Design & Inspiration

Show preview: Silmo approaches

Expectations are running high for exciting trends, original colour combinations and new-found inspirations for pattern and details. As the international eyewear fair Silmo (www.silmoparis.com) draws near our attention is on the finest sunglass and optical collections, and highlights that spark new beginnings and a fresh perspective for the frame wearer.

At JF Rey, the eyewear design label from Marseille, uplifting colour is the central focus in a visual series entitled Life is Color: the optical frame JF1402 (above) is a new combination of metal and acetate with a casual feminine elegance, and smart easy -to-wear eye shape. Further information at www.jfrey.fr

Jono Hennessy 8388
Jono Hennessy 8388

Australian designer Jono Hennessy always brings warmth and vibrancy to the Paris show. Their preview of frames highlights exotic Mazzucchelli acetates: inspired by the Australian landscape with matt stone finishes, opal like stripes and exciting tones reminiscent of desert sunsets. Pictured is model 8388, a typical example of Hennessy’s magical irridescent colour schemes where the graduated look comes into its own. www.jonohennessy.com

Moondance by MONOQOOL
Moondance by Monoqool

As 3D printing grows in popularity, so are the eyewear collections using this sophisticated technology, which offers endless possibilities for lightweight design and a multitude of colour and shape proposals. Denmark’s Monoqool presents its new collections for Silmo: model Moondance in charcoal grey is lightly textured, finely proportioned, and features the standard screwless hinge in this collection: practical, versatile and designed for a nice fit, Monoqool has a talent for balancing tech with stylish design. More details at www.monoqool.com

Saint Martin by Blackfin
Saint Martin by Blackfin

Titanium remains a leading material in the metal eyewear selection, both for its excellence in performance and clean minimal aesthetics. A great range of high-end designs in this material have emerged in recent years, bringing about a consistent fine-tuning in terms of the quality, detailing and finish.

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The young Italian eyewear company Blackfin, experts in titanium designed with Italian finesse, will show their range of opticals and sunglasses in Paris – the collection favours rounded shapes and unisex designs such as model Saint Martin (BF769), with its arched double bridge and curved lines in a two-tone combination. Available with a natural shiny or satin titanium finish, the model represents an interesting mix of 1980s influences with modern, high-tech appeal. www.blackfin.eu

Caroline Abram
Ruby by Caroline Abram

Inspiration from nature and a desire for intriguing pattern suggests an ongoing interest in creating effects on the surface of the frame, something to watch for at the eyewear fairs: in the new R Collection, young French designer Caroline Abram plays with the effect of natural leather and python on a nylon frame front: model Ruby in bright blue features signature curvy titanium temples teamed with the bold and  glamorous butterfly shape. www.carolineabram.com

Silmo Paris – the international eyewear and optics fair – takes place from 23rd-26th September at Paris Nord Villepinte. For further details and registration visit www.silmoparis.com CN

 

Colour trends: Autumn in green

Introduce a natural green hue into your interior or wardrobe this season. Rich, dark forest shades in printed designs and unusual blocked combinations create a calm and elegant style. An occasional flash of neon or fresh apple green provides an added lift to more classical winter colour schemes. CN

1. Cire Trudon Gabriel scented candle £70, www.net-a-porter.com 2. Quartz mirror by Christopher Guy, £2,695, www.christopherguy.com 3. Oliver Goldsmith model Sophia (1958) in Evergreen, www.olivergoldsmith.com 4. Godstopper lamp by Curiousa & Curiousa, £2,100, www.curiousa.co.uk 5. Cordoba emerald rug from £1,068.00. www.vanderhurd.com 6. Chair upholstered in Serpentino col. 006 by Dedar, £146 per m, www.dedar.com 7. Model James +15 in colour 21 by theo, www.theo.be 8. Pierre Hardy Slider satin slip-on sneakers £325, www.net-a-porter.com 9. Sophie Hulme Albion leather tote £750, www.net-a-porter.com 10. Model Tow in colour 373 by theo, www.theo.be

Fun-tastic frames for kids

Like so many positive attributes that are formed in life, the foundation begins in childhood. For youngsters who need corrective eye care, wearing frames is now an exciting adventure – even kids who don’t require frames want to wear them. This decisive attitude is the result of designers creating eyewear that has mega-appeal to youngsters – and their parents. Styles for the autumn season include Montreal (above) an enduring favourite frame for children from Red Kids Optical. In tortoiseshell acetate, the design provides a grown-up look with vintage reflections, scaled to fit little faces. More charming styles for youngsters from the Dutch label at www.redoptical.com

Marion by LINDBERG
Marion by LINDBERG

Multiple award winning Danish brand LINDBERG creates frames for children that are famed for style, flexibility, durability and superb colourations, plus being crafted in hypoallergenic material. Marion is a neat little shape with a curved nose bridge, very sleek temple detailing, and heaps of fashion cred that kids will love. www.lindberg.com

Zoobug ZB1010
Zoobug ZB1010

Bright, fun and cheerful! Frames by Zoobug are celebrated for their wonderful colours, super shapes, and materials combine safety features and style. ZB1010 is a unisex design for children in TR90 – the Swiss material that is lightweight, yet strong and durable. Discover more exciting styles for babies to twelve-year-olds from the British brand at www.zoobug.com

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Toupie by Lafont Paris
Toupie by Lafont Paris

Babies and toddlers often need spectacles too – and Lafont Paris has a long and respected history for creating frames that cater to kid’s needs. Expertise, excellence, and experience merge to create frames for little ones that are safe, flexible, and in shapes and colours that appeal to children. Toupie in rose pink features an oval shape, and charming printed temple details. www.lafont.com

Anthony by JF Rey Kids & Teens
Anthony by JF Rey Kids & Teens

Cool and inspiring confidence, this youngster expresses his stylistic signature in JF Rey design Anthony, for boys six-to-eight years old. Original shaping in quality acetate ensures comfort and durability from the innovative French label. Discover more trendy frames for children from four-to-sixteen-years old at www.jfrey.fr JG

New Attitudes: neutrals vs naturals

Gone are the days when neutral colours meant traditional hues, and may have lacked distinction or notable fashion assets. Nowadays, relaxed, flexible style guidelines enable a wide variety of colours to be classified as “neutral.” For spectacle wearers this is an opportunity to experiment with some delicious “new neutrals” to transform your autumn fashion aura – with stylish eloquence.

An exotic shape – in a splendid shade called Tea Camo (above) – distinguishes Innski, with its exaggerated round form by l.a. Eyeworks. Handcrafted in Italy, the acetate design claims its own distinctive, desirable eyewear personality! www.laeyeworks.com

Nucleus kelp by Karmoie
Nucleus kelp by Karmoie

Kirsten and Lars Iversen believe in positive contributions to society. For each Karmoie frame sold, the Norwegian based design duo donate a pair of corrective glasses to developing countries. Their graceful eyewear designs include Nucleus in kelp acetate with contrasting kelp/oak temples. www.karmoie.com

Lorna by SALT. Optics
Lorna by SALT. Optics

Nature’s natural beauty crystallises the inspiration for SALT. Optics designs by Californian David Rose. Lorna is from the latest collection that will be featured at SILMO next month. The refined contrast between the oyster frame, and inner temple colouration, enhance this elegant design. www.saltoptics.com

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Georg model number T008
Georg model number T008

Crystal frames are a flashback to vintage and the newest interpretations are a striking unification of contemporary and retro. The Austrian label Neubau includes Georg model number T008, with sheer transparency and streamlined features. www.neubau-eyewear.com JG

 

Styles, Rodriguez and Kritikos in Vera Wang

Vera Wang’s beautiful sunglasses collection pinpoints classical elegance, contemporary detailing and strong shapes that ensure exceptional desirability, and  – quite naturally – an excellent celebrity following. Cue Gemma Styles, Krystal Rodriguez, and Aimee Kritikos, influencers with edgy fashion credentials and the ability to mix street style and high-end fashion quite effortlessly.

Osa by Vera Wang
Osa by Vera Wang

In the group pictured, Styles (pictured left) wears Wang’s new model Osa, a design that combines the fashionista circular eye shape with a chic interpretation of the double bridge.

Hesse by Vera Wang
Hesse by Vera Wang

Friends Aimee Kritikos (above, centre) and Krystal Rodriguez (above, far right) wear Hesse, a strong, solid oversize black acetate flattop with discreet logo engraving and Lido, the dazzling new zyl cat eye style of the collection, bejewelled on front and sides.

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Lido by Vera Wang
Lido by Vera Wang

World-renowned fashion designer Vera Wang is known for exquisite taste and a modern approach to feminine glamour and beauty. Her new eyewear releases, translated from the fashion collection, show an exciting twist on current trends and a taste for the dramatic with exotic flourishes of embellishment completing the picture. Find more details on the full collection including models Hesse, Lido and Osa at www.verawang.com / www.kenmarkoptical.com CN

Photo (top) by kind permission of Kenmark Optical