Design + Inspiration

Exuberant, vivid and charismatic, Frida Kahlo grasped the bold beauty of Mexico’s abundant nature and artefacts. Joëlle Rey at BOZ captures the diversity, distinctive flair and dazzling colourations in a fabulous new collection of frames. There are fourteen exceptional designs, inspired by the unique personality of Frida Kahlo, and the amazing art that she created. Interpretation of the artist’s flamboyance is expressed in graphic elements, luminous transparencies, and exceptional patterns.

The distinctive shape of ILLUSION is derived from the theme of Mexican festivals embodied by a symbol of femininity – the Flower, which symbolises many of Kahlo’s paintings. A unique interplay of technicality, inventiveness, and joyful colours complete the sleek, sophisticated look.

Aesthetic elements and decorative motifs on the top of IMPALA reflect the lace that appears on Mexican openwork shawls. The frame exudes sumptuousness and graphic codes inspired by geometric abstraction.

Detailed metal work highlights IBONIA with lacy trim around the frame front. Modern and feminine, a small removable charm accessorises the design with a touch of coquetry. The tiny charm refers to popular Mexican holidays. Discover the charismatic, uninhibited spirit of Frida Kahlo and Mexico skilfully expressed in this stunning new collection at www.boz-eyewear.fr JG

Wearing glasses is an exciting expression of style, flair and individuality. Choices abound –  technical innovations with intriguing materials; amazing colourations derived from nature and imagination –  plus tantalising shapes. Whether sporty; glamorous; contemporary; sophisticated; cool or trendy; optical designs offer impressive, stunning options. Leading label l.a. Eyeworks launches spring with spirited, signature designs in vivid provocative colours, as featured in Mollusk (above image) in a medley of tones with scalloped shaping.

California designers Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gheradi at l.a. Eyeworks have a great sense of humour, which is creatively infused into the frame designs – as well as colour and style options. The contemporary shaping in Zecca – circle meets square dialogue and colours enhanced with double layering – is shown above in Rad Red, and is also available in hues of Cosmic Tortoise; Tulip Sun; Rain Puddle and Black Pearls.

Graphic and bold, acetate and titanium join forces in Hatch – a sleek silhouette embracing unique colour combinations, including Matcha Net with Black Velvet shown above. The latest optical frames from l.a. Eyeworks vibrate with dynamic energy and charisma. See more Limited Edition designs at www.laeyeworks.com JG

An imposing handpainted mural (above) portraying the founder Wim Somers in neon tones at the top covers one huge expanse of wall at the front of theo’s home in Antwerp. The colour combinations and design are indicative of a pioneering spirit and the bold, innovative and industrious direction of the theo family today represented by the second generation, brothers Mik, Jan and Toon.

In its own equally expressive statement, the Graffiti collection by theo, launched at the Paris eyewear fair Silmo 2018 and now available in stores, looks to pay homage to the freedom and impact of street art. It explores the specific language of expression and lettering used by the New York graffiti artist ‘Phase 2’ in the late 1970s, reworking the effect with a whole different look in the frames.

The style of the ‘bubble-letters’ or ‘softies’ became extremely influential at the time and continue to be regarded in the art form as a ‘gigantic leap’. Here in the new theo eyewear collection, the expression of the letters is achieved through the protruding rounded acetate rims, in coordinated or contrasting colours on the stainless steel base frame, also worked to replicate the bubble effect with little ‘breaks’ through the design.

Three frame shapes – models Tag, Throwie and Piece – realised by Serge Bracké, work with the acetate and stainless steel mix – and come in eight graffiti inspired bright statement hues which include ‘glowing’ neon-like pinks and oranges that perfectly identify with the ultra-brilliant tones of the best fluorescent spray paints.

theo belgium’s first glasses became available in 1989. Today their collections are sold in 1,400 stores in 50 countries. Many of their optical partners make the journey to Antwerp to visit HQ and experience the theo world first hand. Find out more at www.theo.be CN

Eyewear creations from Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson are abundant with glamour, beauty and sensuality. Frames are crafted with unique statement style – exploring new concepts in shapes, colourations and details. Karlsson is an active advocate for equality and women being able to be who they want to be, and expressing this with fashion freedom. The latest designs are fuelled with Karlsson’s signature luxurious details: Zirconia stones; 24K gold plating and rose gold plating; Japanese Titanium; and Carl Zeiss lenses. Lush Diamond in Green Pearl (top image) is an elegant combination of acetate and metal, with 24K gold plated sides, and refined Carl Zeiss lenses.

Sleek and sophisticated, Half Moon is dramatically silhouetted with stone accents.

Bold and charismatic, Magic You accentuates an exaggerated round shape studded with sparkling Emerald Crystals. Explore more of Anna-Karin Karlsson’s eyewear dazzle at www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG

It’s by no means an obvious choice in adult eyewear, but its popularity in fashion has led to a surge in delicate blush or blossom tones for frame and lens. At the Spring fashion and eyewear fairs, this delicate, soft tone was a key feature across collections from emerging to established, sitting next to the darker classics of black and tortoise and establishing its presence for what we believe will be several seasons to come.

Above: Heidi London cateye with pearlised textured finish. www.heidilondon.com – Model: Melanie Baird – Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com – London, Covent Garden

Above: Evangelisti Eyewear: Squared acetate sunglasses Drop 01.

Young label Evangelisti was created by designers Giulio Milano and Giacomo Beghin. The sunglasses have a bold appearance with sculptured “flame-like” pattern on the temples. The design was launched this season in five statement colorways. https://evangelistiworld.com/

The Danish independent brand Fleye has added new styles in the Signature collection, with pink tones, inspired by floral compositions in their “Flowers of Denmark” campaign.

Tones range from the bright baby pink of model Grass or the more neutral blush pink combination in the double rim optical style, Jasione. www.fleye.dk

Ørgreen’s latest release of titanium eyewear, Titanium Tribe, explores the effects of milling the edges of the frames to create softer, more rounded edges. The contemporary palette, created by colorist Sahra Lysell includes brights such as Rio Red and Grape Juice, as well as the more delicate shades of Cloud Cream and Misty Rose (above). For more details visit www.orgreenoptics.com CN