Eyewear designers are revisiting the powerful elegance of patterned acetates
Silmo 2025 revealed an important direction in eyewear this season: patterned materials are being re-explored by designers to achieve visual interest, texture and depth in a frame. These striking effects, often paired with unique bold colour combinations, make a statement. Frequently the patterns reference traditional patterns such as tortoiseshell and Havana acetate colours and designs; in some cases, eyewear designers are working in collaboration with the Italian acetate producer, Mazzucchelli, to create their own limited edition custom patterned designs. Above: from the Roots Capsule collection by Gigi Studios, a series of frames inspired by the strength and resilience of nature. The frame pictured is called Cassia. In collaboration with Mazzucchelli, exclusive acetates featuring mineral-like veins have been developed, adding chromatic richness and visual depth – www.gigistudios.com
A charismatic frame by l.a. eyeworks, style Dodds is a fine example of how pattern and colour can bring exciting individuality to a design. The Dodds style is offered in several fabulous multicoloured patterned varieties, each one bringing a different graphic effect and injection of colour, whether vivid and bold or soft and translucent. www.laeyeworks.com
A frame which pays tribute to timeless craftsmanship and enduring style, ‘Stone Arch Bridge’ by Ogi Eyewear features a classic round shape with pretty bevelling around the rim. The frame comes in this sophisticated patterned blush tone with an alluring artistic quality that draws on classic acetate pattern. www.ogieyewear.com
Italian eyewear brand, rewind plays with classically inspired patterned acetates with a modern twist. Their faceted Flashback frame comes in this trendy pattern that is flecked with black and yellow highlights. The style itself is inspired by a 1990s shape and has visibly sculpted edges on the frame front. www.rewindeyewear.com
The Vega frame by Retrosuperfuture is part of this brand’s Autumn/Winter collection which explores facets of today’s culture, design references and Italian heritage. The style is described as a 1920s inspired silhouette modernised through geometries, new volumes and research in acetate. www.retrosuperfuture.com