February 2021

Men’s glasses: statement design at l.a. eyeworks

25th February 2021

In the final highlight in our close-up study of some of the most unique and classy specs for men we found some bold styles at l.a. eyeworks

A substantial frame, one that is worn to get noticed, is a fitting style focus for the last post in our menswear series this month. Nerd fashion? Geek chic? We prefer to call the thicker rimmed frames a statement of individuality and personality, a defining accessory with bold nuances of colour and design. Gone are the days of the big black so-called Clark Kent specs being the only option here as a more colourful approach and desire for variety in shape changes the perspective – let’s hope for ever more!

As bigger and bolder becomes a mantra for 2021 in eyewear, three new styles at l.a. eyeworks caught our attention for men. These styles are hand-finished, with “tailored” edges, smart distinctive shapes and a completely different colour palette from any other. Above: Kola by l.a. eyeworks in colour Rock Pool – the shape is classical and the edges are refined – the Rock Pool coloration is a twist on a tortoise pattern, distinctive in its multi-colored pattern which features an uplifting mix of tones in blue and brown

Trout by l.a. eyeworks: the way to wear a keyhole bridge

Similarly, model Trout presents a strong thick-rimmed traditional shape with the keyhole bridge detail. The fun comes in the colour palette, which offers tones such as ‘Blue Jay’, an impressive striated pattern in elegant blues which turns the look from classic to elegantly adventurous, or quite different tones like ‘Dirty Martini’, an ever so popular light crystal that seems to be consistently popular as we head into Spring.

Frankly by l.a. eyeworks – the matt black is definitely bold, the shape is cool and modern

For those who simply must have a statement in black, our tip is to choose an intriguing matt or shiny finish which gives the look a modern edge. A style like Frankly is made from a sturdy titanium material from Japan and offers different finishes and colours of black, BIC blue and shiny silver, all stylistically intense and in true l.a. eyeworks style, totally exciting to wear! To see more of the latest frames in this new collection by the Los Angeles label, visit www.laeyeworks.com

Boutiques

Gilna Opticians, Clontarf, Dublin

23rd February 2021

Located in a North Dublin suburb by the sea, newly opened Gilna Opticians is modern, stylish and on-trend

Every aspect of the store from bottom to top is modern, clean and trendy. Features include the herringbone flooring, a large banana leaf plant in the waiting area, exposed brick walls boasting a selection of stunningly displayed frames and a ‘centrepiece’ of glass display boxes running from the front to the back of the room. High class brands such as DITA, Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford are just a few of the featured collections that had an initial impact on our overall reception of the space.

Sunglass wall with exposed brick at GILNA Opticians

An impressive, unique characteristic of this store – and of the GILNA group – is hidden in its origins. The first GILNA store was opened up by John F. Gilna in The Liberties; an area of Dublin that is widely regarded as the true root of the city, in 1951 on Thomas Street. Kevin Prendergast – the current owner of GILNA Opticians – told Eyestylist that staff from the nearby Guinness Brewery, as well as tradespeople from the surrounding area were amongst the many Dubliners to frequent the opticians back then. Kevin and his business partner Terence Scully took over the business in 2004 and their branch in The Liberties continues to welcome, as they put it, “a wonderful array of loyal, local and diverse clientele” to date. The pair followed with the opening of another GILNA Opticians in the IFSC and could not wait to get their hands on the unit on Vernon Avenue, Clontarf once it became available. After a visit to the store and in seeing what they have done with the place first hand, it is clear to see why.

Details are a focus at this new contemporary eyewear store

Kevin outlined his intentions for the Clontarf store as “something that looked like it had always been there”. This underlined another unique aspect of this boutique’s design – its heritage. Across the store you can find original features of the building: exposed brickwork dating back to 1902, original patterns of brick that were once window arches and door frames as well as portraits of John F. Gilna and of The Liberties – dating back to the founding of the GILNA group in 1951 as mentioned. These splashes of authenticity combined with the stores immaculate interior design, the showcasing of the beautiful frames – lit up and displayed as though they were pieces of art in a museum – are some of the features that make GILNA a must visit boutique for any eyewear connoisseur, or history fanatic alike. For more information visit www.gilnaopticians.ie – GILNA Opticians, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin

By Victoria G. L. Brunton

Design & Inspiration

Menswear: TVR Series 1 in vintage acetate

22nd February 2021

Japanese Limited Edition – VINTAGE 1993 in rare 8mm acetate

If it’s rare and handcrafted you yearn for, the Japanese handcrafted label TVR has dipped into a prized archive of vintage acetate for the creation of a Limited Edition acetate design series – launched this month. The vintage 1993 8mm acetate material, available in two colour variations, was considered highly desirable in the past, and dates back to first production of Japanese Zylonite in the 1950s. Discovered by one of TVR®’s master craftsmen, the very limited quantity available has meant that just 99 frames will be produced for each colour – Vintage Black + Clear and Vintage Brown + Clear.

Above: the models in the series are distinguished by flat fronts without rivets for a clean and minimal look and wide ‘library’ temples tapering to flared tips. A special polishing process highlights the handmade quality.

TVR – Series 1 Limited Edition models in Vintage Black Clear & Vintage Brown Clear

The distinctive models for men have an elegant two-tone front with the look of a browline design achieved via a colour-blocked finish. The design fuses a shape based around a classical French vintage design with an overarching “Crown Panto archetype”, and Japanese handcrafting and traditional spectacle-making precision. Given the rarity of the material, the spectacles are marked with a serial number from 01/99 to 99/99, complementing the intricate Japanese engraving of ‘The Great Wave of Kanagawa’ on the golden core of the design.

TVR® SERIES 1 Vintage 1993 Collection is inspired by the colours of the Tōjinbō Cliffs on the Sea of Japan, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Each colour composition is curated based on experience and expertise for special and unique appeal. For more information : www.tvropt.com

Sustainable design

Recycled plano lenses for design: Lens Light Heads

19th February 2021

London designer Yair Neuman creates lights for interiors marketplace HARTH

Following a lockdown design project with Cubitts of London, making lights with repurposed optical lenses, Yair Neuman has gone on to create a new line of pendant lights called Lens Light Heads, available to purchase at design site HARTH.

Handmade from upcycled spectacle lenses, Neuman has created sculptural pendant lights in a limited special edition. The exclusive designs use contemporary 3D design with an acute understanding of the circular economy, and a donation to the Climate Coalition will be made with every light purchased.

Yair Neuman’s Lens Light Collection at HARTH: (£485) which includes a 5% donation to the Climate coalition charity

The Lens Light Heads are an ideal pendant feature light for the home or store interior. The spherical structures are delicate and elegant, surrounded by a halo of the petal-like lenses. Two halves are fixed with brass rivets. Each piece is easy to install with a simple cable and hook system, to allows for maximum flexibility. The overall effect is of an organic form, a little like a flower head. The Lens Light Heads emit a glow when switched on, but also gleam with iridescence when unlit, due to the unique material that Neuman has devised.

From his extensive work in eyewear design, Neuman has seen first-hand the hidden waste in the business and the Lens Light collection is a direct response, showing firstly that the waste exists, and secondly how the material can be turned into something aesthetically beautiful and useful – for years to come. Neuman developed the waste plano lenses into a sheet material after extensive experimentation. The result is a material that is strong, attractive, and that clearly communicates the story of the potential reuse of this type of waste. Find out more at https://harth.space/ (@harth_space) to purchase the products / Visit www.yairneuman.com for more on the designer. Written by Clodagh Norton for Eyestylist.com

Design & Inspiration

Menswear: sustainable progress in eyewear

18th February 2021

Substance by Rolf Spectacles, Austria

A wave of new eyewear collections featuring sustainable materials are arriving for 2021 in line with a huge movement for change and effort towards sustainability in fashion and design. Among the highlights in independent eyewear, the Austrian label Rolf Spectacles has released a plant-based collection of sunglasses designed with their artisan principles, expertise and handmade focus – and 3D printing.

Their material is derived from plants grown in tropical climates without any kind of genetic engineering. “This remarkable plant grows six metres in just four months, and it comes back every year,” explains company founder and visionary Roland Wolf. “This makes the new material more sustainable and kinder to the environment than ever–and the perfect foundation upon which to build a new collection of glasses to meet the current demand for more climate-considerate products.”

Already an award-winning concept with an IDA Design Award 2021 and a Focus Open Award (end of last year), this new line features over 23 timeless, unisex shapes which are comfortable and light to wear, as well as colourful (there are six basic colours) and technically robust. Attentive to every detail, the 3D printed frames feature ROLF’s screwless Flexlock hinge, an ideal high-tech component which ensures a flexible fit on the face. Above: a very practical eco-friendly contemporary men’s sunglass style: ROLF model Fako in Black Grey – offering 100% UV protection – available online at 330 euros.

ROLF substance mount sun collection – available online

To make Substance more widely available during the pandemic, ROLF has launched a few limited edition “Substance Mount” styles for exclusive purchase online. Find the modified ‘D frame’ shape model Fako at https://online.rolf-spectacles.com/collections/substance-mount/products/fako-blackgrey)

About Rolf Spectacles – Glasses manufacturer ROLF was founded in 2009 in the heart of Austria’s Tyrolean Alps. The family company first became known for its unique wooden glasses; it is now offering a wide of range of innovative materials including designs in titanium, stone, buffalo horn and now plant-based materials – all without using any screws, thereby eliminating the need for any maintenance. Founder and visionary Roland Wolf has already surprised the international eyewear market with several innovations related to his core product, starting with materials and moving on to production technology and design. The eyewear designer’s approach is to combine his love of nature with timeless styles and innovative technology, the success of which is evidenced by numerous awards, including the Silmo d’Or, the German Design Award, the Green Design Award, the Red Dot Award, and the Muse Design Award. Despite the international acclaim and awards, the creative company continues to manufacture in the homeland of the brand, by hand, and using natural resources, remaining faithful to the guiding principle of the business: creating products that respect yesterday, work for today, and prepare for tomorrow. Find out more at www.rolf-spectacles.com