Search results for danielle rattray

Silmo Paris Preview: Danielle Rattray

17th September 2024

The Scottish designer was inspired by the spirit of the 1960s for new directions in a collection which pursues musical inspiration to create a cool eyewear vibe

Charm, individuality and an inimitable sense of British fashion edge, the eyewear collection by Danielle Rattray infuses very wearable design with a special attention to craftsmanship and fine finishing in details such as angles and bevels. Danielle told Eyestylist this week: “My 2024/25 design direction builds on the confident lines and colour signatures I love from my early collections, but now with some evolution towards curves and subtlety in the silhouettes. While the 23/24 collection came from a place more inspired by British rock ’n roll, the 24/25 spirit brings inspiration from musical eras I love from a little earlier. The 1960’s. Artists like Marianne Faithful and Nico. Strong, talented women who made their marks in a beautiful, stylish way. Hedy, Bibi, Riv all carry a new DNA and I am really excited about the new styles for 2025 too!”

Among the new elements highlighted is the introduction of the colour, Smoke / Jura in France. This is a tribute to the eyewear culture of the Rhone Alpes and Haut Jura, combining a warm yellow lens representing the iconic tones of the Haut Jura with a soft smoke 8mm acetate, representing the granite streets of my hometown Aberdeen, a dedication from Scotland to France. Above: model Jean by Danielle Rattray – photography by Paulina Pellowska

Danielle Rattray – model Jean has been handcrafted with bevels and angles – visible across the design

The fine angular shape Jean – in the sunglasses collection – has evolved from a mix of inspirations from eyewear of past eras with modern international culture. The new Smoke / Jura is a feature of this model, which also comes in Ink blue / Navy and Polished Black / Copper.

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LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Danielle Rattray: the Hedy model comes in Smoke / Jura

Model Hedy represents what is currently a trending oval shape generally in eyewear this season: Rattray’s interpretation is fresh and refined with a flattering shape and a little touch of genuine design quality that you can feel as soon as the frame is in your hands. The colours, including the pure black version, are chic and individual, and bring out the qualities of the fine acetate materials. For more information about Daniel Rattray read our interview with the designer at https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/05/one-to-watch-danielle-rattray-eyewear-designer/

For more information about the collection: www.daniellerattray.com

Creative spirits

One to watch: Danielle Rattray, eyewear designer

3rd May 2023

Hailing from Northeast Scotland, eyewear designer Danielle Rattray is by all means one to watch. Seeking inspiration from her home country, a landscape bursting with culture, “colourful characters and great music”, in her words, Rattray creates strikingly bold-yet-refined frames worn by loyal patrons of her brand in London, Paris and soon…New York. Her style and energy is inspiring the youngest generations of fashion eyewear enthusiasts…. Eyestylist spoke to the Scottish designer…

Tell us a bit about yourself; how you grew up, what put you on the path you’re currently on…I come from the Northeast of Scotland, it’s an area full of colourful characters, great music, and lots of talented designers. I studied graphic design in Dundee and spent a lot of time in London, so it was an eclectic path full of inspirations.

How would you describe yourself? Committed.

What is your earliest memory of fashion? Fashion for me was always tied closely to music. Blondie, Patti Smith, Keith Richards, Vivienne Westwood. I always had a good understanding of colour and aesthetic; punk was a strong source of inspiration for me, it still is.

Have you always been a creative person? Yes, I think so. I was always drawn to colour, fabrics and aesthetics, as well as art and music.

What stands out to you most about the eyewear industry? That there is a place for everyone. You can be free to design in an understated way, or a really bold and outgoing way and people will support you and be open to your ideas. I love the pace of change and how new ideas emerge.

Does your culture and home country influence your work in any capacity? Definitely. Scotland is a small but strongly independent country. No nonsense and full of contrasts: gritty backstreets and noisy bars, but then spectacularly beautiful landscapes. My work is generally understated, but if you look closely, you see the quality and the effort that has been put in to create the relationship between the frames and the wearer.

From where do you draw the inspiration for your collections? Women, always. Again, a lot comes from the music I listen to; certain era’s and looks will inspire me. But it all comes back to women I see in the industry, or friends I meet. I travel between Scotland, London and Paris quite regularly, so I absorb different looks, and from that breeds new angles.

Tell us a little about your most recent line-up… My collections have evolved over the past few years from being heavily 60s and 70s inspired to being more unique to my personal design aesthetic. I have worked hard with my French factories, and I feel I have created a language in my collections that is strong but also understated and unique. Some of the shapes that seemed very strong in earlier seasons have developed into becoming best sellers. Obviously, colour is a signature as well as a consistently high-quality finish.

What do your designs say about their wearer? (Name one, two or a few) I think on and consider my customers a lot. I create clean and uncluttered external finishes and put more intimate details on the inside of the frames. Jean and Stevie are strong and confident frames; they’re bold, whereas Teddy and Stella are more 60s inspired; softer and pretty.

Your brand seems to be extremely bold, fashion-forward and exciting; would you be open to expanding into other areas of the industry at some point in the future? Actually, I have been designing fabrics and clothing all of my career, it’s just been in the background. I have enjoyed focusing on eyewear but, with my Scottish roots, fabric and pieces that are particularly inspired by music and punk culture will never be far away. This year, I released a collection of knitwear working with one of Scotland’s oldest knitwear manufacturers – the results were incredible. That capsule is on sale now as part of my Spring ‘23 collection.

What’s next on the horizon for Danielle Rattray? I hope lots of travel, and continued progress in finding great stores to work with. We will keep our focus on the United Kingdom and France this year, but we have strong demand coming from New York and I would love to see Danielle Rattray present there. I have some new design elements coming into the collections this year, so I am looking forward to Silmo.

For more details about the brand visit www.daniellerattray.com An interview by Victoria G. L. Brunton exclusively for Eyestylist.com

Design + Inspiration

100% Optical, London: 2025 edition

21st March 2025

A strong emphasis on ‘focusing on the future’, a wide-reaching line up of exhibitors, and what was described as “a jam-packed educational programme with more than 100 hours of free CPD content” contributed to a successful show overall for 2025

100% Optical has also grown its representation of independent eyewear brands, with 2025 featuring a wider selection of creative established and emerging labels including Danielle Rattray, VAVA, Erker’s, MYKITA, Dita, RES/REI, ROLF, FACE A FACE, Portrait, Clayton Franklin, Kirk and Kirk and GAZUSA, among others. Those seeking sustainable eyewear were also well served with a choice of brands which included Sea2see, Bird and Waterfall.

Brands exhibiting for the first time at the event included OTIS Eyewear from Australia, an established eyewear brand with a leaning towards a fusion of quality features, sustainable materials with excellent lens technology: collections by DITA, Chains for Frames and Flippan Look also made their first appearance at the show. Above: VAVA Eyewear returned to 100% Optical – originating from Portugal, VAVA is one of the hottest and most highly regarded avantgarde independent eyewear collections – image courtesy of 100% Optical

OTIS Eyewear: the collection was shown for the first time at 100% by The Eyewear Collective

In the LOVE Eyewear Awards by 100% Optical, independent brands were also well represented with prizes going to Tanaka eyewear (new designer 2025), VASUMA (unisex frame of the year), Clayton Franklin (luxury eyewear of the year), Spada Laura/ GAZUSA (Women’s frame of the year) and Götti Dimension Next (kid’s frame of the year), among others. The Optical Gallery won recognition for the Best Use of Social Media.

Bay Window by Erker’s – model Farmington – Erker’s returns annually to 100% Optical

Woow Eyewear: the brand was exhibited on the Design Eyewear Group stand at 100% Optical, with FACE A FACE, Prodesign and William Morris London

“We’d like to extend a special thank you to our valued exhibitors, sponsors, and all of the visitors who made 100% Optical the must-attend event for the industry again,” said Celsa Vazquez, Commercial Director, CloserStill Media. “This exhibition is a true celebration of innovation, expertise, and collaboration and this year was no different. We showcased a new layout and reimagined floor plan, encouraged the industry to clock hours in CPD and witnessed so many exciting launches….”

Model Joel in the Kaleidoscope Collection by Kirk and Kirk: a new entry for Spring

Kirk & Kirk introduced the models Joel (above) and Ruth, among others, at the London fair. From the Kaleidoscope Collection, model Joel offers a strong silhouette that plays to the chunky yet lightweight material; model Ruth, a gently curved, sensuous form brings a new feminine dimension to the collection overall. Crafted from their own K-Lite™ material, a sheet material specially produced for Kirk & Kirk in Italy, these frames are light and comfortable to wear, and come in unique colours, allowing the collection to stand out in a crowd.

Next year, the London show 100% Optical will take place from 28th February to 2nd March 2026 at Excel London. For more information visit www.100percentoptical.com

Design + Inspiration

100% Optical 2025

13th February 2025

The London eyewear event (trade only) takes place from 1st to 3rd March 2025; the number of independent brands showing has increased for 2025 with confirmed bookings from new exhibitors, MYKITA, DITA, Clayton Franklin and L.G.R

100% Optical is set to take place at the beginning of March, with new owners CloserStill Media at the helm for the 2025 edition. 100% attracts optical retailers from around the country who visit the show to source new services and products including eyewear, contact lenses, lenses and technology. This year the event has confirmed a large number of returning eyewear brands, including Bevel, Blackfin, Danielle Rattray, Design Eyewear Group, Götti Switzerland, Kirk & Kirk, Kodes Accessories, Morel, Ørgreen Optics and Sea2see – among others.

For 2025, the Love Eyewear Awards, which are a popular element of the show, will feature awards covering a diverse range of categories, including New Designer 2025, Sustainable Frame of the Year, Eyewear Retailer of the Year, and Eyewear Accessory of the Year, as well as Best Use of Social Media entering as a new category. The winners will be announced on the first day of the show (1st March 2025) during “an evening of celebration and entertainment.” Above: Ørgreen Optics participate at 100% Optical in London; they have just launched the new campaign 1415, with a concept inspired by the brand’s historic roots in Copenhagen – www.orgreenoptics.com

Götti Switzerland – Precious Objects collection

Among new designs at Götti Switzerland, the Precious Objects collection has been conceived as a line which sets a new standard for the highest level of Japanese craftsmanship and fine materials to create an innovative symbiosis of traditional manufacturing and innovative design. These luxury frames and new designs across the Götti Switzerland ranges will be on show for opticians at 100%: www.gotti.ch

Aliseo by Sea2see – sustainable eyewear with properties of lightness and durability – the frames have new shiny and matt finishes, fresh colours and gradient effects as well as easy-to-wear shapes with flattering silhouettes

Sea2see have launched a new collection called Breeze Ultralight – which will makes its debut in London in March. All Sea2see frames are made in Italy using recycled marine plastic. The brand is the only one in the eyewear business to run its own non-profit organisation called the Sea2see Foundation which is dedicated to collecting waste from the sea to reduce plastic pollution. Since Sea2see was founded in 2015 by Francois van den Abeele, the Foundation has extended its work to remove plastic from the Sea2see to Senegal, Ghana and Madagascar. www.sea2see.org

Leavitt by Morel in full tortoiseshell acetate

Just released and part of a series of new French eyewear designs made in the Jura, model Leavitt by Morel offers vintage overtones and comes in several trendy combination colours or transparent varieties, as well as tortoise. This is a frame with a sleek design and round classic shape, produced to offer contemporary features such as flexible hinges and excellent comfort on the face. Find out more about Morel at www.morel-france.com

Bird Eyewear – a new project with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Styles made in a plant-based patented material

For 2025, UK based Bird Eyewear launches two unique performance frames with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These frames highlight this brand’s commitment to sustainable fashion and wildlife conservation while raising awareness and funds for two endangered species.

The Puffin frame, developed with WWF, supports the conservation of the Puffin, a species facing a potential 90% population decline within the next 30 years. With the UK being home to over 10% of the global puffin population, Bird Eyewear have created a stylish frame that captures the essence of this iconic bird’s distinctive black, white, and orange plumage. Meanwhile, The Swift frame, created in partnership with the RSPB, aims to protect one of Britain’s most iconic aerial silhouettes. Swift populations have experienced significant declines due to habitat loss and decreased breeding success. This frame features a design inspired by the Swift’s distinctive profile and speed, representing the importance of preserving these remarkable birds. These frames and other main line designs by Bird will be on show at 100%. www.findyourbirds.com

100% Optical is described as the largest optical event in the UK. The show brings together professionals from across the UK to learn, network and discover the latest products, technologies and solutions on an international stage. The event takes place at ExCel London. To register visit www.100percentoptical.com/

Design + Inspiration

100% Optical London: a showcase for the UK

11th March 2024

The London event spotlighted the great variety of eyewear collections and design and emerging labels available in the UK, alongside highlighting sustainable developments in eyewear…the event is the UK’s leading showcase of all things optical

Record attendance (11,725 visitor attendance) at the event through three days, a buoyant atmosphere and highlights from a variety of independent brands as well as licensed brands, the 10th edition of 100% Optical provided a thorough overview of eyewear trends and directions in 2024 as we head towards the Spring/Summer season.

Eyestylist observed many of the new themes evolving for Spring/Summer. Bold bright colours continue to reflect the different colour palettes coming through in fashion, and particular focus on colours like, green, red and bright blue. Examples of other luxurious tonal palettes and beautiful finishes of all types were also on view, as were new proposals where colours are combined in lively, characterful ways. Eyewear collections are now full of extraordinary variety, with many different materials available, as well as many interpretations of classic looks, contemporary design styles and trendy shapes – with interesting inspiration and creative design ideas. Above: model Matics by FACE A FACE – part of the fascinating Japan Now! collection, inspired by Japanese designers and culture – FACE A FACE is part of Design Eyewear Group

Woow Eyewear’s new Super Soul 1 – a tribute to the big names of jazz

Among the latest highlights at Woow Eyewear (Design Eyewear Group) were the bright tones of models designed to bring out a carefree mood with a “dose of positivity and good vibrations.” Model Super Soul 1 expresses that playful mood, with combinations of colour and materials that are carefully finessed.

ROLF’s model Indy – natural wood design for smaller faces

ROLF had an array of new styles in wood, 3D printed material and stone. The Indy style is part of the evolved collection, complementing the 128 series with its small dimensions for smaller faces.

Connie in Mocca by Götti Switzerland: in the popular 3D printed Dimension collection

The Dimension collection by Götti Switzerland is produced by means of state-of-the-art additive manufacturing, at the Swiss brand’s HQ in Zurich. The styles benefit from many interesting properties, from extreme comfort to aesthetic qualities.

Atlantic by Sea2see, the “seastainable” eyewear brand

Among the sustainable brands exhibiting at the show this year, Sea2see (www.sea2see.org) presented a collection which continues to exhibit the advancements in materials produced from marine waste. Styles such as model Atlantic have simple wearable shapes produced in ‘seastainable’ material with patterns and a variety of finishes.

Also notable were the small creative brands exhibiting at the fair: Nina Mûr from Madrid, Danielle Rattray from Scotland, and the accessories brand KODES (UK).

This year the 100% x RCA competition featured 10 finalists who exhibited their creative designs at the event. The winner was Joy Julius, who presented “Stack”, a piece inspired by the vintage optometry trial lenses design. The project was conceived to enable users to layer their glasses to customise them, combining different frame styles – and personalising them to reflect their individuality. 100% Optical returns to Excel London on 1st-3rd March 2024. For more information visit www.100percentoptical.com