Design + Inspiration

Styles, Rodriguez and Kritikos in Vera Wang

Vera Wang’s beautiful sunglasses collection pinpoints classical elegance, contemporary detailing and strong shapes that ensure exceptional desirability, and  – quite naturally – an excellent celebrity following. Cue Gemma Styles, Krystal Rodriguez, and Aimee Kritikos, influencers with edgy fashion credentials and the ability to mix street style and high-end fashion quite effortlessly.

Osa by Vera Wang
Osa by Vera Wang

In the group pictured, Styles (pictured left) wears Wang’s new model Osa, a design that combines the fashionista circular eye shape with a chic interpretation of the double bridge.

Hesse by Vera Wang
Hesse by Vera Wang

Friends Aimee Kritikos (above, centre) and Krystal Rodriguez (above, far right) wear Hesse, a strong, solid oversize black acetate flattop with discreet logo engraving and Lido, the dazzling new zyl cat eye style of the collection, bejewelled on front and sides.

Lido by Vera Wang
Lido by Vera Wang

World-renowned fashion designer Vera Wang is known for exquisite taste and a modern approach to feminine glamour and beauty. Her new eyewear releases, translated from the fashion collection, show an exciting twist on current trends and a taste for the dramatic with exotic flourishes of embellishment completing the picture. Find more details on the full collection including models Hesse, Lido and Osa at www.verawang.com / www.kenmarkoptical.com CN

Photo (top) by kind permission of Kenmark Optical

Double bridge designs

Eyewear designs with a double bridge bring new interest and excitement to frames. Frequently linked to vintage, the latest interpretations  combine echoes of retro, with a thoroughly contemporary mood. There are stylish and smart sunglasses and optical designs from which to choose. Among our favourites is the dynamic Calabar (above) with blue lenses by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at L.G.R in Rome – its dramatic shape is further enhanced with a stainless steel double-bridge and pince-nez for superb comfort. www.lgrworld.com

Yashi by Sven Götti - Götti Switzerland
Yashi by Sven Götti – Götti Switzerland

A swashbuckling aviator design by Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland highlights Yashi, in ultra- light titanium. The sleek frame also features Götti’s patented Spin & Stow folding technique for easy care and frame safety. www.gotti.ch

Style 9185 by Jono Hennessy
Style 9185 by Jono Hennessy

Reflecting on the 1970’s inspired this cool frame in tortoiseshell acetate by Jono Hennessy in Australia. The stainless steel double bridge and temple detailing provide an unexpected twist to the distinctive design. www.jonohennessy.com

Style JF2752 by JF Rey
Style JF2752 by JF Rey

JF Rey in France captures vintage and contemporary styling with JF2752 – a striking frame in pewter, featuring an expressive round shape and slit temples. www.jfrey.fr JG

Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart

Porsche and Mercedes-Benz draw auto fans from around the world to the historical city of Stuttgart. Acclaimed botanical gardens and a rich cultural legacy are among numerous reasons to visit Germany’s sixth largest city. For eyewear enthusiasts, a visit to Die Brillenmesse – held at prestigious Motor World and chock-a-block with fabulous vintage autos – is postively another reason to be in Stuttgart on October 15th and 16th.

Die Brillenmesse enables visitors to view beautiful eyewear from international, independent labels. Award winning designer Adrian Marwitz will present his refined collection – crafted in titanium – that unites high tech implements with traditional spectacle production. The Loving Strangers collection includes streamlined designs for men and women. In the above photo – he wears Lover 9 in loving grey, and his companion wears Lover 7 in loving Bordeaux. www.adrianmarwitz.com

Lupita by Orgreen
Lupita by Orgreen

Danish state-of-the art craftsmanship is expressed in Orgreen’s innovative designs. Among the frames being presented in Stuttgart is Lupita – a striking shape in matt aqua titanium with sandblasted gold sides. Unique and chic! www.orgreenoptics.com

San Diego by Blackfin
San Diego by Blackfin

Italian artisan detailing is found in all Blackfin designs, and San Diego for men displays a distinctive personality with its large, angular lenses and bold double bridge. Super sophisticated in a sleek grey/black combo. www.blackfin.eu

Denali by You Mawo
Denali by You Mawo

The Denali frame by You Mawo derives its inspiration from the seven mountain summits. The North American Mountain was originally called Mount McKinley. However, last year, the name of the mountain was changed as a tribute to the original settlers – and now proudly called – Denali. The ultra light You Mawo frame that pays homage to this natural mountainous wonder is composed with polyamide and weighs only fourteen grams. You Mawo is an innovative German brand and one to watch. www.youmawo.com For more details on the Stuttgart show with the exciting roster of independent labels, visit www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

 

 

Jeff Goldblum stars in Independence Day – and SALT.

Extraterrestrial technology and fantasy unite as Jeff Goldblum portrays the satellite engineer – David Levinson – in the sequel to the classic film Independence Day, originally released in 1996. In the 20th Century Fox production, Goldblum, reflecting a futuristic and commanding presence in his handsome specs – Mitch by SALT. Optics. – springs into action to save the planet from alien invaders.

Extraterrestrial Adventures - 20th Century Fox
Extraterrestrial Adventures – 20th Century Fox

The sleek acetate frame in smokey grey features contemporary shaping with distinctive nose details. Handcrafted in Japan, the frame is constructed to exacting standards in luminous high quality acetate.

 

MITCH - by SALT. Optics featured in INDEPENDENCE DAY
MITCH – by SALT. Optics featured in INDEPENDENCE DAY

A distinguished frame for men – whether battling aliens – or other earthly adventures. www.saltoptics.com JG

Exceptional Eyewear in Zurich

Throughout history, memorable events have occurred during the month of October. It is the birth month of composers Verdi, and Liszt, and pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to St. Helena, Eleanor Roosevelt was born during this month, and the first film “talkie” opened in New York in the 1920’s. For eyewear enthusiasts, October dates to remember for 2016 are Sunday and Monday – 2rd and 3rd October. This year’s Hall of Frames is particularly noteworthy as the event will be held in a new and spacious venue – Stage One Events and Convention Centre in Zurich. Conveniently located near the centre of Zurich, the setting features many amenities – and an inviting, welcoming atmosphere to showcase some of the most exclusive and exciting international eyewear labels.

Participants include Götti Switzerland who will present their elegant selections, including Titanium designs featuring the patented “Spin & Stow” collection – the unique way to easily fold frames, and then safely tuck in a bag or pocket. Sleek and refined is Tajo (above) in a beautiful panto shape. www.gotti.ch

Minor 205 by ROLF SPECTACLES
Minor 205 by ROLF SPECTACLES

Nature, forests, woods, and classic cars are inspirations for the ROLF team, creating their artisan frames in the beautiful surroundings of the Austrian Tyrol. The latest addition to the Excellence Collection is a frame with class and luxury – the Minor 205 in walnut and burl impressively crafted to emphasise the retro charm of the shape. The design is inspired by the classic car – The Morris Minor – which was built by the UK company Morris Motors in Britain from 1928 to 1934. www.rolf-spectacles.com

 

HAPTER - MO2M from The Icons Line
HAPTER – MO2M from The Icons Line

HAPTER in Italy will be in Zurich to present the TXT001 (Icons Line) plus an innovative concept that is to be launched this autumn. The Icons Line includes MO2M (above) a prescription frame in Clear Military Green with a handsome Steel Blue Bridge. A smart colour contrast is available in sunglasses with Steel Blue, and the bridge in clear Military Green. www.hapter.it

Taylor by Claire Goldsmith Eyewear
Taylor by Claire Goldsmith Eyewear

Claire Goldsmith has eyewear DNA in her veins, with a heritage that has forged remarkable and memorable designs worn by international clients and celebrities. Claire is creating her own eyewear identity and history with her superb collection of optical frames. Taylor is a chic combo in tortoiseshell and aqua acetate, highlighted with a gold nose piece www.clairegoldsmith.com

Linda by Neubau Eyewear
Linda by Neubau Eyewear

With its Austrian heritage and dedication to quality, Neubau beautifully – and proficiently – creates eyewear with impressive results. Linda is an exceptional frame in lightweight polymer in Psychedelic Tortoise, which resonates a stylish respect to the classic cat eye shape. www.neubau-eyewear.com Additional information on Hall of Frames Zurich at www.hallofframes.ch JG