Design + Inspiration

Germany’s Opti Munich show is fast approaching, a stage for international eyewear, creative designers, and emerging labels. Among the additions to the show this year, Opti will introduce !HOT, a dedicated area (located within Hall C1) highlighting hand-selected design talent and a new selection of labels that compliment the showcase of designs exhibited in the established YES! area (Hall C4). The fair attracts a large number of leading independent eyewear companies from Europe, Asia and the USA.

Orgreen Optics, the designer eyewear company from Copenhagen, returns to the show with their high quality titanium frames, and a campaign that pays tribute to late 70s and early 80s New Wave bands, featuring Nikolaj Hübbe (Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet) and Maja Krag (Unique Models) – pictured above. www.orgreenoptics.com

British luxury designers Finest Seven, led by Jesse Stevens, are to exhibit with their new metal collection for the first time – exquisitely light and elegant, with very narrow proportions and oversized lenses, the frames offer a superb balance of design quality and attentive finishing. www.finestseven.com

Face à Face continue their exciting work in aluminium, with a new series where comfort and style go hand in hand. Alium K, featuring two shapes, each in five colour combinations with be on show at the Fairground Messe Munchen,  alongside their new Alium sunglasses for men. www.faceaface-paris.com

Tavat Eyewear confirm they will present new models under their ³SoupCan² Collection and ³All Acetate² versions for optical frames with clip on options. Also showing are newly released shapes in the metal/acetate SoupCan sunglasses range, with the striking “sandwich” frame construction (pictured above) – www.tavat-eyewear.com

New editions from established French label Lafont Paris include the magical Genie, a reedition of the well-known ‘Jean Lafont’ 1980s classic with curved key hole bridge.  www.lafont.com

Opti Munich takes place from 15th to 17th January 2016 at Fairground Messe Munchen, www.opti.de. The event showcases some of the most famous eyewear labels alongside new and emerging international designers. CN

Joy and colour are two elements to celebrate, and a winning combination in artisan eyewear. The end results are beautifully original. Colour enhances, transforms and inspires. The amazing colours of South African fruit are the basis for the Exotic Fruit Collection by Niloca Eyewear. The Australian brand has launched a classic, large round frame – ACIA (above), fabricated in acetate with gold glitter in three different sizes to replicate a Glitter Tortoise effect. For more info on this custom eyewear brand visit www.niloca.com

Louise Sceats at Jono Hennessy reports that she looks forward to heading to their favourite summertime haunt – Palm Beach in Australia. The lure of sea and surf is the impetus for the new design Seaside Wave 202 – an explosion of colour that is reminiscent of sun parasols, the blue ocean and yellow sand. www.jonohennessy.com

Vibrant, joyous colour is a stimulus at Kirk & Kirk with their lively designs from the Kaleidoscope Collection. Acrylic – the preferred material at Kirk & Kirk – orchestrates with colour so rich – the effect is luminous and clear. www.kirkandkirk.com

Traditional shaping meets modern splashes of colour in Sandman by l.a. Eyeworks, a softly sculpted fame with generous volume – a creative design of multi-faceted colours in acetate – called Jimmy Tortoise. www.laeyeworks.com JG

The vast, sprawling plains of Africa, its beauty and history have long been an influence for Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. So the Italian eyewear designer was naturally inclined to participate in a humanitarian campaign to help African people. AMREF Flying Doctors is an independent, non-profit company providing professional air ambulance services across the African continent. Through their Charitable Evacuations Programme, the Flying Doctors offer aero-medical care and transport free of charge to the poor in need of urgent medical attention; otherwise these people may not survive.

Through their Charitable Evacuations Programme, the Flying Doctors offer aero-medical care and transport free of charge to the poor in need of urgent medical attention; otherwise these people may not survive.

To help support the AMREF Flying Doctors, L.G.R. has created Special Edition sunglasses  with the design based on suggestions received from the pilots. The sleek, smart frame – Dahlak – is revisited, designed with a special anti-reflective coating on the lenses, plus a powerful high altitude UV protection filter and leather eye guards to block out glare while the pilots are flying.

Luca Gnecchi Ruscone commented: “The origins of L.G.R. are deeply rooted  in Africa, which is why I wanted to produce the Special Edition ‘L.G.R. for AMREF Flying Doctors’ Charity Evacuations. A percentage of revenues from sales will therefore be donated to the Charitable Evacuations programme run by AMREF Flying Doctors, a local organisation that has been working in Africa for many years. My hope is that in this way, L.G.R. can make its own contribution  to increasing the number of free evacuation flights flown to save the lives of people with serious illness. This along with other projects, is our way of giving back to the African continent, which has played such an important role as the source of inspiration behind the brand.” www.lgrworld.com JG

Images: Courtesy L.G.R.

Exceptional and beautiful sunglasses are a privilege to own and to wear – a strong style statement with character and striking design. Glamour is the password at RockOptika, and designer Tom Herrington has created a sleek frame with a luxurious lamination that is the brand’s own innovation, all crafted by hand. Sinistre (above) is available in the delicious coloration of Liquorice Oreo. More stunning sunglasses by Tom Herrington at www.rockoptika.com

Artisan traditions are a passion for French designer Christian Mascré at Vue dc, and the collection is handmade in France. Zoe (above) is an expressive, bold design with a retro mood in crystal, and red opalin. Zoe is also available in a crocodile finish in brown and black. Visit www.vuedc.com for more info on this individualistic brand.

Coppe+ Sid have joined creative forces with Parajumpers, the brand noted for its quality, comfortable and versatile outdoor wear. Sid Fiz and Coppe Gualtiero have designed free-spirited sunglasses that combine traditional and timeless shapes. Flat lenses on Spitfire (above) with a smart double-bridge further enhance the craftsmanship, design and technical features of Parajumpers by Coppe+Sid. www.coppeandsid.it JG