Design + Inspiration

Sailors and yachting enthusiasts particularly embrace this time of year when they can be on the water. SALT. Optics and North Sails  – the American lifestyle brand – have established an exciting collaboration that makes life on the water even more exhilarating – and safer. North Sails founder – Lowell North is an accomplished sailor – winning a Gold Medal in the 1968 Olympics, plus Gold Medals in the Sailing World Championships, so he understands the need for performance and safety on the sea.

SALT. Optics are eyewear specialists committed to technology, craftsmanship and exceptional performance – complimented by a love of Nature’s natural beauty. Aesthetics; lenses that adapt to water; secure, long-lasing fit; and durability highlight the frames. Sleek minimalist styling is resplendent in the designs –  the Lowell and the VMG. Mazzucchelli acetate highlights the Lowell, and Japanese Titanium silhouettes the VMG.

The lenses on both designs spotlight contrast lenses that are best for water; a hydrophobic lens coating; and an inner flash-mirror coating. Ships ahoy! www.saltoptics.com www.northsails.com JG

From the Rome Coliseum; to the Cologne Cathedral; Gaudi in Barcelona; The Sydney Opera House; The Shard in London; and Hamburg’s illustrious and elegant recently opened Elbphilharmonie  – architecture has substantially influenced designers in a variety of professions. This is especially evident in eyewear, where lithe, linear, round, geometric and angular shapes are intricately connected to distinctive frames. Discover here a variety of shapes in fine quality materials that reflect architectural features in eyewear design. Lightweight, sleek and slim: Darcy (above) aviator shaping by Götti Switzerland in shiny gold Titanium. www.gotti.ch

Cool and contemporary: Lica in handcrafted beta-titanium by Fleye Copenhagen in sophisticated matt gold and midnight. www.fleye.dk

Angular dimensions define Trianon in acetate and metal in chic colourations by Lafont Paris. www.lafont.com

Minimalist styling highlights Big Time in surgical stainless steel in exotic Tonka Blue with Fuchsia by l.a. Eyeworks. www.laeyeworks.com

Colours and contours unite in Malva, crafted in Italy in Mazzucchelli acetate from the Res/Rei Flowers Collection. www.resrei.com

Architectural styles often combine modern updates with traditional concepts – a theme featured at Jono Hennessy in FABO 8409 in Highland Moss. www.jonohennessy.com JG

Fashion designers frequently offer compatible styles that can be enjoyed by both men and women. The Tuxedo suit is a prime example – a classic design appreciated by men, yet resonates a contemporary, timeless statement for women. Eyewear fashion mimics a similar approach – in unisex designs with shapes and colours now popular with everyone. Neubau’s latest collection presents a commanding, chic aviator contour – Edmund (above) – which will be relished by any wearer. The stainless steel frames are inspired by the 1970’s, and feature a sleek double bridge. www.neubau-eyewear.com

Tom Herrington at Rock Optika is the handsome model for his own eyewear designs (above). Herrington loves luxury, retro, beautiful materials and craftsmanship – all of which he weaves into his stunning designs. Saiph in Italian acetate is meticulously handmade in France. www.rockoptika.com

Ti Kwa at RIGARDS has launched luxurious frames in .925 sterling silver. This special collection is fine-tuned with precise, customized hand shaping, and skilful artistry expressed in geometric silhouettes. Discover more distinctive RIGARDS designs at www.rigards.com

Blue colourations in all their majestic variety inspire designers – and frame wearers. Kirk & Kirk’s streamlined design Victor in lightweight acrylic radiates beauty and vigour in a strong, striking Ocean colouration. Victor is from the dynamic Kaleidoscope collection – visit www.kirkandkirk.com for more distinctive designs.

James in sultry Smokey Grey acetate by SALT. Optics is a flash back to the 1950’s, and proof that a fashion concept can transcend the decades. This reinterpretation as demonstrated in James is spot on with current trends for streamlined, solid and beautifully crafted eyewear. www.saltoptics.com

High definition, luminous acetate bursts with electrifying, luminous sartorial colours of African Tortoise in Teagarden by l.a. Eyeworks. Contemporary shaping and Japanese craftsmanship ensure noteworthy fit and comfort. www.laeyeworks.com

“I always thought to myself ‘what shape would a super hero like Peter Parker (Spiderman) want to wear?'”, asks Mehran Baghaie at Spectacle Eyeworks. “I gathered he would not wear something too flash, so I tried to design something that Sir Parker would like, without blowing his cover. The essence of Parker is ‘clean chic’ – masculine and super hero-ish. Every man wants to be a super hero!” (or a female Wonder Woman…) Parker in stainless steel is crafted in Germany. www.spec-eyeworks.com

At theo the motto is: “everything is unisex if you ask us, because everybody should wear what they want!” Joyful acetate colours abound in mlle+46 in a strong shape with cool fashion credentials. www.theo.be JG

The statement appeal of white vintage-style sunglasses make them a recurring trend in fashion. Popularised many times, and in the 90s by Kurt Cobain (he wore a Christian Roth shape, now re-released), the white oval or squaew designs have been a hit with celebrities, even back in the 1950s and 60s, thanks to iconic designers such as Oliver Goldsmith, who made the statement white frame with dark “mysterious” lens look his very own.

Above: Sheila Scott, the English aviator, wearing Oliver Goldsmith “sunspectacles” in 1966 – featured in ‘The Optician’, May 27th 1966

One example that has helped shape this trend is now in the prestigious V&A accessories collection in London. The OG Icon Ogle dates back to 1966, and its curvaceous, stylised shape with upward curve at the front, was featured in the national press, along with many other white iconic styles. “This frame defines the look of that time,” says Claire Goldsmith, eyewear designer and great granddaughter of the eponymous celebrity sunglass designer. “Today the frame is handmade to order; it is an OG masterpiece, and one of many that have a classic and timeless place in our wardrobes.”

Other OG styles bear the influence of those earlier decades, even the most eccentric with their striking shapes or stylish details. The famous Manhattan (pictured above), typically featured in dark tortoise or black, has made a 2017 comeback in matt white with trendy clear temples. “Who would have thought she would look so pretty in white!” says Goldsmith with delight at the result of the re-edition, part of a series which explores pale gelato pastels, giving the classic frame a new and elegant focus for the summer. www.olivergoldsmith.com CN