Design + Inspiration

Lafont Paris has sadly announced the recent passing of Philippe Lafont, president of Lafont Paris, and a passionate advocate of eyewear. Lafont was also president of SILMO, and contributed his outstanding talents and professional expertise to GIFO.

In additional to Lafont’s numerous roles in the optical community, he was enthusiastic about opera; always polite, kind and courteous. Thomas and Matthieu Lafont will continue to support their father’s dedication to the family legacy as a pioneer and innovator of luxury eyewear made in France, upholding the company’s core values of integrity, craftsmanship and elegance.

Eyestylist extends our deepest sympathy and condolences to Thomas, Matthieu, family, friends and the Lafont team. JG

It can snow in Denmark in March but a chilly climate never changes the warm Danish welcome! The friendly, fast-growing Scandinavian eyewear fair Copenhagen Specs approaches this weekend and promises eclectic frame style from international brands setting an energetic outlook for Spring/Summer.

Exhibitors include Copenhagen’s very own Ørgreen Optics with their new collection dazzling in a SS17 campaign (above) about colour confidence…bolds, neons, and rich and vibrant tonal contrasts. www.orgreenoptics.com

Ørgreen’s British partner Claire Goldsmith will have her team present to show both the eponymous collection of sun and optical frames as well as the renowned Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses collection. There are a few extra special colour surprises including a limited edition of the classy Manhattan in soft summery gelato tones. www.clairegoldsmith.com

The ‘Explorer’ model by Silhouette Eyewear will be among the new finds at the Austrian company’s stand during the fair. This minimal, chic design perfectly reflects the flair of the 1950s, with unusual colour gradients such as orange with blue and glossy purple. The lens-in-lens technology creates the perception of a rim while offering the advantage of being very light and comfortable. More information at www.silhouetteeyewear.com

Monoqool’s 3D printed collection, produced in Denmark, will also be a highlight at the fair. The collection is on point with very fine profiles that are lightweight and aesthetically striking – look for the new Slider Series – described as “the thinnest 3D printed glasses in the world.”

Copenhagen Specs takes place from 4th-5th March 2017 at Lokomotivvaerkstedet. More details and a full list of exhibitors is available at www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Fresh, innovative, and dramatic sunglass designs are plentiful in the latest collections. Summer and sunglasses are synonymous, but no longer only for warmer months. Sun specs are now worn on a year ’round basis to protect the wearer’s eyes, as well as make a superb style statement. Eyestylist highlights some of the enticing and enchanting creations from acclaimed global designers. Hoops (above) from Face à Face Paris captures the vintage spirit in two-tone acetate. www.faceaface-paris.com

Volume and sparkling Swarovski crystals define Vera Wang’s glamorous design Mayir in garnet acetate. www.kenmarkoptical.com

Dashing Zero 13 by Finest Seven combines luxury and style in yellow gold with vibrant violet mirror lenses. www.finestseven.com

Children respond with enthusiasm to Zoobug’s delightful collection of sunglasses, specially crafted and sized to fit little faces. Featured above are a selection of super, fun styles for youngsters from the 2017 collection. Photo by Sarah Winborn www.zoobug.com

Italian eyewear craftsman Oliviero Zanon for Res/Rei endorses retro styling with Penelope, in Mazzucchelli marbled tortoiseshell acetate. www.resrei.com

Sumptuous curves and bold straight lines pair beautifully in Taylor by British brand Walter & Herbert, in shimmering crystal acetate. www.walterandherbert.com

Orgreen’s Limited Edition On Fire includes this stunning design Vivid Sea of Flames. A special burning process creates an intriguing iridescent finish to the frames. www.orgreenoptics.com JG

Eyewear in Round shapes has the distinction of being both traditional – and new. Round frames have been favoured from Benjamin Franklin to Ghandi, Iris Apfel, Elton John and Harry Potter. What is new, is the amazing diversity and the eyewear impact of dynamic Round shapes. Whether in wood, titanium, acetate, rimless, stainless steel, or mixed materials – the enthusiasm for the Round silhouette is a highlight of this season’s eyewear.

Children also love the Round shape, with Zoobug’s stylishly chic design ZB1030 certain to appeal to emerging fashion enthusiasts. The handmade acetate frame – with superb fit for young faces – is among the exciting new optical range from the award winning British brand. Fabulous colours too – including a fun, streaky mix of blue/purple/crystal, featured above. Photo by Sarah Winborn. www.zoobug.com

Putting rimless frames into Perspective: Sven Götti reinvents the sleekness, and minimalist aesthetics of the Round shape with his new designs from the Götti Perspective Collection. Masterfully engineered – which Götti researched and refined during several years – the frames have no soldering involved, no screws, and no glue. Perspective/Shape RR53 is a new dimension in streamlined eyewear. www.gotti.ch

Blackfin has launched a new chapter in their Collection – Blackfin Lamina PLUS. Superbly crafted in Italy, the frames unite titanium with cellulose acetate eye-rims. The Italian brand expresses style and innovation with Cutler BF794 in beautiful colourations. www.blackfin.eu

ROLF Spectacles, the pioneers in fine wood frames, has won the renowned GOOD DESIGN Award – the prestigious recognition for cutting-edge products – with Topolino. The Round shape is reminiscent of the Italian classic car for which it is named. Handcrafted in the Tyrol, ROLF’s Topolino is available in luxurious wood combinations. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Bold colour accentuates Carter Bond 9207 in shimmering emerald acetate with colour-coordinating wood scratch temples. Discover more Round shapes in acetate and mixed materials from the Australian brand at www.carterbond.com

Norwegian designers Kirsten and Lars Iversen appreciate the timelessness of vintage frames, whilst bringing a fresh approach to their lightweight, contemporary designs. Rise in Twig acetate harmonises naturally with contrasting colour on the sides. www.karmoie.com

Canadian creator Mehran Baghaie interprets the Round shape with an intriguing design – Iman – in ultra-thin stainless steel. Colourations are linked to the various stages of the maple leaf. Explore more innovative styles at www.spec-eyeworks.com

Pollipo’ favours the Round form in Tortoiseshell Amber acetate – style 619 – with handmade riveted hinges on the front and temples. The frames are crafted in Italy, and hand polished with the traditional tumbling process. www.pollipocchiali.it JG