Design + Inspiration

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

In England it’s been pouring, so Pitti was the place to be this week. Florence buzzes when the men’s collections show in June, and if our images offer an indication of what’s happening in men’s eyewear, then old-school updated seemed to be the most prevalent trend across the board, with the natural linen suits, wide brimmed or bucket hats and colorful summer shirts – some white, some gaudy, lining the entrance, inside and outside the fair grounds. Above: sunglasses trends: angular metal rims or round in thick acetate.  Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.

Classic shades, and the shapes we’d expect… wayfarers, aviators, round shapes, and ovals (Francesco Monte wore small oval sunglasses in gunmetal with dark lenses) dominated the accessory line up, while a few slightly more extravagant or unusual vintage designs with colored tints or prominent key hole bridges attracted media attention.

Also popular are the beautifully finished tortoiseshell frames with clip-ons. In contrast, a few men sported oversized shields (Prada Sport or Oakley visor), which appear to be taking over from last year’s mini 1990s inspired Matrix sunglasses.

Pitti Uomo takes place in Florence, Italy twice a year (www.pittiimmagine.com). It is described as the world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and acessory collections and for launching new projects in men’s fashion. Eyewear brands exhibiting at the fair include Delirious (Italy), TBD Eyewear (Italy) and Percy Lau (Hong Kong). CN Photography by Gennaro D’Elia for Eyestylist.com. For more images at Pitti visit our Instagram page @eyestylistmagazine.

Travel is synonymous with eyewear creations from KBL. The spirit of discovery, exploring, and adventure permeates in every design. Proficient craftsmanship by Japanese artisans ensures that frames are meticulously produced with exceptional premium materials; distinctive original shapes; and colours with dramatic richness. Sun selections include dynamic and expressive frames that infuse KBL’s quest for streamlined, eloquent and refined designs.

Experimenting with Havana variations, Alex (top image) is shown in Orange tones, and is also available in Green Horn, Crystal Clear and Champagne acetate. Photographed against Berlin’s prominent landmark – the tall, 365 metre TV Tower – built in this vibrant German city, is a reflection of KBL’s attitude and spirit to a modern, fresh, urban approach to eyewear – with exciting, innovative ideas.

Generous shaping in Kudamm reveals a glamorous design that combines acetate and titanium, with flattering graphic contours, exuding a sophisticated aura.

Immerse yourself in relaxing summer afternoons, wearing KBL’s amply shaped butterfly sunglasses – Love Parade. Crafted in Titanium and superbly lightweight, the frames are shown in Gold, and also available in Dark Gun and Rose Gold. KBL showcases a creative, diverse selection of sleek designs in both sunglass and optical versions. Visit www.kbleyewear.com for additional discoveries. JG

Exquisite Swiss precision, luxurious materials, design sensuality and streamlined silhouettes are signature characteristics in Von Arkel’s eyewear creations. The latest designs are stunning collaborations of man and machine: uniting traditional spectacle skills with the most advanced technology. The following video elegantly illustrates the beauty, refinement, precision and perfection that infuses the Von Arkel spirit.

Sleek sun styles include statement Valencia (top image) the new Caliber 4 Outline frame that embraces lightness, special attention to every detail and meticulous polishing borrowed from the watchmaking industry. Simplicity and alignment is an art form at Von Arkel achieved in the masterfully crafted designs. The silver frame features silver temples with crystal end tips and polarised green lenses.

For women in the Calibre 4 Outline selection is the beautifully contoured Verona, smoothly polished with the essential hinge mechanism stripped down to its core. The superbly stylish silver frame features crystal rims, with polarised solar lens in grey and blue. Discover more distinguished designs from the acclaimed Swiss brand at www.vonarkel.com JG

The accessory brand we love for 2019

Taking the eyewear accessory trend into a new era is the Japanese label Diffuser Tokyo, whose range of accessory products provide the perfect balance between style and functionality, and all the right qualities to pair with the finest eyewear and sunglasses on the market. The label has arrived in Europe at some of the most gorgeous optical shops already including Lunettes Selection (Berlin), KLAR (Darmstadt, Germany), Milan Lunetier (Paris) and Une histoire de lunettes (Montpellier), and it’s about to make its mark very quickly as a brand to watch.

The selection of designs by Diffuser includes soft fabric cases, leather cords, cords with silver engraved holders, novel ‘wearable’ eyewear cases and protective leather frame boxes. All the designs are made in Japan and make use of special high-quality materials with much variation including Italian leather, Japanese cow leather, suede, Japanese silk and metal parts in silver, brass or 18k/24k plating in precious metals such as rhodium.

Diffuser launched in 2012 as a fashion brand for men and has quickly expanded to produce unisex designs for men and women. Masaki Hirose, who had been working in eyewear sales in Japan, joined with a team of creatives and their products saw instant success at fashion retailers and leading department stores in Tokyo for the balance of quality design and price that has given them immediate immediate appeal for the design-driven eyewear enthusiast.

Diffuser Tokyo will be exhibiting for the first time at Silmo in September 2019. The fair takes place from 27th to 30th September. For full details on the collection visit www.diffuser-tokyo.com CN