Design + Inspiration

Cold temperatures, intense morning fog and a snowy outlook, but whatever the weather, Germany’s Opti fair is always a fresh and friendly start to the eyewear year. A strong mix of technical companies alongside a roster of international eyewear designers and rule-breaking start-ups ensures there is always plenty of innovation and more than a hint of the creative trends on the horizon.

Above: Inspirational eyewear designers – Vue dc Founder, Chris Mascré and Yolande De Clercq, showing chic acetate eyewear designs (below), made in France – www.vuedc.com – Photo by Elisa Biscotti for Eyestylist.com / www.elisabiscotti.de

This year saw new and innovative collection launches from Gotti Switzerland (Rimless Collection), Monoqool Denmark (new Slider Series), Yuniku (vision-centric 3d tailored eyewear by Hoya) and Vava from Berlin (Aluminium Series), among other new releases.

Vava’s new concept of very light designs in aluminium prioritises highly developed physical and mechanical properties – made in Italy, the frames are created using cutting-edge industrial milling techniques. www.vavaeyewear.com

At Falvin Eyewear, A Danish-born brand, the combination of technical precision with luxury has achieved excellent success with optical boutiques and the brand concept evolves with new precious platings of Palladium and 24 carat gold. www.falvineyewear.com

LOOL Eyewear won the first ever Blogger Spectacle Award, part of a new enterprising Opti initiative that puts emerging labels under the spotlight, by introducing them to an audience of fashion and eyewear bloggers who then cast a vote for their favourite concept. LOOL, a start-up from Barcelona by Aris Rubio, co-founder and Alex Carrasco, marketing director, has achieved immediate recognition from the optical and fashion industries for its design excellence and innovative patented hinge system. www.looleyewear.com

Opti 2018 takes place on 12th to 14th January next year. More releases from the Opti fair will appear on Eyestylist.com in the weeks ahead. For further information on the programme of events, visit: www.opti.de CN

London’s 100% Optical Fair opens its doors this coming weekend, with an extensive choice of international eyewear on display for British optical professionals. Independent labels will feature across the fair, and include luxury and artisan collections that have become leaders in their field of expertise.

Gotti’s success in the UK is built on a reputation for Swiss design married with Japanese production excellence. Their selection of frames now encompasses horn, acetate, titanium, a state-of-the-art 3d printed range – showing for the first time in London, and brand new screwless rimless eyewear. For more details: www.gotti.ch

Photo above: fashion blogger Oliver Lips wears the eye-catching model Ellis by Gotti Switzerland.

100% Optical offers a special opportunity to see the latest luxury frames by Italian designer Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. L.G.R’s dedication to old-school artisan techniques is highlighted in optical frames and sunglasses such as the eloquent Monastir, a supremely lightweight frame with round eye shape and textured metal nose bridge. The metal work is extremely accomplished and unique. www.lgrworld.com

Returning to 100% this month, Salt. Optics, from California brings a wide selection of new designs to the fair, including model Burkhart (pictured in matte mauve mist) fitted with Polarized CR39 lenses. The Burkhart’s 80’s inspired silhouette adds a new aesthetic of simplicity in functional styling with very narrow beta-titanium temples combined with the brand’s super smart acetate in natural colorations – comfort and style wrapped up in one statement piece. www.saltoptics.com

Akira from Vera Wang is one of the luxe styles in the elegant collection produced by Kenmark Optical, exhibiting for the first time at 100% Optical. US company Kenmark also produce collections with Zac Posen and Original Penguin, and show an impressive design direction as well as impeccable focus on minute design details.

The pairing of acetate with metal in model Akira has a gentle subtly. Swarovski crystals are inlaid at the top and bottom of the temple for a touch of sparkle. Colours available include noir, black cherry tortoise and walnut tortoise. For more information: www.kenmarkoptical.com / 10o% Optical takes place at ExCel from 4th to 6th February 2017 in London. More information: www.100optical.com CN

Variety’s the very spice of life. That gives it all its flavour William Cowper

The English poet chronicled 18th Century daily life in the countryside, with all its magnificent diversifications. Three centuries later, variety is the mainstream of living and culture. Eyewear enthusiasts can partake in a medley of amazing optic alternatives this weekend (28-30 January) at OPTI-Munich. International designers and labels will present their latest collections in optical designs and sunglasses. Featured here is a selection of the imaginative and inspiring eyewear that will be on display. Monoqool  from Denmark (Koncert above) will debut their new SLIDER series with 3D printing. www.monoqool.com

Lovingly handcrafted designs by Christian Mascré for Vue dc feature sleek silhouettes in acetate. www.vuedc.fr

Götti Dimension highlights superbly elegant 3D printed frames, and sporty models with the patented “spin & stow” temples. www.gotti.ch

Suzy Glam Smokes Cigars in the colour Pipe is a new men’s design that radiates luxurious detailing and finish. www.suzyglam.com

Shasta shines with vivacious shaping and dynamic colourations in an optical design by l.a. Eyeworks. www.laeworks.com

Jérémy Tarian presents his collaborative design in association with his workshop at HEAD Géneve (Geneva University of Art and Design Switzerland). Eva Gaumé’s winning design is now part of the Tarian + Collection. www.jeremytarian.com

Nature’s beauty and bounty inspired the streamlined designs in the Koali collection by Morel France. www.morel-france.com

The new collection by Tavat – “Soupcan Acetate” – includes supremely light designs with striking colourations. www.tavat-eyewear.com

Come explore these innovative brands – both established and new – and discover and experience the many exciting aspects of eyewear at OPTI-Munich this weekend. www.opti.de JG

Handmade eyewear chains add an extra enhancement to specialist frames, and new labels are popping up with innovative ideas balancing practicality and eye-catching design. VON-IKKE eyewear cords are handmade in Mainz, Germany by Elisa Biscotti and Mario von Wantoch-Rekowski. Discreet quality details such as nickel-free eyelets and loops coordinate with the colours of the cords, and all the designs are made in Germany in their entirety.

Colours include bold brights such as orange, violet or coral, and multicoloured versions of which our favourites are the two-tone blue with multicoloured patterning entwined in the cord.

Having caught on quickly with opticians in Germany in the year since they created the start-up, the label is also producing a new Hangar necklace, which acts both as a frame chain and elegant piece of wearable art. Stockists include Vogel Optik in St Moritz (www.vogel-optik.ch) and Coblens Augenoptik (www.coblens-augenoptik.de) and For more information about VON-IKKE chains and their unique Hangar necklace, visit http://vonikke.de/ CN  – Photography by Elisa Biscotti – www.elisabiscotti.de

Eyewear fashion and flair await visitors at 100% Optical on February 4-6 at Excel in London. The spacious venue is an ideal setting for premier eyewear brands to showcase their latest collections. The impressive line up of quality, visionary-thinking eyewear companies includes Götti Switzerland who will present their Ultrasmart and Minimalist concept. The new campaign was photographed in the National Museum Zurich, an architectural landmark built in 1889. The designs are worn by five different protagonists who love entities that are simple – yet beautiful. The frames designed by Sven Götti express an eyewear landmark as well; with designs that are beautifully constructed; extremely lightweight, plus they exude aesthetic value and technical perfection. Julie Richoz, porcelain and glass designer, wears ADAN (above) elegantly streamlined in pure Titanium. www.gotti.ch

The iconic round frame enjoys a chic revival, and Luca Gnecchi Ruscone creates a modern interpretation with George – the ultimate round frame. L.G.R designs are entirely handcrafted by artisans in Italy. George is sleekly silhouetted in cellulose acetate, and available in black matt with grey lenses (above), and three different shades of Havana Tortoiseshell. Explore more superb L.G.R eyewear creations at www.lgrworld.com

Beautiful colourations are a hallmark of Kirk and Kirk designs from England. The acrylic frames – totally handmade in France – are radiantly luminous, and include Carey (above) shown in Emerald. With a strong signature shape, Carey is also available in gorgeous tones of Ocean, Aqua, Coral and Sunset, among others. Discover more about Jason and Karen Kirk’s unique designs and fabulous colours at www.kirkandkirk.com

Blackfin has launched a beautiful new frame for women – Doran – with clean-cut square lines. The ample contour features a subtle cat-eye, and Blackfin’s patented Swordfish temple tips. A three-dimensional finish brings additional flourish to the design. Excellence is assured with the frames crafted in Italy by master craftsmen,  seasoned with passion and an enriched heritage. www.blackfin.eu JG