Joan

Style 515 Pollipo’

Going green to celebrate spring is beautifully expressed in a panto optical frame by Paola Costantini at Pollipo’. Springtime colours that she witnesses in “magical Roma” influence the Rome based designer: “We are always playing with colours,” she says. Style 515 is Italian crafted in April Green luminous acetate with a clean, fresh spirit. Click on www.pollipocchiali.it for the latest frames and accessories. JG

Res/Rei Flower Collection

Floral beauty, diversity, and elegance are the inspirations for Oliviero Zanon’s captivating Flower Collection. The designer’s first step in creating the frames was working with beautiful sketches by Karin Kellner (above), before the transformation into lustrous Mazzucchelli acetate in harmonious colour combinations. The frame shapes feature Zanon’s unique ability with unconventional forms that are eminently wearable and stylish.

Loto by Res/Rei The Flower Collection
Loto by Res/Rei The Flower Collection

Loto is a fusion of shimmering orchid and light tortoiseshell acetate with temple details that resemble a flower petal.

Orchidea from The Flower Collection by Oliviero Zanon Res/Rei
Orchidea from The Flower Collection by Oliviero Zanon Res/Rei

Orchidea combines striking turquoise blue with a tortoiseshell trim on the front, and a vintage echoed shape. Both Loto and Orchidea are available in other exclusive colourations. Handcrafted in Italy, the designs feature uncompromising quality. www.resrei.com JG

Eyewear discoveries in Cologne

New participants and favourite brands will be presenting their latest collections at Die Brillenmesse in Cologne 23rd and 24th April. The venue – Dock One situated on the historic banks of the Rhine – offers visitors an opportunity to see independent designer offerings in spacious surroundings, and a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere. Elegant selections in genuine horn, fine titanium and luminous acetate will be shown by Götti Switzerland, including Quentin (above). Slim titanium – both polished and brushed – and a chic panto shape result in design sophistication and finesse. www.gotti.ch

Kettenanlegeplatz by Coblens (left) Edward by Orgreen Optics
Kettenanlegeplatz by Coblens (left) Edward by Orgreen Optics

Style and technology merge in new optical frames that are constantly evolving with beautiful designs for men and women. Kettenanlegeplatz by Coblens (on the female model above) features a voluminous shape; however, it is a featherlight frame and extremely comfortable to wear. Timeless design is reflected in Edward by Danish brand Orgreen (male model) in a contemporary shape expressed in titanium. www.coblens.de www.orgreenoptics.com

Opera by Jérémy Tarian
Opera by Jérémy Tarian

French designer Jérémy Tarian fuses eyewear and art in his gorgeous sunglass creation – Opera. Crafted in lustrous purple acetate with matt metal trim, the glamorous shape is a Limited Edition stunning statement design. View more of Tarian’s art-nspired sunglass and optical frames at www.jeremytarian.com

Harry S from The Crew Collection by ic! berlin
Harry S from The Crew Collection by ic! berlin

From classic design to bold interpretations, ic! berlin has unique designs that are part of the Crew Collection. At ic! berlin, everybody gets into the act and art of frames, and the Crew Collection is a testament to the people who work at the company. New optical and sunglass designs range from super slim frames to statement oversized sunglasses – including the bravado design (above) of Harry S with mirrored lenses. www.ic-berlin.de

Django and Tropenforscher by EinSTOFFen
Django and Tropenforscher by EinSTOFFen

Making their debut appearance at Die Brillenmesse is Swiss brand einSTOFFen. Django (above) is a remarkable mix of Walnut Burl, white birch and titan. Delicate in appearance, yet strong and sturdy, the design is elegantly relaxed. In the background, Tropenforscher sunglasses – uniting Italian acetate and the beauty of ebony wood. www.einstoffen.ch

Copenhagen from the ONE collection by Thomsen Eyewear
Copenhagen from the ONE collection by Thomsen Eyewear

Also making a first appearance at Die Brillenmesse is Thomsen Eyewear from Denmark, who will be presenting their elegant ONE collection. Morten Thomson and renowned Danish goldsmith Flemming Bo Hansen worked in partnership to create the incredibly light designs from a single piece of surgical stainless steel. The handcrafted collection includes Copenhagen – an ultra slim frame with a double bridge – a stunning example of simplicity and functionality harmoniously intertwined. www.thomseneyewear.dk

Mark your calendars for a weekend of eyewear discoveries at Die Brillenmesse 23rd and 24th April, in a perfect platform – Dock One in Cologne –  to view independent eyewear creators. www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

ZT19831 Charmant

The award winning Charmant Z collection for men combines innovative materials, cutting edge technology, and streamlined design. The latest release is a stylish full rim frame with three-dimensional temples in Z Titanium. Comfort features include flexible temple structure and ergonomically designed nose pads. Available in sophisticated colours in black, burgundy and grey. More info on Charmant Z at www.charmant.com JG

Now trending – opticals

Optical frames offer a plenitude of choices: luscious colours, superb materials and innovative design. Natural and high tech materials give opticals a unique élan and stylish demeanour. ROLF Spectacles – advocates of vintage cars – created a frame based on the 1980’s Kadett model, which they have handcrafted in natural wild cherry – a beautiful wood favoured during the Biedermeier period. ROLF smoked the wood, and the cherry veneer develops a Cognac-like colour with a silky matte finish. Exceptional! www.rolf-spectacles.com

Lusciousness Divine by Anne-Karin Karlsson
Lusciousness Divine by Anna-Karin Karlsson

An ultra-swept brow on Anna-Karin Karlsson’s elegant frame – Lusciousness Divine – superbly compliments the face. Glistening aquamarine acetate is accentuated with a metal trim on the frame front. The design is sensuously sculpted, and available in other welcoming colours. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Bogota - Coppe & Sid Gold Vintage Collection
Bogota – Coppe & Sid Gold Vintage Collection

Premium materials highlight the latest designs from Coppe & Sid. The frames – that include Bogota (above) – are crafted in Italy in either 24K gold plated, or pure palladium plated. Nostalgia for the 1950’s inspires these sophisticated designs, and the nose pads are Bohemian crystal glass. For more info on the Coppe and Sid Gold Vintage collection, visit www.eyedesignclub.com

Dolce XL29077 by Charmant Line Art
Dolce XL29077 by Charmant Line Art

The latest frame in the DOLCE series by Charmant Line Art – XL29077 – is a lyrical rimless design, with a lovely colour technique on the temples. The gradient effect is available in both a shiny gradation – and a matt finish. Superb comfort is assured with special ergonomic end tips. Stylish and streamlined. www.charmant.com

JF Rey Masculin Club 1348 Image by © Marc Oeder/Corbis
JF Rey Masculin Club 1348 Image by © Marc Oeder/Corbis

Carefully selected Tuscan Italian leathers provide an innovative approach to JF Rey au Masculin Club line. The brand has created a process so that naturally tanned leather is inseparable from the acetate, and the result is a distinctive, elegant, and luxurious look. The Leather Collection is available in both optical designs – above Club JF1348 – and sunglass models. www.jfrey.fr JG