A new chapter unfolds in Blackfin history: Blackfin Lamina Plus meets acetate with striking new designs in superb colourations. Outstanding is Searose BF792 that combines Blackfin’s hallmark material – Titanium – with acetate eye-rims, handcrafted in Italy with the finest workmanship. The sculptural Searose is an angular beauty with its graceful shape and creative form. Discover more about Blackfin Lamina Plus at www.blackfin.eu JG
From the Rome Coliseum; to the Cologne Cathedral; Gaudi in Barcelona; The Sydney Opera House; The Shard in London; and Hamburg’s illustrious and elegant recently opened Elbphilharmonie – architecture has substantially influenced designers in a variety of professions. This is especially evident in eyewear, where lithe, linear, round, geometric and angular shapes are intricately connected to distinctive frames. Discover here a variety of shapes in fine quality materials that reflect architectural features in eyewear design. Lightweight, sleek and slim: Darcy (above) aviator shaping by Götti Switzerland in shiny gold Titanium. www.gotti.ch
Cool and contemporary: Lica in handcrafted beta-titanium by Fleye Copenhagen in sophisticated matt gold and midnight. www.fleye.dk
Angular dimensions define Trianon in acetate and metal in chic colourations by Lafont Paris. www.lafont.com
Minimalist styling highlights Big Time in surgical stainless steel in exotic Tonka Blue with Fuchsia by l.a. Eyeworks. www.laeyeworks.com
Colours and contours unite in Malva, crafted in Italy in Mazzucchelli acetate from the Res/Rei Flowers Collection. www.resrei.com
Architectural styles often combine modern updates with traditional concepts – a theme featured at Jono Hennessy in FABO 8409 in Highland Moss. www.jonohennessy.com JG
The magnificent Sydney Opera House is a continual inspiration for Jono Hennessy – a personal connection as Jono used to surf with the son of the architect. Jono remarked several years ago: “I drive past the Opera House every morning, and it inspires me every time I see it.” The superb angular sails of the famed structure is the foundation for Blast 8408, created in luminous acetate tortoiseshell colourations – the red tort shown above is particularly ravishing. www.jonohennessy.com JG
Fashion designers frequently offer compatible styles that can be enjoyed by both men and women. The Tuxedo suit is a prime example – a classic design appreciated by men, yet resonates a contemporary, timeless statement for women. Eyewear fashion mimics a similar approach – in unisex designs with shapes and colours now popular with everyone. Neubau’s latest collection presents a commanding, chic aviator contour – Edmund (above) – which will be relished by any wearer. The stainless steel frames are inspired by the 1970’s, and feature a sleek double bridge. www.neubau-eyewear.com
Tom Herrington at Rock Optika is the handsome model for his own eyewear designs (above). Herrington loves luxury, retro, beautiful materials and craftsmanship – all of which he weaves into his stunning designs. Saiph in Italian acetate is meticulously handmade in France. www.rockoptika.com
Ti Kwa at RIGARDS has launched luxurious frames in .925 sterling silver. This special collection is fine-tuned with precise, customized hand shaping, and skilful artistry expressed in geometric silhouettes. Discover more distinctive RIGARDS designs at www.rigards.com
Blue colourations in all their majestic variety inspire designers – and frame wearers. Kirk & Kirk’s streamlined design Victor in lightweight acrylic radiates beauty and vigour in a strong, striking Ocean colouration. Victor is from the dynamic Kaleidoscope collection – visit www.kirkandkirk.com for more distinctive designs.
James in sultry Smokey Grey acetate by SALT. Optics is a flash back to the 1950’s, and proof that a fashion concept can transcend the decades. This reinterpretation as demonstrated in James is spot on with current trends for streamlined, solid and beautifully crafted eyewear. www.saltoptics.com
High definition, luminous acetate bursts with electrifying, luminous sartorial colours of African Tortoise in Teagarden by l.a. Eyeworks. Contemporary shaping and Japanese craftsmanship ensure noteworthy fit and comfort. www.laeyeworks.com
“I always thought to myself ‘what shape would a super hero like Peter Parker (Spiderman) want to wear?'”, asks Mehran Baghaie at Spectacle Eyeworks. “I gathered he would not wear something too flash, so I tried to design something that Sir Parker would like, without blowing his cover. The essence of Parker is ‘clean chic’ – masculine and super hero-ish. Every man wants to be a super hero!” (or a female Wonder Woman…) Parker in stainless steel is crafted in Germany. www.spec-eyeworks.com
At theo the motto is: “everything is unisex if you ask us, because everybody should wear what they want!” Joyful acetate colours abound in mlle+46 in a strong shape with cool fashion credentials. www.theo.be JG
Oliviero Zanon embraces and appreciates culture – and he also has a playful side that is cheerfully expressed in his latest frames – The Bubble Gums Collection for Res/Rei. Inspired by the Pop Art Movement, the frames in Mazzucchelli acetate are pure and streamlined, and the delightful colour palette is named after a different bubble gum flavour…pick you favourite! Lemon? (above) Apple? Ginger? Cherry? Your choice! Discover more at www.resrei.com JG