Design + Inspiration

When a titanium specialist like Ørgreen announces a new departure in acetate, all eyes are upon them: the material is different to work with, unique in its colour possibilities, transparency and design focus when compared to the characteristic pared back look of metal frames.

Launched in Spring 2018, the Minimal Vintage Collection strives to uphold the same quality and minimalist design typical of the Danish design company whilst adding a vintage feel with nostalgic design references suited to the acetate material. It has taken painstaking research and study – and the commitment and unreserved enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs behind the label who set out to achieve a high-level wearable fashion collection, with individual, innovative touches. The acetate launch signifies an important step for the business that has grown successfully in the titanium eyewear field since Henrik Ørgreen and the co-founders first set up in 1997.  Above: model Michelle, a shape within a shape – daring, playful and easy to wear.

“The Michelle frame is not your regular cats eye throw-back design, the colours are much more graphic with unique details on the corners…”

For the current season, men’s and women’s styles have launched including models Jose and Michelle pictured, paying attention to the refined aspects of transparent colours such as nude, rose and blush and blending them with more concentrated tones to allow for definitive accents at certain points on the frames.

An independent label, Ørgreen is based in Copenhagen – the frames are available worldwide from high level opticians and include models in titanium, acetate and state-of-the-art 3D printed Polyamide. All the latest models are now available in selected stores and through Ørgreen’s flagship store (Copenhagen). Find more details at www.orgreenoptics.com CN

Glittering holiday events present magical possibilities for fun and fashion flourishes – and eyewear is no exception! Designers concur – as frames are beautifully crafted with luxurious diamonds, sparkling crystals, and captivating accents. The exceptional designs are not only holiday oriented: shapes and exquisite colours are destined to be worn beyond this glorious  period, and will enliven and brighten your days – and attitude – throughout the year. Celebrations start early for Finest Seven and Frame Chain, where their brilliant designs were photographed at the trendy cult bar – “Bananas” – in Barcelona (above image). Finest Seven’s glamorous, lightweight sunglass designs provide luxury, comfort and elegance. www.finestseven.com The prestigious UK brand Frame Chain ensures your frames are protected with sophisticated and practical chains in plaited silver and gold. www.framechain.co.uk

If the holidays take you to sunny climes, the dramatic shaping that characterises The Emperor, by award-winning Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson, is certain to dazzle. The bold silhouette features crystals set in Japanese Titanium, plated in White Gold with Carl Zeiss lenses. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Twinkling Swarovski crystals adorn a stunningly sculptured shape with Art Deco echoes on the frame sides. Capeline by Lafont Paris is available in a lovely selection of colours. www.lafont.com

The beauty and flexibility of acetate is splendidly featured in l.a. Eyeworks Pancha – clear acetate with a delightful, confetti-peppered motif in vivid colours. www.laeyeworks.com

For merry and bright occasions, JF Rey proposes Havane – a spirited design with its stunning round shape, stylish colourations and intricate details with sleek gold engraving. www.jfrey.fr

Buffalo horn is a traditional favourite for the embodiment of fine frames. LINDBERG luxury and flourish are captured in the latest designs teamed with white gold. www.lindberg.com

Jono Hennessy in Australia embraces the jubilant mood of Carnivale – with fabric-patterned frames in joyous colours. Discover the variations of The Carnivale Collection at www.jonohennessy.com JG

Italian craftsmanship is long revered in fine accessories…often viewed as an art form. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone (above photo) – the creative force behind L.G.R – combines the tradition of superb workmanship with his deep love of and passion for Italy and Africa. These elements ensure eyewear with artistic flair, purity of line, and subtle elegance.

The latest collection of stunning eyewear designs for men and women includes expressive eyewear shapes with timeless chic.

The finest quality hand-polished materials in acetate and metals are transformed into sunglass and optical designs that are equally comfortable for city and country pursuits.

The enduring beauty of tortoiseshell and the interplay of subtle interpretations in neutral tones gives the frames distinctive finesse.

L.G.R eyewear designs are sold internationally in style savvy opticians and boutiques. The frames are also available in the smart, sophisticated, L.G.R boutique on Corso Garibaldi in Milan. Explore and experience the individualistic eyewear artistry of L.G.R at www.lgrworld.com JG

Eyewear from across the globe will find its way to London in January for 100% Optical, the UK’s premier optical event (for trade), now in its sixth year. The event is a showcase for new and established eyewear collections, as well as the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology – and takes place at ExCel exhibition centre in East London. The fast expanding independent eyewear design collections are represented each year by a selection of highly regarded companies including Andy Wolf, Tavat Eyewear, Silhouette and Francis Klein. Above: Tavat Eyewear returns to 100% in 2019: their collection continues to expand with striking designs in premium materials and a much praised and innovative ‘sandwich frame design’ called “SoupCan”. www.tavat-eyewear.com

FACE A FACE will bring chic colour to the London fair and new 2019 sunglasses with an audacious character in their interpretation of light and colour.

“Our new collection is all about exploring colours and the dynamic movement created by sculpting with light,” explains Pascal Jaulent, Head of Design at FACE A FACE. “Playful transparencies highlight the contrasts between being and not being, challenging the viewer and creating optical illusions.” www.faceaface-paris.com

Newcomers to the London event will include Lafont Paris,  a label which has long been appreciated in the UK for its quality, elegance and design excellence. For those unfamiliar with Lafont, this Paris based company has an exciting history, originating in the 1920s. Their expertise continues to evolve with extraordinary creativity under the direction of brothers Matthieu and Thomas Lafont. www.lafont.com

Another notable addition to the London fair for January – and a must-see – is the Swiss label Von Arkel. Currently Von Arkel’s innovations and extraordinary design precision in the luxury eyewear segment is propelling the business quickly into new markets and the most exclusive optician’s stores, internationally. Their secret ingredient is there successful “marriage of eyewear manufacturing and Swiss watchmaking inspired hinges.” Find out more at www.vonarkel.com

Swiss label Gotti is a regular exhibitor in London, successful across the country for its appeal both technologically and in terms of its unique comfortable materials and design competence. As well as gorgeous titanium collections, they also highlight achievements in 3D printed eyewear, as one of few labels that has mastered a sophistication in the 3D printing process and combination designs using Polyamide and other materials – the resulting designs are impressive and a delight to wear. More information at www.gotti.ch.

100% takes place at London’s ExCel from 12th to 14th January 2019. The event has announced the launch of “Eyewear Week” from 7th to 13th January to further raise the profile of  eyewear as a fashion accessory. To find out more visit https://www.100percentoptical.com/ CN

Article + images: Copyright EYESTYLIST.COM

Paul Smith and Cutler and Gross are to join forces as eyewear partners, with a first collection launch planned for March 2019. The British eyewear brand will utilise its traditional production expertise that spans almost 50 years to create Paul Smith eyewear and sunglasses with a luxurious finesse in the metal and acetate materials and subtle design details that will tie in with the fashion designer’s colours and tailoring. Marie Wilkinson, long serving Design Director for the London eyewear brand will oversee the creation and development of the frames in collaboration with Smith’s design experts.

In a statement, Paul Smith explained: “I’ve always had enormous admiration for Cutler and Gross. Before we sadly lost him, Tony Gross was a personal friend of mine. The attention to detail and expertise that Tony practiced is still absolutely central to the work the company are doing today. I’m delighted to be collaborating with Cutler and Gross and look forward to an exciting and creative future.”

The frames, which will feature high quality Dalloz sun lenses, will be on show to retailers at Mido Milan – the Italian trade fair – in February. They will then be available from Paul Smith and Cutler and Gross outlets and a selection of premium stores and opticians globally. For more details about Cutler and Gross visit www.cutlerandgross.com CN