Design + Inspiration

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

Sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory – and a legendary style statement. Feeling passionate for retro? Contemporary? Voluminous shapes? Radiant colours? Explore a bit of fantasy with international designers fulfilling your fashion cravings with glamorous, luxurious and amazingly crafted sunglasses. Eyestylist presents exhilarating selections that will brighten your spirit – and summer – for 2017. Amanda (above) is an expressive shape in luminous Dusk acrylic from the Kaleidoscope Collection by Jason and Karen at Kirk & Kirk, and is equally chic in seaside and urban surroundings. www.kirkandkirk.com

Echoes of the Italian Riviera that Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at L.G.R knows and loves highlight Reunion XXL in soft pink matt acetate with grey lenses. www.lgrworld.com

Oliver Goldsmith’s iconic Manhattan first introduced in 1960 is reinvented in a Limited Edition with dramatic gold flourish: Mahnattan Goldside. www.olivergoldsmith.com

Romantic, feminine and inspired by Nature – Tulipano by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei in overlapped acetates with floral colourations radiates charismatic confidence. www.resrei.com

Fashion Blogger Lisa Dengler sets the mood for summer in Zac Posen’s sleek sunnies with a graciously curved silhouette in gentle pearl. www.kenmarkoptical.com

California beauty and serenity coupled with technical excellence, beautiful materials, and bold styling in sought after tortoiseshell acetate enriches SALT. Optics design Lopez – created for outdoor living! www.saltoptics.com

Playful styling, complimented with creative contours, and a dash of gold, midnight blue and black colourations in Bocca Divine by Face à Face, reflects mystery and intrigue  for your summer adventures. www.faceaface-paris.com

Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art sunglasses Explorer in summery ocean blue, are cool and alluring with a refined, elegant cat-eye shape. www.silhouette.com JG

Nowadays, seeing life through rose tinted lenses is only one option for a cheerful, optimistic attitude. New lens colours are as exciting as the designs in which they are placed. Pairing sleek sunglasses with beautifully tinted lenses bring yet another exciting perspective to eyewear. A summery, nautical mood is expressed by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at L.G.R with Lawrence (above) a powerful shape with zero base blue tinted lenses, and a foldable white flap with stunning blue stitching. Definitely the frame for those who embrace adventure! www.lgrworld.com

Sven Götti’s striking new Götti DIMENSION collection with 3D printing is lovingly crafted with luxurious precision. Caine in Brick features brown gradient lenses: sophisticated, streamlined and oh so stylish! www.gotti.ch

Look and feel The Diva – wearing Plein Les Mirettes feline-inspired Diva 1 in a collage of Tokyo milky tortoise acetate, with a thin layer of crystal, and navy blue Zeiss lenses. Discover more “Diva’s” by the French brand at www.plein-les-mirettes.fr

LINDBERG’s handcrafted frames unite with beautiful Style Colour lenses from Transitions Optical. Ultra-lightweight, minimalist Model 6535 by LINDBERG n.o.w. harmonises with Transitions Amber lenses for a contemporary, individualistic attitude. Style Colour lenses seamlessly transform from clear to dark when exposed to UV light. Explore more at www.lindberg.com and www.stylecolours.co.uk

Voluminous, expressive, evocative and glamorous, Zero 09 by Finest Seven in Platinum with gradient blue lenses is the ideal accessory for summer escapades. The lightweight design features high-tech detailing for perfect fit and comfort. www.finestseven.com

Blackfin’s summer sun design Gold Beach echoes the  1950’s with a cat-eye silhouette, rejuvenated with modern composites – pure titanium with subtle pink-mirrored lenses. See more Blackfin sunnies at www.blackfin.eu JG