Joan

Finding the perfect frame fit – like the perfect shoe – needn’t be a challenge…if you know where to look! Eyewear creators enhance their collections with beautiful frames that compliment smaller faces – with original and creative designs; contemporary materials; and extraordinary colours. Among our favourite selections is Mlle+41 (above) –  an innovative design by theo in Belgium. The dramatic shape gives the appearance of a larger frame, but is scaled to fit and flatter smaller faces, and the distinctive finish is a mix of shiny and brushed acetate. www.theo.be

Bright and cheerful is Blakey in HD acetate by l.a. Eyeworks in a zingy colour christened Red Hen. The frame is created with a 44mm eye size – but radiates a big presence. The neatly tailored edges and end-tip details add to the luminosity of the design. www.laeyeworks.com

Shimmering turquoise acetate highlights Tantot by Lafont Paris. The uncluttered, contemporary shape is comfortable and lightweight, and an excellent silhouette for smaller faces. Check out more designs at www.lafont.com

Stainless steel and Polyamide unite in a 3D laser design – D14 – by Tom Stevens at Stevens Eyewear in The Netherlands. The sleek frame in a smart duo of navy blue and a matt grey trim is crafted in the Tom Stevens atelier, where traditional spectacle making combines with the latest technology. www.stevenseyewear.com

This glamorous frame – PMO35 by J.F. Rey – is especially adapted for women with small faces. Animal print acetate is teamed with a stainless steel brow trim in gold and bronze, and an echo of Art Deco. Feminine and chic! www.jfrey.fr JG

The latest eyewear designs for men incorporate fine materials and intricate textures. Strong, dominant shapes are a hallmark at Rolf Spectacles, who recently captured the prestigious GOOD DESIGN award. Beautiful woods from The Tyrol inspire the creative team, and Vignale (above) is from Rolf’s Excellence collection – superbly crafted in a bold, squared form. www.rolf-spectacles.com Photo by Mahir Jahmal

African memories and a distinctive shape highlight L.G.R’s Albatros – inspired by the bi-plane and exciting adventures of Lady Heath’s pioneering fight in 1928. She flew from Cape Town to London, symbolising a true spirit of freedom and independence. Handcrafted in Italy to exacting standards, the metal and cellulose acetate frame has flat zero base tempered mineral lenses. The dashing design is available in four sleek combinations, including matt gold with black shown above. www.lgrworld.com

Elegant, classic and refined – LINDBERG style 8602 is a tribute to Titanium technology, in a design that spans urbanity to beach. The Danish company is a master of detail, and the temples are finely tuned to complete the sophisticated look. www.lindberg.com

Daniel Benner’s latest eyewear collection includes men’s designs with an interplay of materials that create a light, airy composition. Stainless steel in a silver and anthracite pattern achieves a distinctive mood for Cosmo 18, and each frame is totally handcrafted in Germany. www.bennereyeweardesign.com

The beauty, history and creative hub of Vienna are the source for the Neubau Eyewear collection. Paul is a lightweight, contemporary stainless steel design combined with Polymer temples. More news about Neubau at www.neubau-eyewear.com JG

Are you ready for summer? Is summer ready for YOU? Swimsuit? Check! Sun cream? Check! Fabulous sunglasses – absolutely, double checked! Choices abound – and certain to make a striking statement at summer destinations is Kirk & Kirk’s vibrant frame – AMANDA –  in Flame acrylic from the Kaleidoscope Collection. The luminosity of the acrylic emphasises the beauty of the shape and design. www.kirkandkirk.com

Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland combines artisan spectacle traditions with the latest high tech elements. Esty is a triumph in contemporary crafting with refined retro shaping. Hand polished acetate in subtle tones of marbled brown hues, and flat green lenses complete this chic accessory for summer holidays. www.gotti.ch

Soda Pop 1 is an exuberant design by Smoke X Mirrors – the exciting young company that crafts their individualistic frames in France. The voluminous acetate round shape glimmers with a pearl finish, and features a distinctive double nose bridge. Visit www.smokexmirrors.com for more exciting sun styles.

Strong, independent and creative women inspire Lucia Pasin’s latest eyewear designs at Lu.Pa Studio. Frieda Kahlo, Iris Apfel, Peggy Guggenheim and Grace Jones “are among my important muses,” says the Italian designer. GRACE is finely sculptured in a unique cat eye shape – one of Lucia’s favourite forms. The colours are gorgeous too. Discover additional Lu.Pa creations at www.lupastudio.it

Chic, lightweight, retro-glamour and beautiful colours tick all the fashion boxes for summer sunglasses at Blackfin. Key West is one of a stunning range of titanium designs, meticulously crafted in Italy. The panto shape and streamline features are sleek and elegant. www.blackfin.eu JG