Design + Inspiration

Sunglasses can manifest a unique mystique. They can be contemporary, cool, mysterious, luxurious, elegant, fun – and quite alluring. As you plan your holiday destinations to sunny climes, Eyestylist presents smart selections to wear with stylish splendour, and provide sun protection for your eyes. Cream and white acetate fashioned into a glamorous design – Rêveur – by Matali Crasset (above) for theo triggers thoughts of sand and sea. The bold shape and beautifully classic colouration is certain to make a memorable impression. Discover more of the exciting theo plus Matali Crasset collection at www.theo.be

Tortoiseshell is a perennial, much-loved favourite for sunglasses, and Pollipo’ from Rome has a lovely interpretation. Style 605 is handcrafted in Italy in sandblasted tortoiseshell and Dalmazia grey acetate. Classically streamlined and chic. www.pollipocchiali.it

The latest, fabulous RIGARDS sun frame – RG0077 – derives much of its inspiration from happy childhood memories of manga, monsters and giant robots. Seductively curvy, artistic finesse is evident with the craftsmanship, detailing and smooth bevels. www.rigards.com

Leopard sunglasses created with fabric designed by Aboriginal artists results in a striking design from a special Limited Edition – only 150 pieces – by Jono Hennessy. The frames are constructed using a technique Jono Hennessy developed with Dr. Regina Rossi at Mazzucchelli over thirty years ago. Dynamic and dramatic! www.jonohennessy.com JG

Sunglasses have all the attributes of an “it” accessory – style, design and unique details. For this spring and summer the sunglass options are abundant. Luxury and glamour are keynote at Anna-Karin Karlsson. The Swedish designer chooses soft aqua acetate and stones for her dramatic, romantic design – Decadence. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Two-tone styling highlights classy, slim wooden sunglasses by ROLF. Handcrafted in Austria, Zephyr is from the ROLF excellence collection, and features an elaborate, distinctive finish, accentuating the beauty of two woods. www.rolf-spectacles.com

The trending Panto shape captures the imagination of Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei. Leone – with a chic double bridge – is available in a range of beautiful colourations, including Tortoiseshell and white, and a tri-colour mix of royal blue, turquoise and orchid. www.resrei.com

Luminous Jade green acetate with subtle detailing compliments this lovely sunglass design  – Movie 2  – by Face à Face Paris. The voluminous, sculpted shape is a confident sun style statement. www.faceaface.com JG

Exquisite craftsmanship, flawless materials, and timeless design characterise Silhouette Atelier – the company’s outstanding new luxury collection. Designs include wonderfully crafted frames for men  – in titanium and gold – and for women in 18k solid yellow, rose gold or white. Hand-selected diamonds and cabochon-cut gemstones add noble elegance. The frames are a fusion of art and life, and the philosophy of Austrian art nouveau, The Judgendstil. Flowing, graceful lines, impeccable details and traditional goldsmith and stone-setters’ techniques result in luxurious frames with uncompromising quality. (Top image: models wearing Silhouette Atelier at the Milan launch).

Silhouette Atelier G008 (above) expresses contemporary airiness in 18K gold with sixteen diamonds of various sizes – set with superlative precision – adorning the temples.

For men, elegance and luxury are wed with 18K solid gold and titanium. Silhouette Atelier G700 is a  distinctive interpretation of timeless design. More on the stunning Silhouette Atelier collection at www.silhouette.com JG

Eyewear with design pedigree, fine craftsmanship and fashion flair prevailed at Die Brillenmesse in Cologne. Coordinators of the event, Nathanael Wenger, Dirk Geissmann and Steffen Keil were pleased with the event. Wenger commented: “The quality of the exhibition was very good; however, the 2nd edition of Köln had fewer visitors than expected. We are still a new show, and we want to make some improvements. We know that visitors like the concept and atmosphere, and we’d like to make little adjustments when we return next year. Perhaps we will change the timing, as we have discovered that the autumn events in Zurich and Stuttgart are so good. We are happy with the organisation and location in Köln.” Top photo: Andreas Ursprung designer Ursprung Swiss, Dirk Geissmann, designer Adrian Marwitz, Nathanael Wenger

Dirk Geissmann added: “The show has a relaxed, cool atmosphere where people can chat, see friends and talk about business. It’s not only a selling show – more like a platform to see the collections, interact and exchange ideas.”

Visitors were introduced to new brands, as well as established favourites. From Götti to Gabe, an emerging wood brand, Tarian to Thomsen Eyewear, the quality and diversity of the exhibitors impressed with their collections. Hall of Frames in Zurich is 2nd and 3rd October www.hallofframes.ch and the autumn edition of Stuttgart is 14th and 15th October. www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

Photos: Rouven Koehnen All Rights Reserved

Floral beauty, diversity, and elegance are the inspirations for Oliviero Zanon’s captivating Flower Collection. The designer’s first step in creating the frames was working with beautiful sketches by Karin Kellner (above), before the transformation into lustrous Mazzucchelli acetate in harmonious colour combinations. The frame shapes feature Zanon’s unique ability with unconventional forms that are eminently wearable and stylish.

Loto is a fusion of shimmering orchid and light tortoiseshell acetate with temple details that resemble a flower petal.

Orchidea combines striking turquoise blue with a tortoiseshell trim on the front, and a vintage echoed shape. Both Loto and Orchidea are available in other exclusive colourations. Handcrafted in Italy, the designs feature uncompromising quality. www.resrei.com JG