Design + Inspiration

Heritage is an intricate component in everything that Luca Gnecchi Ruscone creates. As he celebrates the 10th anniversary of L.G.R, the Italian designer has launched The Heritage Limited Edition, that beautifully and elegantly reinterprets four iconic models of the distinguished brand: Asmara, Casablanca, Keren and Reunion. (Top image: Luca Gnecchi Ruscone)

The L.G.R legacy is rooted in the warehouse discovery of his beloved grandfather – Raffaello Bini – in Asmara in the capital city of Eritrea. Luca came across lenses, sunglasses and cameras that his grandfather used to import. The depth and scope of these vintage treasures influenced Luca to create his own eyewear label. Ten years on, the L.G.R brand is renowned internationally for frames individually handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisans, in the finest quality hand-polished materials.

The new models reflect Luca’s innate appreciation of quality  and homage to Raffaello Bini. The frames are crafted in matt acetate and equipped with polarised tempered mineral glass lenses, with the flaps in cellulose acetate. Small and sophisticated apertures on the side flaps are characterised by the lines of the three-light window in Luca’s grandfather’s store – Ottica Bini in the suburbs of Asmara. The four different designs are packaged in a smart leather box, or if purchased separately, presented in an exclusive, customised box and canvas case.

The L.G.R brand has established an international following in selected stores, and Luca recently opened a superbly stylish boutique on Corso Garibaldi in Milan. His individualistic, authentic, beautiful, ingenious designs are favourites with global clients, celebrities, and fashion-conscious wearers who appreciate top quality, cosmopolitan eyewear. Happy Anniversary L.G.R! www.lgrworld.com JG

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