Design + Inspiration

Generous linear proportions, delicious colours and luxuriously sculpted, Finest Seven proposes glamorous sunglasses for summer adventures. Designed by New Zealand couple Ainjali and Jesse Fine, the frames are crafted in beautiful materials with dedication to exquisite details. For the latest campaign Ainjali commented: “We wanted a high summer shoot with lots of colour.” The frame silhouettes in Finest Seven designs are exquisitely formed with distinctive variations on contemporary shapes. In the above photo, the male model wears Zero 13 with blue gradient lenses. Colour variations of the lenses are beautifully expressed in Zero 14 with Tequila Sunrise lens, worn by the female model.

Sunglasses are a powerful – as well as a protective – accessory. Travel escapades enable people to follow the sun, and captivating sun specs are the ultimate fashion accessory. Ainjali and Jesse appreciate vintage eyewear, and Zero 16 (above) highlights this with a gentle cat-eye in a superbly slim, yet voluminous shape. Tequila Sunrise lenses give instant charm and charisma to summer fashions.

Finest Seven designs pursue romantic, mysterious, and contemporary concepts. Graphic streamlining in Zero 15, is complimented by a thin double bridge. Baby Pink Mirror lenses embolden the sunglasses with characteristic Finest Seven style. Discover more unconventional shapes, colours and dramatic details from the collection at www.finestseven.com JG Photos by Elisa Teichtmeister All Rights Reserved

Craftsmanship, creativity, and fine design are the benchmarks for independent eyewear designers exhibiting at Hall of Frames Zurich in September. Organiser Nathanaël Wenger said: “The show has made a name for itself as a meeting point for independent opticians and eyewear designers.”

“For the first time,” continued Wenger, “the event will take place in September – Sunday 15th and Monday 16th. Our location remains the same – the historical Papiersaal in Sihlcity in the centre of Zurich. Many of the exhibitors are among the pioneers who have shaped the eyewear market over the years.”

Wenger noted that diverse collections to be seen at the event include designers and brands with selections in acetate, metal, stainless steel, wood and horn, plus 3D technology that have set new standards for alluring eyewear.

Among the participants are Blackfin from Italy (top image) Swiss labels Götti; Von Arkel; Nirvan Javan; Baselli and Fassungswerk; Orgreen from Copenhagen; German brands Dusseldorf; You Mawo and Matze Marpe; Rolf Spectacles from The Tyrol in Austria and Andy Wolf; Randolph Engineering from USA; among other exciting labels.

Demand for high quality, innovative eyewear remains strong. “In general, the mood among independent specialist opticians is good,” said Wenger. This optimistic attitude is a reflection of the distinctive, desirable eyewear designs beautifully crafted from international creators. Save the dates! 15th and 16th September, Hall of Frames Zurich at Papiersaal. Additional details at www.hallofframes.ch JG

Pitti, Florence – “Sunglasses style for Summer”

Classic shapes are confirmed as the ultimate accessory for men this summer. Not only do these designs define an outfit and look good on most faces, their beautiful colorations, details and subtleties, particularly in the superior acetate materials, make a design statement in themselves.

Emerging label, Lunettes Alf has created one of the most easy-to-wear artisan collections of timeless designs, made in France and signed with a small red thread woven by hand into one temple tip as a reminder of each model’s provenance, quality and refined detailing.

Above: Model e18.01.006, the first model in the Alf collection – an elegant, rounded hand-polished Japanese acetate frame. For further details: https://lunettes-alf.com/collection/?lang=en#alf_1 Photography by Gennaro D’Elia for Eyestylist.

Inspired by famous faces of the past, and a touch of the elegance of James Dean and the refined humour of Woody Allen, the e18.02.008 in crystal embodies an old-world 1940s charm with its half-ring profile and riveted hinges. For more details: https://lunettes-alf.com/collection/?lang=en#alf_2

Unisex model e18.04 – available in several classic colours of tortoise, black and crystal, is inspired by the soul and hip hop street culture of the 1980s and like the other highlighted models features the brand’s signature photochromic mineral glass sun lenses. More details: https://lunettes-alf.com/collection/?lang=en#alf_4

Eyestylist shot on location in Florence, Italy. Photography by Gennaro D’Elia (@genndel) exclusively for Eyestylist.com. Model: Alex Mancini (@mancini_alex). Sunglasses by Lunettes Alf. https://lunettes-alf.com CN

Free-spirited and adventurous, RIGARDS launches their latest exhilarating designs with bold, distinctive silhouettes. Designer Ti Kwa is fascinated with the work of H.R. Giger, the Swiss painter also acclaimed for his amazing special effects in the film Alien. The intrigue with Giger’s concepts led to Sentinel (above), moulded in natural horn with larger than life dimensions that ensure the frame is all the more imposing. Sensuous sculpting on the frame front adds to the dramatic, luxurious and impressive effect.

A favourite childhood film – Clash of the Titans – is the inspiration for RIGARDS striking design Nite Owl. The mechanical owl in the film – Bubo – influenced the stunning, painstakingly crafted frame in lightweight aluminium and magnesium. Deftly cast with a beak-like bridge, flowing sweeping curves, and ribbing details, Nite Owl fully expresses RIGARDS masterful accomplishment for powerful, unorthodox eyewear. Discover more avant-garde, splendid designs from the independent creator at www.rigards.com JG