberty of London. “Now is the moment to add a little bit of optimistic charm to your everyday frames.” Above: model Donnie in yellow gold

The Vintage Disco collection features graphic or sensual links in 18ct yellow, white or rose gold plating. The styles are versatile, functional, stylish and fun: you can chain your frames with one style or layer them for added glamour. Each chain can also be worn as a necklace or choker.

Fashion and function have always been the raison d’etre at Frame Chain and their styles remain extremely versatile; they make a perfect solution for holding a mask – as well as glasses.

Frame Chain is a leader in the optical accessories arena, with worldwide stockists in both fashion and optics. The designs are inspired by diverse sources – vintage jewellery, everyday accessories and 90s streetwear, and feature a range of embellishments such as Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls.

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Virtual products showcase Fans of the Californian-designed SALT. Optics collections have something new to look forward to for the season. The highlights include models Andy and Henderson, two frames for those who love classic style, a Japanese handcrafted finish and the wonderfully subtle, nature-inspired colorations typical of the label. Pictured above: model Andy by SALT. Optics.

The Henderson titanium style (available in optical and sun) sees the addition of two brand new colours: Black Sand/Honey Gold and Copper/Antique Gold.

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Virtual products showcase A classic car – the Vauxhall Velox –  informed the design of the new walnut Velox style in Rolf Spectacles’ Evolved collection. The car, which was in production from 1948 to 1965 was a large family car with a design that mirrored North American styling trends of the time with tail fins, swathes of chrome, and wrap-around front screen.

With its subtle curves, the distinctive Rolf style is available in four different wood combinations. These highly researched natural and sustainable woof materials offer a wealth of benefits including comfort and durability and the designs feature a unique wooden hinge free from screws and metal parts.

The Rolf Spectacles’ Evolved collection is known for exclusive design, natural materials including wood and stone and a detailed precision in handcrafting to produce timeless, one-of-a-kind designs which are made to last. The label has been awarded numerous design awards including most recently the Muse award for its smoked larch and cherry frame called “Lark”.

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

An historic label with an evolving modern style

Virtual products showcase The US heritage brand Erker’s unveils its new models in the Trumpet collection, a much anticipated frame series which upholds the distinctive style and handcrafted finish of this family-owned brand, born in Saint Louis, Missouri. With its range of materials which include stainless steel and high density acetate, a wide palette of colours, and shapes that evoke a respect for tradition and craftsmanship, the technical precision of these products has been refined to maximum effect for a well-balanced and comfortable fit. Above: Model wears model Busch by Erker’s in crystal – a style which is described as “fitting like a glove”. The model combines an acetate front and stainless steel temples

Among the noteworthy products here for the new season is model Convy in the Trumpet collection; the style has a thin, metal, modified square shape with a bold, acetate brow line and is part of this line dedicated to a classical yet revolutionary design aesthetic inspired by Miles Davis and his extraordinary virtuosity in music. According to the Erker’s family, this completely fresh, one-of-a-kind expression has been an underlying inspiration for the company, and its “trumpet logo” defines this spirit, a reminder of the brand’s geographic location in Saint Louis, birthplace of Miles Davis and home to some of the world’s most outstanding jazz and blues, since the early 1900s.

Cedric: A larger rectangle with a key hole bridge, the Cedric frame is created is a strong material to achieve a thinner yet noticeable fit; this hand polished frame features Erkers’ traditional hallmark rivets on the temples.

Model Davis, from the Trumpet collection, with its pared-down stainless steel rim, has an interesting shape that fits a wide range of faces and is very flattering on the wearer.

Family owned Erker’s Eyewear began in 1879 and grew into a global eyewear design and manufacturing house at the forefront of innovative optical design and craftsmanship. The company describes itself as “the oldest optical company in the United States” and is still owned by descendants of founding father, A.P. Erker and brother, August. The label has recently become available in fine eyewear boutiques in Europe.

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Virtual products showcase Design glasses reminiscent of works of art – for autumn in to winter, the striking eyewear models by neubau eyewear, from Austria, combine conceptual ideas with expressive design and sustainable materials: oversized, round styles meet unique 3D embellishments while 60s-infused models bring an air of sharp, upbeat design.

For these eye-catching avantgarde accessories, the Austrian eyewear label is focusing on materials and technologies using the sustainable, synthetic material naturalPX. Models by neubau eyewear also feature 3D embellishments made using resource-efficient 3D printing technology.

Inspired by the French Riviera of the 60s, the special edition Côte du Soleil adds three head-turning styles to the neubau eyewear collection. These models are made from natural3D, derived 100% from castor oil and printed with 3D- technology.

Product: Sarah sunglasses and Walter+Wassily sunglasses  Brand: neubau  Website: www.neubau-eyewear.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new trendsetting avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details about taking part, email [email protected].

Virtual products showcase A passion for classic design and a particular flair and expertise in re-interpreting the aviator shape, Coblens from Germany has brought out its new model Standspur in the Autobahn collection.

The style comes in polished champagne, silver, slate and matt black and builds on the purity of the narrow structure and the very fine double bridge detailing.

Coblens glasses are produced exclusively in Germany. With an uncompromising choice of materials and innovative production techniques, the company works to achieve a symbiosis of high-tech and craftsmanship for the modern consumer with a love of quality design.

Product: Model Standspur (unisex style) in the Autobahn Collection Brand: Coblens Eyewear Website: www.coblens.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new trendsetting avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details about taking part, email [email protected].

The Firi is back: photographed by Alexander DiGenova

Christian Roth’s Firi sunglasses come from a tradition of iconic eyewear designs, modelled in signature ultra-beveled acetate. The style is featured in Roth’s new campaign by Alexander DiGenova, the 23 year old designer, photographer and creative director.

Above: Juliana wears Firi by Christian Roth, described as a “punky cateye design” – photography by Alexander DiGenova

Set in his Los Angeles apartment, Alexander enlisted his fellow creative muses, models and friends isolated with him in lockdown earlier this year, to embody the spirit of the eyewear.

“A bold, sculptural silhouette is perfect on Juliana and reminiscent of her essence,” said Alexander. Though in her early 20s, Juliana has traveled the world three times over and is fluent in French. Her monochromatic aesthetic is never complete without sunglasses.”

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

A highly anticipated return to some kind of normality and a chance to meet with friends and clients: the Hall of Frames trade fair takes place in Zurich on 13th and 14th September 2020 and looks set to attract more brands than ever with the cancellations of the season’s larger international shows. Above: Ørgreen Optics attends the Hall of Frames event each year. The brand has recently released a new mini collection in acetate. The kaleidoscopic colours, which play with lightness and depth, are one of the highlights in an ever evolving collection of contemporary ranges by the Copenhagen label. 

From Germany, Coblens will attends the optical fair in Zurich with their growing range of metal and acetate lines…their lightweight titanium eyewear continues to be one of their most sought after specialisms, created in exciting colorations using PVD titanium coatings. Find out more at: www.coblens.com

Lunettes ALF comes to Hall of Frames Zurich for the first time this September. The French design label has achieved much in a small space of time and is already a favourite label in some of the world’s finest optical stores. The team promises two new special releases at the fair. Find out more at www.lunettes-alf.com

Nirvan Javan – the 5 year old Swiss label will show their London collection among other ranges: the premium acetate collection is handcrafted in Japan with precision and emphasizes the distinctive and purist signature of the designer as well as practicalities of comfort and fit. www.nirvanjavan.com

Update: Hall of Frames has created a new booking system for meetings with exhibitors at https://hallofframes-time.contedi.de/onlinetermin. The fair is also working with UVC protection who are providing a device for disinfecting the frames on display.

Confirmed brands attending Hall of Frames (HOF – the trade only event) in Zurich include Falvin Eyewear, Lunettes Alf, Fassungswerk, NOBIKA, Einstoffen, JF Rey, Kypers, Mykita, Nirvan Javan, Ørgreen Optics and YOU MAWO – for more details about the event and for a full list of exhibitors visit www.hallofframes.ch

Virtual products showcase: For the coming season, Götti Switzerland is adding six new titanium styles to its collection, including fashionable shapes paired with 3D printed inlays and two strong masculine shapes. The Swiss brand also announces feminine acetate styles in new stunning transparent colours as well as strong and bold acetate classics for men. For autumn, new entries will appear in the Dimension range including 14 new models, 4 of which are designed for kids and teens. The adult Dimension styles have a super thin construction, with  sleek lightweight temples – the easygoing everyday shapes fit many different face shapes and personalities.
In Götti’s Perspective design ‘Folio’ – the essence of which is built on strong contours and technical innovation – a fine, flat rim, reduced to an absolute minimum, encases the lenses. A sophisticated balance – with architectural references is formed through the strong structure and breathtaking lightness of the product.
Above: model Dancy is new at Götti Switzerland: on the surface, the model is a progressive take on a slightly oversized cat’s eye. A closer look shows the inlays produced in an additive manufacturing process, thanks to Götti’s in-house 3D-printing capabilities. The result is a distinguished balance of classic and futuristic.

The ultra-bold Everts model by Götti Switzerland is a masculine interpretation of the classic aviator style. Like all frames in the Dimension collection, these sunglasses are 100% manufactured in Switzerland, using state-of-the-art 3D printing capabilities with all focus on sustainable manufacture. The polyamide front is combined with stainless steel temples to create a flexible and comfortable frame to fit individual wearers.

Inspired by time-honored classics, reduced to essentials: model Ernest Götti Switzerland   offers a modern twist on a bold, square frame. With a slightly thicker rim (pictured in black), the versatile unisex design is made from hand-polished acetate produced exclusively for Götti by leading manufacturers in Germany and Austria.

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Virtual Products Showcase: The British eyewear label Kirk & Kirk is a specialists in statement colour and stylish modern design. Their Kaleidoscope Collection evolves as a celebration of beautiful transparent tones in dynamic combinations and dramatic shapes, each frame created as a work of art to evoke the unique personality of the wearer.

Launching this month, Kirk & Kirk introduce two vibrant new colours across the collection: a vivacious, hot ‘fuchsia’ and a warm, emotive chilli-infused red. Above: Kirk & Kirk model Jane in fuchsia

All twelve of the Kaleidoscope collection shapes come in the two new tones adding a new dimension to the collection as we look towards 2021. The frames are produced in the label’s unique custom-made super-light acrylic, which “gleams like glass with a translucence only found in Kirk & Kirk eyewear”.

Kirk & Kirk frames are designed in the UK and handmade in one factory in France from start to finish, using the label’s unique grade of Italian acrylic.  Some of the frames are popular with celebrities, Robert Downey Jr wears their Cecil in Jade, Victor in Apple and Purple and Carter in Spectrum and British actor Nicholas Pinnock wears model Percy in Stone.

Product: Kaleidoscope collection Brand: Kirk & Kirk Website: www.kirkandkirk.com Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details about taking part, email [email protected].