Design & Inspiration

Eyestyle: Diversified and Distinguished

Multiple Choice in Eyewear

Exciting eyewear options include electrifying possibilities in materials, colours and design. Unusual and traditional materials fosters fashion independence, and blended with originality and the unexpected – creates  unique designs. ROLF Spectacles – whose luxurious frames are handcrafted in the stunning surroundings of the Austrian Tyrol – specialises in elegant, natural wood designs, and Tigre 205 (above) has just won the V. Award for this frame at the HKTDC exhibition. The smart panto design in walnut burl, from the new Excellence Collection – features two-tone styling, with an elaborate and distinctive finish. State-of-the-art production technologies are the basis for these sophisticated designs, with meticulously executed details. www.rolf-spectacles.com

HAPTER MO2M from the Icons Collection
HAPTER MO2M from the Icons Collection

Surgical steel and iconic Italian textiles in black unite in HAPTER’S model MO2M, which is part of the Icons Collection. Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti – who love and respect mountain challenges – have designed a handsome frame with a dominant bridge, reflecting a retro mountain look – that creates an expressive statement.  The frame (above photo) is displayed in the Italian based Studio Hapteria – and is featured on a custom-made unit. This original display piece is fabricated from recovered construction iron, and 18th Century local wood, treated with a secret homemade blend of water colours, sand and oxides. More on HAPTER’S imaginative Icons Collection at www.hapter.it

Cosmo Duo 10 by Daniel Benner - Benner Eyewear
Cosmo Duo 10 by Daniel Benner – Benner Eyewear

German designer Daniel Benner enjoys creating frame designs with individuality and uniqueness. The collections are handcrafted in Germany, with artisan precision and quality. The latest from Benner Eyewear includes bold shapes in stainless steel and acetate, in equally striking colours. Edgy style is evident in Cosmo Duo 10 in red and Havana. Benner Eyewear also has distinctive frame designs for woman – so check out www.bennereyeweardesign.com JG

Advantage: Acetate

Distinctive Eyewear Designs

Acetate is a beautiful, flexible material with numerous qualities that can be styled into elegant, unique eyewear. The material is lustrous; the colour potential is astounding; and acetate is so comfortable to wear. This versatile material for eyewear is a favourite for designers – and spectacle wearers. Vera Wang has launched a glamorous, luxurious Capsule Collection that combines bold shapes, graceful symmetry, and meticulous artistic evolution – interpreted by Vera’s inspiration from fine art, sculpture, and architecture. Nomi (above) in back acetate is crafted into a seductive cat-eye shape, and adorned with chunky Swarovski crystals. www.kenmarkoptical.com

Anna by Tim Van Steenbergen for theo Belgium
Anna by Tim Van Steenbergen for theo Belgium

The flexibility of acetate highlights intensive colours, so that they are rich and robust. Anna in shocking pink is a striking example – designed by Tim Van Steenbergen for theo, and characterised by a strong, voluminous shape. Contrasting coloured temples ensure additional beauty. www.theo.be

Style 8402 from Summer in Australia by Jono Hennessy
Style 8402 from Summer in Australia by Jono Hennessy

Limited Edition fabric prints in stunning colours and designs feature in the just-released 2015/2016 Summer in Australia Collection by Jono Hennessy. Style 8402 is a stripy melange of elegant acetate colours to highlight summer fashions under Australian sun, and other global balmy ports-of-call. www.jonohennessy.com

Shine by Face à Face Paris
Shine by Face à Face Paris

Shine from Face à Face Paris features a chic two-tone colour combination in acetate. Marine blue with a dash of lime fluorescent on the temples give this design a special radiance. The exaggerated cat-eye shape merges a touch of vintage with modern styling. www.faceaface-paris.com JG

Copenhagen Specs, March 2016

Eyewear event in Danish design capital

Independent eyewear design fair Copenhagen Specs announces a growing roster of innovative frame companies attending their Danish event in March 2016. New exhibitors include Vinylize by Tipton, ProDesign, Falvin Eyewear and Etnia Barcelona, alongside annual show attendees from Scandinavia and further afield.

Emmanuelle by Orgreen Optics, a leading Danish company attending the fair
Emmanuelle by Orgreen Optics, a leading Danish company attending the fair

Trade fair director Morten Gammelmark told Eyestylist: “Copenhagen Specs is Scandinavia’s independent eyewear fair, where inspiration and creativity are the key words. With over 135 brands like LINDBERG, Ørgreen, MYKITA, theo, Caroline Abram, Linda Farrow and Tom Ford it is an opportunity to get inspired and see new trends, with focus on the product and a great, friendly atmosphere.”

Vinylize Executive collection featuring vinyl and matt palladium – first time exhibitor
Vinylize Executive collection featuring vinyl and matt palladium – first time exhibitor
Ted by Gotti Switzerland, a returning exhibitor
Ted by Gotti Switzerland, a returning exhibitor

2016 sees the third edition of the Danish fair, which takes place at the Lokomotivvaerkstedet, an inspiring historic building (formerly used for repairing trains) located close to the city centre.

GIGI STUDIOS
Götti Switzerland
TVR True Vintage Revival
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
JISCO
MOREL
ROLF Spectacles
Falvin Eyewear: a newcomer from Denmark, exhibiting for the first time in 2016
Falvin Eyewear: a newcomer from Denmark, exhibiting for the first time in 2016

Gammelmark adds: “The fact that Copenhagen is a mecca for design enthusiasts out there attracts an incredible audience to the show. Our Danish design history with names such as Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner or LINDBERG creates a special context for visitors. Danish design is renowned all over the world for its clean lines and appreciation of high quality materials – tendencies that are also of the essence in contemporary design and international fine eyewear.”

Copenhagen Specs takes place on 5th-6th March 2016. Registration is now open at https://copenhagenspecs.nemtilmeld.dk/1/. Further information at www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Resort Ready!

Beautiful Eyewear for Sunny Destinations

When autumn and winter chill begins to set in, it’s time to think about sunny destinations. Visions of turquoise waters, soft sands and warm temperatures are very alluring.  So are sunglasses that lift the spirits, and provide eye protection from harsh sun rays, while bringing resort chic to stylish beach and evening wear. Here are some exciting collections!

Anna-Karin Karlsson draws on British history and her own Swedish heritage with The Queen – Mourning Lace (above) a celebration of both Alexander McQueen and Queen Victoria. The elaborate design exemplifies Karlsson’s reputation as the pacesetter of memorable and fabulous sunglasses. Her Swedish ancestors were hair jewellery artisans who created mourning pieces for Queen Victoria. Cotton cased acetate with a lace print, and the metal moth temple décor are made especially for the Anna-Karin Karlsson collection. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Sophisticated and Chic – Groucho by Roland Mouret
Sophisticated and Chic – Groucho by Roland Mouret

Roland Mouret’s fashion designs are coveted by women for their purity of design, sensuous draping and soft flow, which further compliments his beautiful resort fashions. Mouret’s sunglass collection is exquisitely orchestrated in smooth acetate, including Groucho in black, with refined temple details. More on Roland Mouret at www.rolandmouret.com

Zero 10 by Finest Seven London
Zero 10 by Finest Seven London

Aviator shapes are expressed in numerous variations, and among the most stylish is Zero 10 from Finest Seven in London. The exaggerated silhouette, sleek double bridge, and flattering Zeiss lilac lenses resonates fine, contemporary artisan craftsmanship. www.finestseven.com

The Tilman by Shane Baum at Leisure Society
The Tilman by Shane Baum at Leisure Society

Limited Edition en Plein Soleil from Leisure Society includes timeless designs by Shane Baum. The Tilman is a handsome optical frame that features clip-on sun lenses, with hand-enamelled crossbar details. www.leisure-society.com JG

Mondelliani for John Robshaw

On location in India

Mondelliani’s printed sunglasses created with textile expert John Robshaw took a trip to India with the designer last month, for a shoot that will launch for the Spring/Summer 16 collections. Robshaw uses Indian patterns, colours and block-printing methods in his collections, which now extend to bedding, fashion and furniture.

Kadena TG by Mondelliani for John Robshaw
Kadena TG by Mondelliani for John Robshaw

The six sunglass models, worn by local men in the photographs, include Kadena in two colourways reflecting the rich textiles typical of Robshaw’s mainline collections…choose from clear amber or amber with an exotic animal print effect.

Kadena by Mondelliani for John Robshaw

SALT.
ROLF Spectacles
JISCO
OGI Eyewear
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
TVR True Vintage Revival
ERKERS
BLACKFIN
GIGI STUDIOS
John Robshaw campaign SS16
John Robshaw campaign SS16

Robshaw, who studied fine arts at Pratt and traditional block printing in China, has joined forces with Italian sunglass company Mondelliani to create a special edition that perfectly encapsulates the vitality and colour of his vibrant artisan-inspired prints. Fitted with high-quality lenses for 100% UV protection, the frames are available online at www.johnrobshaw.com. Daring and elegant, says the designer. For more details on Mondelliani, visit www.mondelliani.it CN