Design & Inspiration

A new generation of Icons

OG Family 16, coming to Paris

11th September 2015 British designer Claire Goldsmith, great granddaughter of Oliver Goldsmith, announces a new collection of Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, inspired by details from the OG Icons, the collection that recreates some of the brand’s most famous sunnies. Focusing on single details from the Icons as a starting point, the new “Family” frames play with historic references whilst adding a modern aesthetic in colour and design. It’s the first new OG line in over 30 years.

London / Oliver Goldsmith
London / OG Family

The frames are named after streets, places and landmarks in London – including significant spots in the city that are dear to Claire and part of everyday OG life.

OG Sunglasses
OG Sunglasses

Friends, family and the Goldsmith children star in the newly released Oliver Goldsmith campaign which highlights the brand’s wonderful British heritage. “I wanted to cast a physical embodiment of our collections,” explains Claire, “with two Icons, two Family and two of our kids featured. The feeling was to be quintessentially British, classy yet a little off kilter, polished and always keeping up appearances a little.”

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Primrose / Oliver Goldsmith
Primrose / OG Family

Oliver Goldsmith exhibits OG Icons, Family and Mini Icons at SILMO Paris from 25th to 28th September 2015. Additional SILMO information at www.silmoparis.com. For more on OG Sunglasses, and the OG boutique in Notting Hill, visit www.olivergoldsmith.com CN

Autumn Eyewear Artistry

New Arrivals in Luxury Eyewear

New season, new looks, and new style interpretations – autumn pulsates with exciting fashion revelations in clothing, accessories and eyewear. Paris is the setting for SILMO, the eyewear show, and the brands featured here will be presenting their latest collections at the end of the month. Beauty, refinement, precision and technology are the hallmarks of LINDBERG, the multi-award winning Danish company. They will present the newest models in the LINDBERG Strip Collection, including the supremely elegant 9710 – above. www.lindberg.com

When Trouble Came To Town by Anna Karin Karlsson
When Trouble Came To Town by Anna Karin Karlsson

A favourite frame of Anna Karin Karlsson and her international clients is the seductive, expressive When Trouble Came to Town. Anna-Karin’s latest luxurious interpretation is in silky black acetate, liberally studded with Swarovski crystals. You can also shop for Anna Karin Karlsson’s stunning designs on line at www.annakarinkarlsson.com

XL2068 Charmant
Line Art Opera Collection by Charmant

The magic, opulence and mystery of opera have inspired the newest designs from the LIne Art Collection by Charmant. Hand mounted Swarovski crystals are embedded in the temples in style XL2068, and the lightweight Excellence Titan frame is light-as-air to wear. Worthy of a standing ovation! www.charmant.com

 

Stranger No. 21 by Adrian Marwitz
Stranger No. 21 by Adrian Marwitz

Congratulations to Adrian Marwitz, who has been named a winner of the German Design Award 2016. He received a  Special Mention in the category “Lifestyle and Fashion” for the complete Urban Strangers collection. The German Design Award recognises top quality products with outstanding design. Stranger No. 21 – sunglasses in navy blue matt Titanium – combines traditional and modern techniques, with ultra-light finesse. More information at www.adrianmarwitz.com

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Cosmo Duo 19 by Benner Eyewear Design
Cosmo Duo 19 by Benner Eyewear Design

Daniel Benner enjoys mixing materials and then adding specific accents – as he does with the unique look of Cosmo Duo 19, that unites anthracite stainless steel and sandblasted black acetate. The distinctive frame features a reverse brow bar, and is handcrafted in Stuttgart Germany. www.bennereyeweardesign.com www.silmoparis.com JG

 

 

 

Mazzucchelli Magic

Italian Acetate with Global Accolades

One of the first new words I learned when starting to work in eyewear was “Mazzucchelli.” When designers and companies mentioned quality acetate, it was Mazzucchelli. The company was spoken of with reverence, awe and respect. After many years of admiring the lustrous beauty of Mazzucchelli, there was an opportunity to visit the company’s headquarters  – with a group of delightful Dutch opticians – located in the charming Italian village of Castiglione Olona, near Milan. Res/Rei, who produces all their imaginative designs in Mazzucchelli acetate, graciously organised an informative and inspiring visit to the firm that was founded in 1849.

In the ensuing one hundred sixty plus years , Mazzucchelli has created innovative, colourful and technical acetate marvels, that enables designers to broaden their approach to eyewear, and to explore and expand unlimited potential in frames. Creating acetate is a complex process that involves many intricate steps.  The knowledge, skill, and experience of enlightened craftsmen have passed down their unique talents from generation to generation. The careful blending of creative artisans and sophisticated equipment produces astounding results.

Acetate in process at Mazzucchelli
Acetate in process at Mazzucchelli Photo: Umberto-Res/Rei

Even though Mazzucchelli has the latest state-of-the-art machinery, it still utilizes machines that were built in 1884. Painstaking and delicate steps are involved in acetate creations, and employees must complete an intensive training period. In addition, production requires special skill sets including mental agility, patience, and experience in order to ensure the colour and high quality expected from Mazzucchelli. The company takes particular care that the employees are safe and protected during these processing operations – and takes great satisfaction in knowing that the staff is passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.

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The Better To See You…Bespectacled Bears welcome visitors at Mazzucchelli entrance Photo: Umberto-Res/Rei

Just as fabric companies follow fashion influences, Mazzucchelli has a keen eye on the trends, and develops 6000-8000 new colours every year, seventy percent of which are custom made. Designers often remark on the “warmth, beauty, smoothness and depth” of Mazzucchelli acetate, and it is one of the many reasons that they create frames in this material. Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei enjoys scouring the Mazzucchelli archives to find vintage acetates in which to develop his collection. Zanon once remarked that one of the reasons he started to create eyewear, is “because I wanted a more human experience. You interact with all the people involved from the manufacturer of the materials, to the clients…it is quite amazing.”

Acetate Triumph - Venere by Res/Rei in Mazzucchelli Acetate
Acetate Triumph – Venere by Res/Rei in Mazzucchelli Acetate

What is also amazing is the continuity of craftsmanship that begins with Mazzucchelli, and continues through to the eyewear designers – harmonious creations made by people who really care. www.mazzucchelli1849.it Res/Rei will be at SILMO 25-28th September www.resrei.com www.silmoparis.com  JG Top Photo: Bach and Mozart from The Musicians Collection by Res/Rei in Mazzucchelli Acetate

Autumn Eyewear Highlights

September and SILMO in Paris

1st September 2015 An exhilarating colour palette is just one of the numerous highlights that awaits visitors at SILMO in Paris from 25th to 28th September. International eyewear creators will present their latest collections, and the previews we have seen, indicate that the forthcoming season promises to be a beautiful symphony of colour, appealing shapes, and superb materials.

Ultra-slim acetate designs by Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland (above) possess a swashbuckling urban look with retro contours. Randy (forefront) features the symbolic Götti shine, in an autumn hue of shining russet. Wlady is a powerful shape with a velvety, soft matte finish in smooth Mocha. Randy and WLady are genuine modern classics luxuriously crafted. www.gotti.ch

 

Carey in Ocean by Kirk & Kirk
Carey in Ocean by Kirk & Kirk

The Greek god of beauty – Kalos – has inspired the vibrant colours in Kirk & Kirk’s new Kaleidoscope collection. Jason and Karen Kirk have crafted their signature Italian acrylic material into distinctive frames that radiate brilliant colour with a polished glass effect. Carey in Ocean features contemporary styling with strong, sophisticated contours. www.kirkandkirk.com

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SOHO in Lilac by Lafont Paris
SOHO in Lilac by Lafont Paris

Lafont Paris unveils their superb 2015 sunglass collection at SILMO. Amongst the newest designs is SOHO, with beautiful Liberty Art Fabric inserted between the acetate. The colourful floral variations are reminiscent of an English Country Garden, bursting with abundant blossoms. And just like a flourishing oasis, the colours are wonderful – including lilac (above); the frame is also available in a medley of red, blue, yellow and green florals; plus a predominately “white” garden scattered with tiny multi-colour buds; and three other variations. Lafont also promises additional eyewear surprises at SILMO this year – more info at www.lafont.com

Bungle Bungle by Jono Hennessy
Bungle Bungle by Jono Hennessy

Jono Hennessy reflects on his Australian heritage, and incorporates the colours and prints of his native land in the new eyewear collection. Bungle Bungle is inspired by the outback town of Coober Pedy, and its rare black opals. The expressive cat-eye shape is the perfect concept for these colourful and exotic frames. Jono Hennessy will also be launching a new brand at SILMO – Zepher Modern Alchemy – uniting Titanium and HDCA (hard density cellulose acetate). www.jonohennessy.com Additional SILMO information at www.silmoparis.com JG

 

Eyewear Canine Companions

Lapin – The Bilingual Pooch

27th August 2015 Eyestylist’s continuing series on Eyewear Canine Companions visits with Lapin – who is bilingual, but reportedly all paws when it comes to computer keyboards. So Lapin had a little assistance from her owners Jason and Karen Kirk, of Kirk & Kirk Eyewear.

Have you had Lapin since she was a puppy? “Lapin joined the Kirk family when she was eight weeks old. She is now twelve. Her parents were working dogs, and we met her at a farm in the Pyrenees, France. She is a Pyreneen Shepherd. As a puppy, she would herd Eden and Ezra (her parents) as if they were sheep, and nip their ankles.”

Is Lapin an “office dog?” “Lapin spends her day in our design studio making sure we are not barking up the wrong tree.”

Lapin The Pyreneen Shepherd
Lapin The Pyreneen Shepherd

What are some of her special characteristics? “Lapin has a fear of flies. She has lived in Brighton for three years now, so she is completely bilingual. Her favourite artist is Celine Dion, which really annoys the rest of the family, as nobody else in the house enjoys listening.”

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Has walking with Lapin ever triggered a design idea? “Taking Lapin for a walk offers a brief moment of calm…often the moment when ideas are formed.”

Does Lapin travel with you? “Lapin rarely travels with us although she did make the move from Bordeaux to Brighton. When we go on holiday she often prefers to stay with friends rather than come with us. As a mature lady, we allow her to make her own decisions. Lapin was nine when she moved to England, the perfect age for learning a new language. She took the cultural change in her stride, but developed a nervous twitch. And now whenever she meets a French person she whistles “She” by Charles Aznavour. It was alright the first few times…” www.kirkandkirk.com JG