Design + Inspiration

Certain blue tones are like a rhapsody – expressive and effusive. Blue hues are harmoniously connected with the sea and sky: plus depth, stability, loyalty, faith, confidence and wisdom. French artist Yves Klein registered his own blue – International Klein Blue – and in 1957 he declared: “The whole world is blue”, and created a Klein Blue Globe. Eyewear designers fall under the beautiful blue spell as well with stunning, uniquely crafted frames that frequently reference the magic and variety of the colour. Chic frame designs by Plein Les Mirettes include Hybride 3 (top image) in lively blue acetate with metal details. www.plein-les-mirettes.fr

Theo was inspired by Japan – the culture, beauty and yes…the noodles. Oodles of noodles are everywhere in Japan, and theo captured the fluent noodle shapes in five masterful stainless steel frames – including SOBA – in brilliant blue – and other amazing colours. www.theo.be

Titanium is the sleek material in l.a. Eyeworks symmetrically sculpted design in Bic blue. The elegant shape is further enhanced with finely crafted detailing on the frame front. www.laeyeworks.com

A glorious shade of Ocean Blue in acrylic highlights Justin from Kirk & Kirk. The shape is bold and streamlined, with subtle intricate detailing. www.kirkandkirk.com

Zac Posen’s men collection includes designs that reflect old-world style, while utilising contemporary, custom materials, hardware and hinges. A handsome oval shape  – linear and lightweight – highlights Delany in Midnight Blue. www.kenmarkeyewear.com JG

Beautiful colours, alluring materials, and imaginative shapes characterise optical frames with optimum style chic. Creative concepts enhance the latest frames from international designers, confirming that eyewear is an elite accessory not only for corrective sight, but fashion flair. Danish brand Orgreen Optics features a sleek panto-silhouette – Vitus – in a mix of titanium and beta-titanium in seven lovely colourations, including 801 shown above. Nathaneal Wenger at Hall of Frames Zurich describes Vitus as: “My absolute favourite design and it works well with men too.” Orgreen Optics is among the artisan independent brands that will be presenting at Hall of Frames Zurich on 07-08 October at Papeiersaal. More news on the 10th anniversary celebrations for HOF soon on Eyestylist.com! www.orgreenoptics.com www.hallofframes.ch

Oliviero Zanon for Res/Rei highlights streamlined designs in The Cocktails Collection – ultra-light construction in elegant feminine shapes. Americano explores refreshing, delicate colourations in stunning acetate combinations from Mazzucchelli – handcrafted in Italy. www.resrei.com

A cheerful burgundy/cherry acetate design – Jacques – by KBL Eyewear is crafted in a timeless shape, with pure lines and aesthetic simplicity. Explore www.kbleyewear.eu for more optical and sunglass styles.

Never misplace or lose your glasses again! Frame Chain has the ideal solution with graceful chains in metal (above) delicate pearls, or desirable combinations. Discover the ingenious designs by Annie and Vanessa, co-founders of Frame Chain at www.framechain.co.uk

Sol Sol Ito is the exclusive Swiss brand with frame designs that maximise visual impact. Acetate and metal combine in a subtle pastel blue frame with the brands innovative twin-steel sides. Visit www.solsolito.com for more elegant designs.

Acclaimed fashion designer Zac Posen brings his couture technique to eyewear with commanding masculine eye shapes. A retro-inspired square shape in Forest Green with custom metal detailing on the temples combines with enduring tortoiseshell. www.kenmarkeyewear.com JG

Welcome summer – free from winter doldrums, and with eager anticipation of leisurely, sun-drenched days – now is the time to enjoy fabulous sunglasses. Eyewear designers cater to style/trend setters, with sunglass selections in alluring materials, shapes and colours to complement your easy-going, laid-back days. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at L.G.R adores the Italian Rivera, and is influenced by the natural beauty of Capri for his sun specs that glow with the colours of the island. (Top image: Reunion – design purity, elegance and chic in Cappuccino from the L.G.R Capri Collection) www.lgrworld.com

Copper is an unexpected component for eyewear, and in Ti Kwa’s talented vision it is a wonderful standout in his new collection for RIGARDS. RG0104CU – codenamed “Mad Scientist” – as it was designed in homage to the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s classic horror Frankenstein – is full of character with individual hand texturing adding an organic dimension to the frames. www.rigards.com

The open green spaces of Norway inspire Karmoie’s beautiful design by Kirsten and Lars Iversen. They embrace summer with voluminous sunglasses in a sleek round shape. Rise in Bark is lovingly crafted in fine quality acetate with meticulous details. www.karmoie.com

Plein Les Mirettes in France entices with rich colourations for their impressive and dazzling variety of sun styles. Left to right: Diva 6 in exclusive colouration for PLM by Mazzucchelli; Fantasque 7 in vivid tones; Re Belle 9 in mustard – a seasonal favourite; Diva 7 in specific Mazzucchelli colours for PLM. Visit www.plein-les-mirettes.fr for additional glamorous colours and styles.

The exclusive Signature Collection at Fleye Copenhagen includes the sophisticated and oh so cool – Elverfeld – that combines solid and transparent layered acetate in beautiful colour combinations. Explore www.fleye.dk for additional sunglass creativity from the Danish brand.

Sunshine is always a dynamic, enlightening inspiration for Marseille-based JF Rey. Jimmy 9010S is the latest innovative model in the Jean-François Rey 1985 collection – a powerful design in striking colours with a splendidly curved double-bridge. www. jfrey.fr JG

The arrival of spring and summer is abundant with thoughts of holidays, sun, warmth, and perhaps a leisurely escape. Time to celebrate and seek adventure, fun, and self-reflection to either new destinations  – or revisit favourite havens that have become very special. Whatever your preferences, greet the sunny season with that most glamorous of accessories – sunglasses. A particularly alluring design is Jono Hennessy’s stunning leopard print acetate frame (Top image 8402) with a gorgeous voluminous shape. www.jonohennessy.com

The numerous possibilities with 3D printing highlight the elegant geometric and topographical structures in the latest 3D Götti Dimension sunglasses, including Ella in sleek deep-dark blue wth a semi-matt finish. www.gotti.ch

The artistic flair of Lucia Pasin at Lu.Pa Studio in Italy radiates in her vivid design – Peggy Purple Poppies – influenced by Peggy Guggenheim, collector and supporter of modern art. http://www.lupa-studio.myshopify.com

Petra by Kirk and Kirk shimmers in charismatic luminous green acrylic with a sculpted retro-inspired shape. www.kirkandkirk.com JG