Smoke x Mirrors – the New York label that launched last year – is the creative endeavour of two cousins: David Shabati and Roi Ironi (above). Roi tells Eyestylist how they started their business.
Please give a brief history of how Smoke x Mirrors was created? “It started in Mexico when I lost my glasses. I went out to replace them, but couldn’t find anything I liked – it all looked the same to me. After this, I couldn’t help but to explore, and that’s when I recognised the lack of innovation in the industry, and the white space waiting to be tapped into. After working in the watch business, a very traditional industry from a manufacturing standpoint, I saw eyewear as an opportunity and vehicle to really express creativity, and push technology to reach the desired design level.”
How would you describe the fashion concept and philosophy of Smoke x Mirrors? “We approach eyewear as a means of fashion innovation. Outside of our core collection, we release diverse, radically different capsule collections, and collaborations that don’t necessarily adhere to a set identity – that’s where the name comes in. It gives us the freedom to play and experiment with design, to push boundaries on the technical and aesthetic level. ”
What is the customer profile – and consumer marketplace – of the Smoke x Mirrors frame wearer? “Our glasses are genderless and ageless. Simply put, my girlfriend and my father wear the same frames.”
In the next three years, how do you foresee Smoke x Mirrors developing your own identity, and distinguishing your brand in the eyewear business? “In terms of identity, time is not relevant – whether’s it’s now or in three years, we’ll still be Smoke x Mirrors.” www.smokexmirrors.com Smoke x Mirrors will present their latest capsule collection – GEO – at Silmo in Paris 23rd-26th September. www.silmoparis.com JG
Nonconformist eyewear: RIGARDS
Sculptural details crafted into amazing shapes, and sci-fi aesthetics, characterise the spirited collection that RIGARDS by Ti Kwa will present at Silmo 23rd-26th September in Paris. The designs are bold and strong, yet surprisingly light, and extremely comfortable to wear – the secret…hollow-back construction. Nuance, mystery and glamour are key in RIGARDS RG0080AL Metalloid Black (above). Creative shaping enhances the rich, über-cool dynamic in the sunglasses.
Dramatic flourish in horn brings new flair and originality to designs. Signature finishes and daring craftsmanship are vividly expressed in RIGARDS RG0080 Horn Marble Sanjuro (above).
Optical flair with a dashing fluid shape highlights RG0080AL Metalloid Chrome. Expressive…Bespoke…Nonconformist…expect the wonderfully unexpected with RIGARDS. www.rigards.com JG
Peter by JF Rey
French brand JF Rey has launched new designs in the Au Masculin/leather line. The sleek frames include sunglasses in a trio of Italian leather, acetate and metal. Intricate detailing highlights Peter – with its stylish leather bridge and distinctive frame shape. The complete JF Rey Au Masculin collection can be viewed at Silmo 23rd-26th September. www.jfrey.fr www.silmoparis.com JG
Timeless and authentic: genuine horn
More than two decades ago when Sven Götti started designing eyewear, his first frame was in bona fide horn. “I love to work with this material, and I know people appreciate the product. This target group has found its personal style, and seeks the appropriate accessory to emphasise their individual character. They appreciate sophisticated, high-quality designs,” says the Swiss designer. Above photo: Borg in grey natural horn
Genuine horn has been used in eyewear since the middle of the 15th century. The horn featured in Götti frames is ethically and ecologically produced from Asian water buffaloes that are kept as farm animals. Nowadays, technological improvements ensure that horn eyewear is even more durable. Specialists create the frames entirely by hand – so each pair is a one-of-a-kind treasure.
The frames are incredible works of art, crafted with passion, diligence and love of detail. It takes three days to refine the surface with polishing paster and wood elements, and the frame finish achieves its unique sheen from an expertly trained artisan’s hand in a small German atelier. “Besides stylish creations, customers also appreciate sustainability,” observes Götti. The elegant authentic horn collection by Götti will be presented at Silmo 23rd-26th September. More Götti innovations at www.gotti.ch www.silmoparis.com JG
Trends and technical triumphs
Autumn highlights international fashion and accessory shows, and eyewear buyers, enthusiasts and consumers will want to indulge in the new season’s inspirations. Originality, style savvy, and exciting technical improvements are expressed throughout the collections. Vancouver, British Columbia is resplendent with natural beauty – a seaport city surrounded by mountains – and the home of Canadian designer Mehran Baghaie at Spectacle Eyeworks. His latest collection includes the elegant maple leaf as muse, with stunning results.
The pattern on the frame demonstrates nature’s amazing maple leaf intricacies. “I wanted to make the colours as reminiscent as possible to give the sensation of the flow of change in the life cycle of the maple leaf,” says the designer. Crafted in stainless steel in Germany, Joryne (above) features a vintage cat-eye silhouette with multiple technical elements. www.spec-eyeworks.com
Retro designs – in eyewear, fashion and for the home – continue to fascinate. For over ninety years, Lafont has been creating eyewear with elegance, charm and Parisian chic. A frame that the family firm created in 1980 – the iconic optical design Genie (above) is now available in a sleek sunglass version in gorgeous colourations, including blue variations reminiscent of the sea. www.lafont.com
Dramatic, free-spirited, majestic and romantic eyewear is the theme at Anna-Karin Karlsson. The award-winning Swedish designer brings glamour and sophistication to her frames, evident in Leaving Cuckoo’s Nest in glossy black acetate with gold flecks, black Swarovski crystals on the temples, and gold-plated end tips. Stunning! www.annakarinkarlsson.com
The GEO collection by New York brand Smoke x Mirrors features ultra-light mixed material frames with sharp, geometric angles. The innovative frame shapes in stainless steel and acetate with flat lenses, unite technical qualities and craftsmanship, in desirable designs for men and women, and includes GEO III (above). More news at www.smokexmirrors.com All the brands featured here will be at Silmo – 23rd to 26th September at Villepinte. www.silmoparis.com JG