Design + Inspiration

“While spectacles are a growing fashion phenomena, there are too many unattractive and unfashionable items in the eyewear accessory market,” says the owner of Diffuser, a Japanese independent label that is already a leader in its field at home in Tokyo. Masaki Hirose, formerly at eyewear brand Dita, questioned the situation and turned his attention to developing attractive, distinctive accessories designed for men and women with discerning taste.

Launched in 2012, Diffuser’s concept is to create a well designed set of timeless accessories – with more accessibility for men, in well crafted quality materials, including leather and silver. “We are offering customers the satisfaction of wearing a better product – at an affordable price,” says Hirose. “The range now includes glasses cords, eyewear cases and pouches and some small leather goods – all of them coordinating with one another.”

Diffuser designs are original and come in a tasteful colour palette which includes natural tan, navy and black, with gold lettering – well suited to luxury eyewear and classically focused yet in line with contemporary trends. The accessories are widely available in Japan and are stocked by a selection of handpicked optical stores worldwide including Milan Lunetier (Paris), Haute Eye (S. Korea) and Senses Optik (Hong Kong). For more information visit: www.diffuser-tokyo.com CN

Young Italian label Delirious Eyewear is the first eyewear collection to receive special recognition in VOGUE ITALIA’s Who’s on next? annual awards, supported by Altaroma, the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade.

Delirious founder Marco Lanero was honored at the event held in June alongside fashion names which included Angelia Ami, Diletta Cancellato, MRZ and MTF Maria Turri. Accessory brands highlighted ranged from Maissa (luxury accessories), Manfredi Manara (shoes), and Woobag (a collection of bags), as well as Delirious, the only eyewear label present in the accessories category. In addition, Tomorrow, the international fashion sales platform, awarded a special prize to Delirious for their expertise and precision in Made in Italy production while the eyewear label also took away the Sugar prize, a special accolade awarded by the avantgarde concept store in Arezzo (Tuscany).

The awards are judged by fashion experts from Altaroma and Vogue Italia, with the winners being voted by an eminent Jury who includes manufacturers, distributors and the Italian and international press. The new collection for 2019 will soon to be presented at the Paris trade fair SILMO, September 2018 including new launches in buffalo horn and a titanium/beta titanium mix.

Delirious Eyewear is available at international concept stores and optical boutiques including Ackerman (Rotterdam), Epice (Osaka) and Visionary Optics (NYC). For more details about the collection, visit www.deliriouseyewear.com CN

Ingenious technology, pure aesthetics and streamlined style culminated in The Götti Perspective Collection (optical designs top image) being awarded Gold at the International Design Awards (IDA) in Los Angeles. The jury selected visionary designers who are pioneering in the way they think, innovate and energise inspiration and creativity. The IDA award is considered to be one of the most significant design awards in North America.

The Götti Perspective design is a simple lens assembly involving a 3D-printed push-fit system. This technical innovation features no screws or adhesives. Numerous possibilities in colours and shapes are created with just a few cutting-edge components. Sven Götti, Creative Director and CEO researched  – relentlessly  – to develop a new design language that resulted in The Perspective Collection. Götti said: “We are delighted that we were able to impress the jury as a Swiss company with our system of innovative rimless glasses.” Visit www.gotti.ch and experience gold-medal winning creativity. JG

The sun is shining! ‘Tis the season for fun and adventure! From festivals to fireworks, beach to boating escapades – sunglasses are the ideal accessory for summer style – and protective shade from UV radiation. The abundant selection is resplendent – with creatively designed, artisan-crafted frames, in beautiful materials and colours. Peak holiday season is on the horizon – and here are stunning sunglasses to provide fashion mojo and protect your eyes. Purity of line, luxurious crafted materials, and colours reflecting nature’s magnificence hallmark the Norwegian brand Karmoie, including Rise in Bark acetate (above).

Lightweight Earth acrylic is both durable and strong, and the luminosity of the material is bold and effective in Max, by Kirk & Kirk from the Sunglass Collection. www.kirkandkirk.com

Perfectly balanced silhouettes from the elegant Swiss brand Von Arkel are crafted in premium materials, and feature the amazing Caliber hinges with a foundation in watchmaking. www.vonarkel.com

For genuine summer cool and sophistication, Luca Gnecchi Ruscone has launched The Yacht Club Collection. The Skipper, in acetate covered with a special rubber layer, is destined to live life in Yachts Clubs, or on the water. More details at www.lgrworld.com

Sleek and contemporary – Bon by Fleye Copenhagen is distinguished by a double bridge and available in beta-titanium in subtle, distinctive colourations including semi-matt copper (above). www.fleye.dk

Carter Bond creates dashing titanium sunglass designs for men in timeless shapes – with classy details. www.carterbond.com

Tri-colour acetate highlights the holiday spirit in sun designs by the French label Plein Les Mirettes, made in Normandy. www.plein-les-mirettes.fr

Celebrate summer in ic-berlin’s Hauptstadt gunmetal sunglasses – strong in shape, character and quality. Handmade in Berlin. www.ic-berlin.de JG

Jonathan Hennessy Sceats – known in the eyewear world as Jono Hennessy – has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, at the National Gallery of Victoria. Jono’s father was an optician, so he grew up watching his dad perform eye tests and fitting fashion bespoke optical designs for his clients. Like father, like son…Jono developed a love for artisan eyewear and inherited the same devotion to quality and workmanship.

In the 1980’s, Jono began designing under his own label, and was a creative innovator, and soon the frames became the number one brand in Australia. A combination of an eccentric flair for life, passion for his country – which often inspire his designs – and always supporting the collaboration between independent designers and independent optometrists around the world, Hennessy has made significant contributions to Australian and international design.

The induction into the Australia Hall of Fame is a celebration of his achievements and dedication to his stellar career and creative innovation. Jono Hennessy will present their latest collections this weekend at Sydney SILMO 20-22 July. www.jonohennessy.com JG