Design & Inspiration

Designs With Retro Heritage

29th April 2013 Vintage is an international language – witnessed here with two retro inspired designs created in far-flung countries – Australia and Hungary. From “down under” Jono Hennessy’s Rad Grad makes a strong vintage statement with its finely crafted shape in elegant crystal and black acetate. www.jonohennessy.com

Vinylize in Budapest endorses the vintage theme with this sleek cat eye design, Tadashi, created from vintage vinyl records. The gentle shaping highlights the natural grooves from the records. Unique! www.vinylize.com JG

Round Shapes With Distinction

29th March 2013 In our recent travels, we have spotted several round shapes that quickly became favourites. There are adventurous round versions, and lovely classic interpretations as well. Interior designer and eyewear creator Veronika Wildgruber features frames with the lenses set into intersections (above Magnolia). The result is a very light design with chic and technical triumph. www.veronikawildgruber

The simplicity of Sven Götti’s Aubert (above) is very appealing with its elegant round shape, highlighted with a delicately curved nosepiece, and beautifully crafted in titanium. The frame is as light as a feather, and extremely comfortable to wear. www.gotti.ch

Tortoiseshell and round shapes are natural partners, and ClassicS by Coppe+Sid is a new collection with smart designs in smooth acetate. I saw this collection in Milan, and like the retro spirit with its modern character in quality acetate. www.coppeandsid.com JG

Tom Stevens Eyewear The Netherlands

26th February 2013 Tom Stevens reflects on “Men’s Eyewear – The Designer Approach”

Do you have a ‘role model’ when you design?  “Sometimes I use my dad’s face to work on a design. Of course, you always think about measurements, and fitting that is typical for male faces. I usually start drawing from an image/shape in my mind. Sometimes I fine tune a design on my father’s face.”

What is your perspective on colour, shape and material? “Taste is something different for everybody. I think a frame should complement/complete the face. I do prefer somewhat rounder shapes for men, instead of the very sharp-edged, angular frames. Regarding colours, I think a male frame should make a statement. If the design is good, many colours could fit. i prefer using only one colour on a design. If you use more, for example, two-tone, it is very important that the colours complement each other very well, otherwise it could totally destroy a good design. I love titanium designs for men in basic colours, but also fashion colours, like our neon orange model Lee.” (Below – inspired by Dutch singer  Lee Towers, from the 1980’s, who is also well known for his frames).

Nowadays, are men more experimental with eyewear? “Yes, I can see that more and more men like to wear a statement frame. Now it is more common to wear fashionable designs instead of very basic frames. Men are not afraid to wear a frame that stands out somewhat, and men like to distinguish themselves. I like this tendency – it’s fun!” www.stevenseyewear.com JG