Design + Inspiration

Vintage influences

Vintage influences always arise in the new collections, often with a subtlety that points to a particularly innovative direction or careful study of a timeless look from the past. The half moon, the monocle, the pince nez and classic reading glasses designs of the early 1900s – all of these specialist vintage designs have come into play in recent collections, influencing details and shapes with elegant, traditional and timeless overtones.

The award-winning Seeoo Classic reading glass design, described as a contemporary revisiting of the everlasting historical glasses, “pince-nez” comes from one of just a few specialist Austrian producers of eyewear. Connecting manufacturing tradition and contemporary technology, the Seeoo collection is made with Mazzucchelli® acetate and each design comes with a designer case, created for protection as well as ease of carrying. The mobile phone case is particularly practical. More designs are available at www.seeooshop.eu

Colette 5098SB by LAFONT Paris

The Parisian brand Lafont has a huge collection of perfectly formed antique-inspired designs including model Colette, also reminiscent of the classical shape of the pince-nez. The ever popular round eye shape paired with a high nose bridge is distinctive and refined, and the coloration – among them this gold and subtle tortoise combination – adds old-fashioned distinction and individuality. www.lafont.com

Tuareg by L.G.R

The Italian brand L.G.R is similarly in tune with the most iconic vintage designs which in the present day reemerge with refinement and love for authentic Italian artisan craftsmanship. Sunglass style model Tuareg – combines an ultra thin metal frame, high narrow brow bar and classical blue coloured oversized round zero base lens in a design that perfectly balances design of the past with sought after modern practicalities such as high-class UV protection and comfort and fit. For more classic inspired design by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, the Founder of L.G.R, visit www.lgrworld.com CN

 

Summer pastels

Soft, pastel colours in fashion and eyewear create a refreshing tone when summer temperatures are sizzling. Airy and light, a pastel palette flows with revitalising ambience. Frames with muted intonations highlight designer collections – here are elegant choices to welcome record-breaking temperatures with cool poise – and style savvy. Pretty in pink…(above) Swiss brand Sol Sol Ito 019 AC in delicate pink acetate, sprinkled with glitter. www.solsolito.com

Jono Hennessy Limited Edition 8449

Jono Hennessy’s Limited Edition style 8449 is available in an alluring array of colours: aquamarine (above) plus tea rose, sky blue, and pistachio. www.jonohennessy.com

Daiquiri from the Res/Rei Cocktail Collection

Cool and classy – Res/Rei’s Cocktail Collection includes streamlined Daiquiri in high-density Mazzucchelli acetate. www.resrei.com

Bang Bang Baby by Anna-Karin Karlsson

Glamour and glitter: Bang Bang Baby by Anna-Karin Karlsson combines 24K Gold Plated stainless steel and acetate with graceful muted tones, and sparkling Swarovski Crystals. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Landry by SALT. Optics

SALT. Optics Landry – its purity of line in Lemon acetate reflects bracingly chilled lemonade on a shaded terrace. www.saltoptics.com

Player by Karmoie

Karmoie’s sleek frame Player in Twig is meticulously crafted with beautiful proportions and fine details. www.karmoie.com JG

Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart new venue

A different site and new eyewear brands create a stimulating and exciting platform for the 2018 edition of Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart. Garage 229 is the ultra-spacious location, an Art Deco building with convenient access, lighting, and a favourite setting for music and motor events. On 13th and 14th October, Garage 229 will host independent eyewear designers – featuring well-established labels and recent launches. The award winning Swiss brand Götti sets the scene with stunning designs that include the beautifully crafted 3D Dimension (above) the technically brilliant Perspective Collection; and the elegant Götti Switzerland Collection. www.gotti.ch

Bolzano by 450 Ultra Limited

The colour spectrum is re-invented by 450 Ultra Limited with their expressive eyewear designs. Bolzano is among the unique frames crafted in Italy that will be presented in Stuttgart. www.450vision.com

NJ310-TP2 by NIRVAN JAVAN

Mazzucchelli taupe acetate silhouettes the contemporary and streamlined design by NIRVAN JAVIN, from the beautiful Swiss-designed collection of optical frames and sunglasses.  www.nirvanjavan.com

Style 6998 Koberg Germany

Timeless designs by Koberg in Germany combine stainless steel and acetate in style 6998 with metallic lacquer details and acetate end tips. Discover more at www.koberg-brillen.de

Mark those dates now! October 13th and 14th for Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart in a unique, divergent  venue – Garage 229. www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

Delirious Eyewear on Stella Jean catwalk

One of Milan’s most sought after underground labels, Delirious Eyewear, merges vintage-inspired shapes, classic Italian production techniques and, brilliantly, a touch of the extrovert, in its 2018 sun and specs collections, designed by founder Marco Lanero.

The label has some intriguing connections in the music and fashion worlds. They include a regular link up on the Italian catwalks with Haitian-Italian fashion designer Stella Jean, who like Lanero, is known for an appreciation of precise craftsmanship and artisanal expertise. Above: Designer Stella Jean wears Delirious frame on the catwalk, Fall/Winter 2018 collection preview.

‘Loose Optical’ by Delirious Eyewear – a dramatic shape in beta-titanium

Delirious handcrafts glasses with “the best materials on the market”, explains Lanero who chooses natural buffalo horn, Mazzucchelli acetate – the highest quality available – Japanese titanium and protective Zeiss sun lenses, and talks at length about precise studies he has made into the reliability and durability of the luxury materials selected.

Titania by Delirious Eyewear

Emblematic of the styling and confidence of the collection is model Titania, produced in acetate and Japanese beta titanium with a shape that appears to do the near impossible – combining a round eye shape with the suggestion of a cat’s eye. All Delirious frames are free from branding, and the founder is defiant in his view on this: “You will never find our name on our products.” The idea is to focus on the excellence of the design and the quality, with impeccable finishing and a small stamp of approval via an engraving, “handcrafted in Italy.”

Titania by Delirious Eyewear – like a sculpture in acetate

Delirious Eyewear was created in 2012, and first showed its titanium sunglasses on Stella Jean’s runway at the Fall/Winter 2017 show. The brand is now available in selected optical boutiques and a few prestigious fashion stores worldwide. A showroom is located in Milan at Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 52. For more information, and further details visit www.deliriouseyewear.com CN

Hall of Frames Zurich celebrates their 10th!

Ten years ago, Nathanael Wenger conceived a contemporary concept for an eyewear event – Hall of Frames Zurich. Artisan, independent brands would be featured, and Wenger was keen to find a unique location with sufficient space, amenities, and an historic past – blending both modern marketing techinques – with memorable, entertaining potential. He succeeded with Papiersaal, a noteworthy industrial building in central Zurich that is surrounded by modern architecture. With its convenient location the hall specialises in private, corporate and public events.

For a period, HOF Zurich was in other locations; now for the 10th anniversary of this annual eyewear event, the show returns to Papiersaal for a gala showcase of prestigious eyewear specialists. Participants include leading brands featured in the finest optical boutiques – including Götti Switzerland; Neubau Eyewear; Orgreen Optics; Von Arkel; Woow Eyewear; Falvin; Blackfin; Coblens; Face à Face Paris; and Specs Lab Zurich among other ultra-quality labels. Von Arkel (top image) will present their elegant designs including style 0807-001 from the Entourage Buffalo horn/Caliber 9 collection. www.vonarkel.com

Servierwagen by Coblens

Timeless designs in a variety of intriguing shapes feature at Coblens – the German label noted for its distinctive double-bridge styles. www.coblens.com

Blast1 by Face à Face Paris

Bold and imaginative colours highlight Face à Face Paris frames in acetate (above) plus acetate and aluminium combinations. www.faceaface-paris.com

Silverdale BF828 from Blackfin Black Edition

Retro and futuristic elements harmonise in Silverdale BF828 from the Blackfin Black Edition designs. The exclusive finish is possible with the Blackfin Nano-Plating treatment. www.blackfin.eu

Come join the fun – both business and pleasure – at Hall of Frames Zurich – 07-08 October at Papiersaal. www.hallofframes.ch JG