Design + Inspiration

No longer are there one or two key sunglass trends in a season. This year, the choice in shapes, dimensions and colour combinations by independent designers extends down a very creative path. The much loved classic round designs have been joined by squares, octagons, multi-sided lenses and slightly rarer triangular eye shapes, as illustrated in Smoke & Mirrors Sodapop sunglasses (5) where a small modified triangle is superimposed on a pearlescent white “main” frame. www.smokexmirrors.com

Hybrid designs – two shapes in one – are also a good example of what’s new and trending.

The innovative French label Peter & May Walk have created some wonderful catwalk designs with this concept in mind – model Cloud Cuckoo Land is a favourite with its round outer eye shape in a two-tone colour display and cute, flirtatious cat eye lens within. More details at : www.peterandmaywalk.com

Fakoshima, the conceptual Russian brand best known for its eye-popping sunglasses, has launched Struktur, a Bauhaus inspired collection of optical frames with sharp lines, subdued colours, and an architectural approach to the shapes and their defining details. Style 08/02/06 mixes the form of a cat eye with a flat top: it’s a gutsy design that converts the more feminine upswept shaping into a design that provides a unique statement for both men and women. www.fakoshima.com CN

The latest eyewear designs for men incorporate fine materials and intricate textures. Strong, dominant shapes are a hallmark at Rolf Spectacles, who recently captured the prestigious GOOD DESIGN award. Beautiful woods from The Tyrol inspire the creative team, and Vignale (above) is from Rolf’s Excellence collection – superbly crafted in a bold, squared form. www.rolf-spectacles.com Photo by Mahir Jahmal

African memories and a distinctive shape highlight L.G.R’s Albatros – inspired by the bi-plane and exciting adventures of Lady Heath’s pioneering fight in 1928. She flew from Cape Town to London, symbolising a true spirit of freedom and independence. Handcrafted in Italy to exacting standards, the metal and cellulose acetate frame has flat zero base tempered mineral lenses. The dashing design is available in four sleek combinations, including matt gold with black shown above. www.lgrworld.com

Elegant, classic and refined – LINDBERG style 8602 is a tribute to Titanium technology, in a design that spans urbanity to beach. The Danish company is a master of detail, and the temples are finely tuned to complete the sophisticated look. www.lindberg.com

Daniel Benner’s latest eyewear collection includes men’s designs with an interplay of materials that create a light, airy composition. Stainless steel in a silver and anthracite pattern achieves a distinctive mood for Cosmo 18, and each frame is totally handcrafted in Germany. www.bennereyeweardesign.com

The beauty, history and creative hub of Vienna are the source for the Neubau Eyewear collection. Paul is a lightweight, contemporary stainless steel design combined with Polymer temples. More news about Neubau at www.neubau-eyewear.com JG

Are you ready for summer? Is summer ready for YOU? Swimsuit? Check! Sun cream? Check! Fabulous sunglasses – absolutely, double checked! Choices abound – and certain to make a striking statement at summer destinations is Kirk & Kirk’s vibrant frame – AMANDA –  in Flame acrylic from the Kaleidoscope Collection. The luminosity of the acrylic emphasises the beauty of the shape and design. www.kirkandkirk.com

Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland combines artisan spectacle traditions with the latest high tech elements. Esty is a triumph in contemporary crafting with refined retro shaping. Hand polished acetate in subtle tones of marbled brown hues, and flat green lenses complete this chic accessory for summer holidays. www.gotti.ch

Soda Pop 1 is an exuberant design by Smoke X Mirrors – the exciting young company that crafts their individualistic frames in France. The voluminous acetate round shape glimmers with a pearl finish, and features a distinctive double nose bridge. Visit www.smokexmirrors.com for more exciting sun styles.

Strong, independent and creative women inspire Lucia Pasin’s latest eyewear designs at Lu.Pa Studio. Frieda Kahlo, Iris Apfel, Peggy Guggenheim and Grace Jones “are among my important muses,” says the Italian designer. GRACE is finely sculptured in a unique cat eye shape – one of Lucia’s favourite forms. The colours are gorgeous too. Discover additional Lu.Pa creations at www.lupastudio.it

Chic, lightweight, retro-glamour and beautiful colours tick all the fashion boxes for summer sunglasses at Blackfin. Key West is one of a stunning range of titanium designs, meticulously crafted in Italy. The panto shape and streamline features are sleek and elegant. www.blackfin.eu JG

Whether you fancy contemporary or exaggerated sunglasses, this summer choices abound for men, women and children. Classical compositions and bold statement designs in varied materials, copious colour selections and wonderful shapes are all on offer. Babies need sun protection too, and the perfect, stylish solution is Super Sunglasses by Zoobug (above). The fun striped handmade acetate design features child-friendly factors with curled temple tips, flex hinges, and 100% UV polarised lenses. The innovative British brand has an extensive range of specialised sunnies for children up to 12 years of age – explore more at www.zoobug.com

Colin Redmond at Niloca in Australia has launched a new collection – Titanium Bigglesworth – that will eventually consist of twenty models. The first series is called Poly Facet and includes shapes with intriguing variations on rectangular, circle and hexagon forms. Teh (misspelling intended!) Fox is to celebrate the charismatic person who is president of Redmond’s sport club and cannot spell! “We decided to embrace the error,” says Redmond, “because it’s a nice analogy – when life isn’t perfect, but we love it anyway. So these glasses aren’t normal, but people love them!” Teh Fox – shown in Ready Red – is available in seven additional radiant colours. www.niloca.com

Free-spirited sunglasses highlight the designs at Parajumpers by Coppe + Sid. Parajumpers specialise in sporty outerwear, and the collaboration with Coppe + Sid unites two companies who are recognised for products with authenticity and style. The sunglass collection in acetate and metal includes Spitfire (above) that is among the finely tuned frames that are crafted in Italy, and feature polarised Base 2 flat lenses. Lightweight yet strong, Spitfire has a smart double bridge and green lenses. www.coppeandsid.it www.parajumpers.it

TAVAT has a striking new campaign Discover your Destinations-elegant sunglasses with design simplicity, impeccable Italian crafting, and advanced technology. Inspired by the world of luxury travel, the frames incorporate modernity, comfort and ease. The Ex-Cam collection includes Gizmo (on the woman) and Edge 11 worn by the man. Definitely designs for the adventurous spirit in all of us! www.tavat-eyewear.com

American designer Vera Wang prefers pure lines in her iconic fashion designs, and the same principle applies to her chic eyewear. Zyl tortoiseshell and metal join harmoniously in Mierle, with a hint of vintage in this confident, strong shape. Discover more beautiful Vera Wang sunglasses at www.kenmarkoptical.com JG

Summer is a magical season. Soft air, warm sunshine, leisurely days, fragrant flowers, and billowy fashions. Gorgeous sunglasses enhance fine sunny days and personal style, and the latest creations by international artisans offer inspirational variety in designs, colours and materials. Scandinavian excellence, beauty, luxury and technical innovation highlight LINDBERG’S style 8404 (above). The exquisitely crafted sunglasses in two-tone titanium feature slim-line temple details in a finely honed, skilful silhouette. www.lindberg.com

Other ravishing examples include Elkins from SALT. Optics – based in sun-blessed California – that combines pale powder acetate and black sand beta titanium temples, with a sleek titanium brow bar. French optician Emmanuelle Kirsch designed the elegant, luxurious glass case. www.saltoptics.com www.emmanuellekirsch.com

Unique shapes intrigue eyewear designers, and Bus by French creator Christian Mascré at Vue dc makes a bold impression in finest quality acetate. Fusions of traditional and modern techniques authenticate the individuality of each handcrafted design. www.vuedc.com

Location near the British seaside is an inspiration for sunglasses by Tom Herrington at Rockoptika. Volume and superb shaping in crystal math acetate highlight Reprise. Herrington is a fan of classic eyewear shaping, enhanced with bold, expressive lines. Discover more striking frames by Rockoptika at www.rockoptika.com JG