Design + Inspiration

Kate Moss, 1992 sunglasses: new collaboration

The Iconic Series-4001 In Collaboration With Stephanie Pfriender Stylander – featuring Kate Moss

Christian Roth’s reissue of Series-4001, the dramatic, otherworldly eyewear silhouette that defined the look of a decade as featured by Kate Moss in 1992 comes as no surprise.

Interest in the Series-4001 soared with the publication of “The Untamed Eye,” a fashion monograph released by photographer Stephanie Pfriender Stylander in September last year. The book’s cover features a black and white photograph of Moss, then 17, and a relatively unknown talent; she is lifting the Series-4001 sunglasses over her eyes to reveal a gaze that has since graced an unprecedented number of magazine covers and fashion campaigns.

“Kate, during her early years, had an innate magic mix of vulnerability, curiousness and determination,” Pfriender Stylander recalls. “When I shot these pictures, we were at the beginning of our careers. We were young and unknown, and the story plays homage to that — romanticizing this period of youthful innocence.” The story, commissioned by Harper’s Bazaar Uomo, was one of Moss’s first fashion editorials, and quickly set the tone for the gritty, restless style that became synonymous with the early 1990s.

1992: Kate Moss photographed by Stephanie Pfriender Stylander – wearing CR Series 4001 sunglasses in black

The successful launch of “The Untamed Eye” inspired Christian Roth and business partner, Eric Domege, to collaborate with Pfriender Stylander on a reissue of the style from the cover. “Stephanie’s photographs are nearly three decades old, but the ideas and emotions they capture — young love, rebellion, curiosity — are timeless,” Roth explains. “After speaking about her work and its significance to our label’s heritage, it was clear that the time had arrived to share a piece of our history with a new generation.”

Launched last month, the sunglasses are now available through DITA worldwide. Photographs by kind permission of Christian Roth. All Rights Reserved. Available online at https://christianroth.com/en-us/archive-1993/?id=1756#174=1754&175=1354 CN

Independent newcomers: Poente, Portugal

It’s not on the scene quite yet in a big way outside Portugal, but the young 26 year old designer of Poente Eyewear, who represents the 4th generation in a family of eyewear producers is taking care to develop his label in line with an artisan family tradition. “I’m 26 years old,” says Bernardo Romão. “I was born and raised in Lisbon. I’m a designer and the owner of the emerging label.”
Poente Eyewear: an emerging brand from Portugal
Poente, meaning sunset in Portuguese, is inspired by a fresh and youthful aesthetic and lifestyle. The products are handmade in Portugal, using high quality Mazzuchelli acetate with Carl Zeiss Vision lenses.
“We are working with dynamic people…designers, artists, street artists, filmmakers, photographers and writers. Our collection has a strong feeling of classic eyewear design, with a modern, forward-looking approach to presentation and style. We already have some special stockists including Optica do Sacramento (Lisbon), M Oculista (Lisbon) and Optical Boutique (Porto).” The focus is now on expanding further afield.
Poente Eyewear produces handmade acetate optical frames and sunglasses, made exclusively in Portugal in line with traditional production techniques and family traditions. Find out more about Poente Eyewear at www.poente.pt CN

Summer sunglass serenade: Blackfin

Seaside pleasures, silky sand, blue skies and the sea inspire the latest elegant sunglass designs by Blackfin. The Italian label combines stylish design, impeccable crafting, superb materials and rich colours into each frame. Blackfin’s theme centres on Natural Awareness – a journey of discovery and rediscovery, culminating in new realisations. Minimalism accentuates the frames in the material par excellence – Titanium –  celebrated for its characteristics of strength, durability, and featherweight properties. A plus for summer – titanium is resistant to corrosion in seawater and does not tarnish. Among the exquisite designs (above) is Cape May, a tribute to the Victorian charm of the summer resort in New Jersey on America’s east coast.

Contemporary form: Ventura Blackfin Natural Awareness

Titanium technical brilliance shines expressively in Ventura with a contemporary form, and distinctive detailing on the frame front and a double bridge. Innovative titanium production processes ensure the frames are extremely flexible, yet lightweight and strong.

Dramatic silhouette: Coral Cove by Blackfin

A dramatic silhouette reminiscent with hints of retro, Coral Cove is generously shaped and trimmed with white on the frame front. Coral Cove is also available in other striking contrasting palettes. Click on www.blackfin.eu for more Blackfin designs with beauty and technical superiority. JG   Photos: Giovanni De Sandre All Rights Reserved

Sol Sol Ito: Captivating sun styles that sizzle

Alluring, bold and distinctive sunglasses adhere to the edit of Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink, the founders of Sol Sol Ito. They believe that frames should capture the personality of the wearer, plus ensuring beautiful craftsmanship, comfort and durability. Sol Sol Ito sunglass creations are individualistic with dash and dare, as seen in style 020S (above) with its splendid voluminous shape in acetate and metal.

Stunning sun specs by Sol Sol Ito

Voluptuous shaping highlights glamorous Sol Sol Ito Original style 039 in luminous acetate and quality metal. Precision production and intricate technical advances are ingrained in each pair of stunning frames created by the independent Swiss brand.

Bold and beautiful sunglasses by Swiss label Sol Sol Ito

Prodigious shaping and eye-catching design radiate strong, confident impressions in Sandra and Monika’s latest sunglass design – Sol Sol Ito Original 043DC. Black-gold highlights the acetate front, with jade side pieces and golden metal temples. Discover more fascinating Sol Sol Ito designs at www.solsolito.com JG Photos: Nina Maria Glahe All Rights Reserved

Finest Seven sunglasses: Sleek style statements

Gracefully sculpted with generous, glamorous shaping, Finest Seven sunglasses boost your summer fashion esteem. Passionate about eyewear – the husband and wife design team – Jesse and Ainjali – embrace their belief with frames that are contemporary, comfortable and chic. Precise attention to detail additionally enhances the luxurious materials featured in Finest Seven designs. The design duo – originally from New Zealand – bring an artistic attitude to frames with graphic elements combined with handmade excellence. Above photo: A distinguished round shape – Zero 14 – features a delicately curved nosepiece with alluring gradient Violet Flash lenses.

Contemporary chic: Zero 14 in white by Finest Seven

Different frame colours and lenses create a totally individual look to a design. White frames are trending this season, and Zero 14 with gradient Navy lenses reflects current eyewear directions, plus a cool nod to retro. Visit www.finestseven.com for additional expressive sunglasses from the independent label. JG Photos: Laoqin xxx Styling: Pur Style All Rights Reserved