Design + Inspiration

Tim Van Steenbergen + theo = Compositions

15th May 2018

With the introduction of Compositions by Tim Van Steenbergen + theo – optics and art fuse naturally – and with exceptional distinction – into stunning, dramatic sunglasses. The Belgian duo frequently collaborates on eyewear, and the latest collection includes a third Belgian – the accomplished post-war artist, Guy Van Den Branden. Top image: Composition 1957 TVS + theo

Royal Blue distinction Composition 1958 TVS + theo

Van Steenbergen is an admirer and collector of Van Den Branden’s paintings. The artist’s geometrical abstractions focus on composition, rhythm, form and colour…the same characteristics that highlight Van Steenbergen’s visionary insights. So it was an instinctive progression that Tim pay homage to the artist’s work.

There are six Compositions sunglass designs in the collection – offering an exciting harmony in titanium and acetate. The array of colours are amazing – from vivid and shiny – to mysterious darker hues – for a total of eight specialised theo-colours.

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The interplay of material and colour, further enhanced with the arcs and lines that criss-cross the frames, transform recognisable shapes. The outcome is a unique ‘constructivist’ sunglass collection with highly individual composites – resulting in beautiful and impressive eyewear. Explore more at www.theo.be JG

Design + Inspiration

Sunnies that sizzle!

8th May 2018

Sunny days forecast! From picnics to promenades, sun worshiping to surfing, tennis to trekking, summer is the season that offers innumerable activities to enjoy. Enhance these pleasures with sunglasses that provide style chic and protection from ultra-violet rays. The sun spec selection is diverse in shape, colour, material and fashion savvy – as seen in L.G.R’s elegant design Orchid in Limoncello (above) from the enchanting L.G.R Capri Collection. www.lgrworld.com

Dynamic colours and glamorous acetate proportions fuse in Jono Hennessy’s 8400 Limited Edition Botanical frames. www.jonohennessy.com

A voluminous shape finely crafted excels in Pettibone in Antique Rose with gradient lenses by SALT. Optics. Photographed by Clement Jolin in the California desert for the striking SALT.”Day in the Desert” campaign. https://saltoptics.com/blogs/news/blog-post-one

Charm and allure characterise The Moon by Anna-Karin Karlsson with genuine akoya pearls and zirconia crystals. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Zoobug sunnies are available for babies to 12-year olds.

Zoobug’s delightful Regent’s Park campaign featuring children’s sun designs combines fashion savvy children love, and high-performing quality lenses with 100% UV protection. www.zoobug.com

Transitions Style Colour lenses in Vanni frame

Beautiful Sapphire Blue Transitions Style Colour lenses highlight a colourful Vanni frame. www.stylecolours.co.uk www.vanniocchiali.com JG

Design + Inspiration

Tech trend: Ørgreen’s Quantum 2.0

3rd May 2018

Ørgreen is preparing the launch of its second Quantum collection, a high-tech minimal eyewear range that unites state-of-the-art eyewear materials and a unique hinge design (see https://www.eyestylist.com/2017/09/silmo-2017-one-week-go/ ) – the subject of much curiosity in the world of optics.

Consisting of 12 designs for men and women, the second Collection extends what the brand describes as “the preoccupation with contemporary urban identity, characterized by constant movement, freedom, and self-determination” with focus on the extra matte Polyamide fronts paired with titanium, and a new range of hues with a distinct yet understated direction.

Ørgreen Quantum 2.11 for women, with a deep lens shape

Eyestylist asked Head of Design Tobias Wandrup to comment on what differentiates a frame with this level of technicality and state-of-the-art construction: “Quantum perfectly represents the minimal and functional DNA of the Ørgreen designs. And it’s in the DNA of this brand to continuously research and implement ways to increment the minimalistic aesthetic and the functionality of the frames. In that sense, Quantum is the Ørgreen state of the art.”

Ørgreen Quantum 2.12, the butterfly look with a sleek design

“Innovation is more and more a key factor for consumers, and brands are following this trend using innovative material, applying new technologies. It is of course a matter of balance. The brand needs to be able to do that without losing the aesthetic appeal – or compromising their design statement.”

For those who have not yet seen the product close up, as well as nice clean proportions typical of the label, the frames feature a minute spherical hinge which connects the titanium temple to the polyamide front, eliminating common eyewear components such as screws and bolts, and producing a finely honed minimal focus that fits perfectly with the Danish design aesthetic. Comfort, of course, is at the top of the agenda, and with high-performance materials like titanium and polyamide in combination, you can feel secure that the frame will wear well and stand the test of time. Find out more about eyewear innovations and the latest collections by Ørgreen Optics at www.orgreenoptics.com CN

Design + Inspiration

Vive sunglasses!

1st May 2018

Summer and sunglasses are synonymous and this season’s presentations offer stunning choices in materials, styles and colours. Tinted lenses bring additional zip to sun specs in glamorous, unexpected shades. Cat-eye shapes; graphic and angular frames; round shapes in mini and oversized designs; plus aviators – a perennial favourite – feature in varied selections. It’s time to celebrate summer with beautiful, distinctive sun specs from international designers.

Götti Switzerland has accumulated numerous awards for their innovative designs. The latest accolade is Frame of the Year 2018 for the elegant rimless model DC05, from the Götti Perspective collection (top image). “For me, rimless glasses are the most prestigious discipline in the design of glasses,” says designer and owner Sven Götti, “and achieving the technical requirements with so few materials took over eight years of development.” The captivating shape with tinted lenses is constructed without soldering or screws. Explore more Götti technical innovations at www.gotti.ch

Norma from The Diva Collection by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei

Drama, beauty, intrigue – Opera has it all, and is the influence for the striking designs in the Diva Collection by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei. The Divas are glamorous sunglasses with haute-couture touches in Mazzucchelli acetate. Norma has round, expressive shaping, further enhanced with tonal colour explorations. www.resrei.com

Lobster from The Signature Collection by Fleye Copenhagen

The Danish smorrebrod concept – delicious layering on sandwiches – inspires a distinctive Limited Edition sunglass design from The Signature Collection by Fleye Copenhagen – Lobster. Sculptural shaping, meticulously handcrafted in beta-titanium, ensures a slim, very light, and extremely comfortable frame. Fun and playful! www.fleye.dk

Summer days on the river in Paris inspire KBL with Seine – a contemporary, sleek sunglass design in Tortoiseshell acetate and gold metal. Seine reflects a refined, timeless design that embraces new technology. www.kbleyewear.com

LINDBERG’S latest sunglass designs for men are debonair, slim line and expertly crafted in the finest materials. Model 8412 highlights an architectural sensibility with a double bridge. All LINDBERG sunglasses are suitable for prescription lenses. www.lindberg.com

The Girl in the Garden Collection by Anna-Karin Karlsson includes luxurious sunglasses in 24K gold-plated titanium, totally handcrafted. Japanese titanium artists individually sculpt the lush flowers that embellish The Garden. www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG

Design + Inspiration

Anna-Karin Karlsson Jewellery treasures

27th April 2018

Bold and beautiful, dash and daring characterise the eyewear designs of Anna-Karin Karlsson. Now the prolific Swedish designer has launched a jewellery collection – abundant with AKK’s inimitable, imaginative dreams steeped in strength and statement. “There is so much half-hearted stuff out there,” said the designer, “and I wanted to create something that was strong, graphic, beautiful and enduring.” Top image: Anna-Karin Karlsson

Rose Noir Necklace by Anna-Karin Karlsson

The Anna-Karin Fashion Jewellery Collection includes necklaces, bracelets, and earrings of distinction. Flowers are a particular inspiration for Karlsson – and she enlarges on this theme with the Rose Noir Necklace crafted in resin and 24k gold plated metal. The sculpted design sits elegantly and comfortably on the neck.

Karlsson has a delightful sense of humour that she portrays in her eyewear – and the jewellery as well. She is curious and fascinated with life, the environment, and animals. A wide cuff bracelet in plated white gold is enhanced with a handpainted colourful bug.

The timelessness of gold chains is elegantly interpreted by Karlsson in 24k gold plated links that can be worn with variety. Currently, Anna-Karin Karlsson’s Fashion Jewellery Collection is available in Russia, France, Portugal, Sweden and South Africa. With her prodigious talent, it is intriguing to contemplate what Anna-Karin’s next exciting quest may be…www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG