Design + Inspiration

Design Diversity

Alluring shapes, fresh new colours and treasured classics, plus beautiful materials highlight optical designs for men and women. Crafted with precision and fine detailing, the latest optical frames combine style, comfort, function and beauty. The Writers series by Italian brand Res/Rei, designed by Oliviero Zanon, includes contemporary shapes and refined colourations. Dante (above) is shown in black, and black with an elegant touch of blue – both designs in Mazzucchelli acetate. www.resrei.com Photo by Umberto Mischi

Silhouette has relaunched their best-selling Legends Collection – in metal and SPX – with styles in both solid colours and floral patterns. For many years, “Legends by Silhouette” has been worn by HRH Queen Elizabeth II – a testament to the workmanship, style and quality of  Silhouette. The new Metal Legends includes style 3504 (above) in an elegant blue with patterned temples. www.silhouette.com

Brighten your face, your day and your mood with Papa Frank by l.a. Eyeworks in Sunny Yellow. Designers Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi are inspired by the California sunshine with this retro-themed Titanium optical design, handcrafted in Japan. Check out www.laeyeworks.com for more exciting optical styles.

German designer Daniel Benner favours Stainless Steel for his striking design Cosmo 15 – a super-slim frame with a dramatic upswept double-brow in purple, and black temples. Artisan crafting in Germany is the hallmark of Benner Eyewear. More information at www.benner-eyewear.com

Designs with sparkle & spirit

The holiday season approaches! Let it be your special time to indulge in accessories with dazzling glamour and sophisticated style. Charmant’s Line Art Opera Collection – inspired by the world of music – suggests an elegant rimless eyepiece – XL2067 (above). The graceful temples feature a wavy filigree pattern in Excellence Titan, and delicate handset Swarovski crystals. Sophistication, comfort and beautiful design. www.charmant.com

Paola Costantini at Pollipo’ celebrates the holiday season with splendid Amethyst accessories, including sunglasses, a jewel clutch, bracelet and ring. The pearly variegated forest green/amethyst blend in the handcrafted sunglasses (style 534 Edition 916) is created from cellulose acetate, with a beautiful sheen. Scal, the Italian handmade jewel clutch, is in genuine Tuscan leather with a Crocodile pattern. Amethyst and rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver are used for the bracelet and cluster ring, and evokes subtle luxury and refinement. www.pollipocchiali.it

Silhouette has just launched stunning, contemporary frames – the Crystal Collections – three designs for women and one for men. Caresse (above) is crafted in 23K gold-plated Titanium, in a sleek, rimless design, featuring a single floating crystal on the temples. An impressive, timeless design. www.silhouette.com

Tiny flecks of gold highlight Singuliere by Lafont Paris. Rich purple acetate is silhouetted on the contemporary frame front, and the stainless steel temples are beautifully etched with a flowing leaf pattern. For further information on Lafont’s smart and diversified optical designs for men and women, visit www.lafont.com JG

Multiple Choice in Eyewear

Exciting eyewear options include electrifying possibilities in materials, colours and design. Unusual and traditional materials fosters fashion independence, and blended with originality and the unexpected – creates  unique designs. ROLF Spectacles – whose luxurious frames are handcrafted in the stunning surroundings of the Austrian Tyrol – specialises in elegant, natural wood designs, and Tigre 205 (above) has just won the V. Award for this frame at the HKTDC exhibition. The smart panto design in walnut burl, from the new Excellence Collection – features two-tone styling, with an elaborate and distinctive finish. State-of-the-art production technologies are the basis for these sophisticated designs, with meticulously executed details. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Surgical steel and iconic Italian textiles in black unite in HAPTER’S model MO2M, which is part of the Icons Collection. Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti – who love and respect mountain challenges – have designed a handsome frame with a dominant bridge, reflecting a retro mountain look – that creates an expressive statement.  The frame (above photo) is displayed in the Italian based Studio Hapteria – and is featured on a custom-made unit. This original display piece is fabricated from recovered construction iron, and 18th Century local wood, treated with a secret homemade blend of water colours, sand and oxides. More on HAPTER’S imaginative Icons Collection at www.hapter.it

German designer Daniel Benner enjoys creating frame designs with individuality and uniqueness. The collections are handcrafted in Germany, with artisan precision and quality. The latest from Benner Eyewear includes bold shapes in stainless steel and acetate, in equally striking colours. Edgy style is evident in Cosmo Duo 10 in red and Havana. Benner Eyewear also has distinctive frame designs for woman – so check out www.bennereyeweardesign.com JG