Design + Inspiration

Spring into the season with frames flourishing in crystal clear designs by leading eyewear creators. Luminous tranquillity, an aura of calm and serenity like a beautiful sea or lake, highlights crystal frames that are cool, clear and comfortable. Certain frames have the slightest tint, or temples accented with a flourish of bright colour. Clear acetate frames were particularly fashionable in the 1950’s, usually with cat-eye shaping. Nowadays, technology and beautiful quality acetate – ensure crystal acetate frames are chic and contemporary. The latest designs are a refreshing accent to spring/summer fashions. Sahin from the Götti Switzerland Collection (above) radiates a lustrous glow in acetate with a soft blush and stainless steel temples. www.gotti.ch

Thomas Lafont at Lafont expresses – and impresses – with a crystal design – CAP – in a timeless shape and a flash of colour on the temples. www.lafont.com

A tawny glow highlights PIKE from l.a. Eyeworks. A bold, fabulous square shape blends retro with modern techniques. www.laeyeworks.com

Crystal designs in sunny styles are flattering and SMART by Karmoie in Norway and a “smart” choice for summer holidays. The distinctive, round shape is also ideal for small faces. www.karmoie.com

Plein Les Mirettes bring a sculptural grace to clear acetate with Fantastique VIII, in a design that shimmers in the light. www.plein-les-mirettes.fr

Sol Sol Ito 010 is distinctly distinguished with its straight bridge, round eye shape, and dashing bright red temples. www.solsolito.com JG

In the design world, oak provides an inimitable surface texture, desirable natural colour tones and opportunity for innovation in form and detail.

A tribute to the great master of chair design, Hans J. Wegner, whose anniversary takes place in early April, a unique edition of the Wishbone Chair is produced in ancient oak.

The Danish architect is considered a pioneering furniture designer of the twentieth century. As a driving force behind ‘Danish Modern’, he helped change the general public’s view of furniture in the 1950s and 1960s. His passion for designing chairs, more than 500 of them, is recognised worldwide and reflected in his title ‘the Master of the Chair’.

The oak edition of the chair is available on April 2-3rd, 2018 exclusively, and features a brass plate engraved with Wegner’s signature and a certificate of authenticity.

“Hans J. Wegner has left a unique cultural heritage that continues to inspire. His furniture has the potential to be challenged and reimagined in new materials. This is what we have done with the new Ancient Oak variant, which will be of particular interest to collectors and Wegner enthusiasts,” explains Knud Erik Hansen from Carl Hansen & Son.

The special-edition Wishbone Chair can be purchased from authorized Carl Hansen & Son dealers and flagship stores. Details at www.carlhansen.com

At ROLF Spectacles, the leader in handcrafted wood eyewear, who subscribe to the same high craftsmanship standards in wood design, the circular SPRITE and STAR models from the EVOLVED collection are for lovers of pure minimalist glasses. Made from Smoked Oak, Maple Smoked Oak, and Smoked Oak Walnut and handcrafted in the Austrian Tyrol with outstanding precision through each step of production, the grain of the natural material and the subtle nuances of the colours are immediately visible. Moreover, these artisan frames offer exceptional comfort thanks to the natural finish of the oak and a multi-directional screwless, metal-free Flexlock hinge. Find out about ROLF Spectacles stockists at www.rolf-spectacles.com CN

Ideas, concepts, and influences spring from many sources – nature, music, art, fashion, architecture, and much more. The latest eyewear collections demonstrate how designers draw upon a wide variety of familiar sources to create frames that are innovative and distinctive. Cuddly little koala bears – Australia’s favourite fauna – decorate unique Limited Edition sunglasses by Jono Hennessy.

Hennessy and the family love their country, and decided to celebrate the Australian natives with their fluffy ears and amazing nose. KOALA sunglasses are fitted with quality CR39 brown gradient lenses. Visit www.jonohennessy.com for more super sunnies.

The elegance and charm of music highlights designs from the VIVACE Collection that includes XL2116, in a contemporary silhouette with sleek understatement.

Fluidity and smooth design features are crafted in flexible Excellence Titanium, and the frame features temples with delicate colour ingredients that harmonise with subtle contrasts. For additional styles inspired by the world of music in the Line Art Collection explore www.charmant.com

The landscape, colours, and natural beauty of The Isle of Capri inspires Luca Gnecchi Ruscone’s delightfully chic Capri Collection. The newest rendition is Orchid – a glamorous cat-eye in Matt Limoncello with gradient green lenses. The Capri Collection captures the atmosphere, beauty and colours of the Italian Rivera reflected in Luca’s graceful designs. www.lgrworld.com

The rich tones and blossoming beauty of nature influences frames in Oliviero Zanon’s Flowers Collection for Res/Rei. The frames are handmade in a variety of acetates – fusing and overlapping to create designs that express flower petals and delicacy. Amaranto is the latest interpretation in The Flowers Collection that projects feminine flair. www.resrei.com

A clear, tranquil, aquamarine sea comes to mind with Kirk & Kirk’s beautifully transparent design – Ray from the Kaleidoscope Collection – in lightweight, durable Acrylic. The bold shape adds lustre and allure to a design characterised with smooth, modernised elegance. www.kirkandkirk.com JG

The iconic British brand Oliver Goldsmith has launched a superb collection of sunglasses – OG Decades – to celebrate their 90th anniversary. An amazing eyewear journey that began in the “Roaring 20’s” has overcome numerous international crises – including a World War – achieving an enamoured and engaging history that continues to captivate global customers. (Top image: 1930 OG Decades)

Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Michael Caine and Lady Gaga are just a few of the spectacle wearers who have created style legacies wearing Oliver Goldsmith. Nowadays, fashion world luminaries, royalty, rock stars and movie stars embrace the striking, timeless designs.

The collection includes ten different frames that transcend the lifestyle and fashion highlights of each decade, with every design meticulously investigated.

If travels take you to London, include on your itinerary a visit to the stunning OG Store.LDN, in Notting Hill, just off Portobello Road. Here you can connect to the history and heritage of the Goldsmith family, as well as seeing the current collections, and admiring the influential designs that are recognised as historic and timeless. Visit www.olivergoldsmith.com for further details on all the collections at Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, and Claire Goldsmith Optical. JG