Design + Inspiration

Advantage: Acetate

20th November 2015

Distinctive Eyewear Designs

Acetate is a beautiful, flexible material with numerous qualities that can be styled into elegant, unique eyewear. The material is lustrous; the colour potential is astounding; and acetate is so comfortable to wear. This versatile material for eyewear is a favourite for designers – and spectacle wearers. Vera Wang has launched a glamorous, luxurious Capsule Collection that combines bold shapes, graceful symmetry, and meticulous artistic evolution – interpreted by Vera’s inspiration from fine art, sculpture, and architecture. Nomi (above) in back acetate is crafted into a seductive cat-eye shape, and adorned with chunky Swarovski crystals. www.kenmarkoptical.com

Anna by Tim Van Steenbergen for theo Belgium

The flexibility of acetate highlights intensive colours, so that they are rich and robust. Anna in shocking pink is a striking example – designed by Tim Van Steenbergen for theo, and characterised by a strong, voluminous shape. Contrasting coloured temples ensure additional beauty. www.theo.be

Style 8402 from Summer in Australia by Jono Hennessy

Limited Edition fabric prints in stunning colours and designs feature in the just-released 2015/2016 Summer in Australia Collection by Jono Hennessy. Style 8402 is a stripy melange of elegant acetate colours to highlight summer fashions under Australian sun, and other global balmy ports-of-call. www.jonohennessy.com

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Shine from Face à Face Paris features a chic two-tone colour combination in acetate. Marine blue with a dash of lime fluorescent on the temples give this design a special radiance. The exaggerated cat-eye shape merges a touch of vintage with modern styling. www.faceaface-paris.com JG

Design + Inspiration

Copenhagen Specs, March 2016

17th November 2015

Eyewear event in Danish design capital

Independent eyewear design fair Copenhagen Specs announces a growing roster of innovative frame companies attending their Danish event in March 2016. New exhibitors include Vinylize by Tipton, ProDesign, Falvin Eyewear and Etnia Barcelona, alongside annual show attendees from Scandinavia and further afield.

Emmanuelle by Orgreen Optics, a leading Danish company attending the fair

Trade fair director Morten Gammelmark told Eyestylist: “Copenhagen Specs is Scandinavia’s independent eyewear fair, where inspiration and creativity are the key words. With over 135 brands like LINDBERG, Ørgreen, MYKITA, theo, Caroline Abram, Linda Farrow and Tom Ford it is an opportunity to get inspired and see new trends, with focus on the product and a great, friendly atmosphere.”

Vinylize Executive collection featuring vinyl and matt palladium – first time exhibitor

Ted by Gotti Switzerland, a returning exhibitor

2016 sees the third edition of the Danish fair, which takes place at the Lokomotivvaerkstedet, an inspiring historic building (formerly used for repairing trains) located close to the city centre.

Falvin Eyewear: a newcomer from Denmark, exhibiting for the first time in 2016

Gammelmark adds: “The fact that Copenhagen is a mecca for design enthusiasts out there attracts an incredible audience to the show. Our Danish design history with names such as Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner or LINDBERG creates a special context for visitors. Danish design is renowned all over the world for its clean lines and appreciation of high quality materials – tendencies that are also of the essence in contemporary design and international fine eyewear.”

Copenhagen Specs takes place on 5th-6th March 2016. Registration is now open at https://copenhagenspecs.nemtilmeld.dk/1/. Further information at www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Design + Inspiration

Resort Ready!

13th November 2015

Beautiful Eyewear for Sunny Destinations

When autumn and winter chill begins to set in, it’s time to think about sunny destinations. Visions of turquoise waters, soft sands and warm temperatures are very alluring. So are sunglasses that lift the spirits, and provide eye protection from harsh sun rays, while bringing resort chic to stylish beach and evening wear. Here are some exciting collections!

Anna-Karin Karlsson draws on British history and her own Swedish heritage with The Queen – Mourning Lace (above) a celebration of both Alexander McQueen and Queen Victoria. The elaborate design exemplifies Karlsson’s reputation as the pacesetter of memorable and fabulous sunglasses. Her Swedish ancestors were hair jewellery artisans who created mourning pieces for Queen Victoria. Cotton cased acetate with a lace print, and the metal moth temple décor are made especially for the Anna-Karin Karlsson collection. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Sophisticated and Chic – Groucho by Roland Mouret

Roland Mouret’s fashion designs are coveted by women for their purity of design, sensuous draping and soft flow, which further compliments his beautiful resort fashions. Mouret’s sunglass collection is exquisitely orchestrated in smooth acetate, including Groucho in black, with refined temple details. More on Roland Mouret at www.rolandmouret.com

Aviator shapes are expressed in numerous variations, and among the most stylish is Zero 10 from Finest Seven in London. The exaggerated silhouette, sleek double bridge, and flattering Zeiss lilac lenses resonates fine, contemporary artisan craftsmanship. www.finestseven.com

The Tilman by Shane Baum at Leisure Society

Limited Edition en Plein Soleil from Leisure Society includes timeless designs by Shane Baum. The Tilman is a handsome optical frame that features clip-on sun lenses, with hand-enamelled crossbar details. www.leisure-society.com JG

Design + Inspiration

Mondelliani for John Robshaw

11th November 2015

On location in India

Mondelliani’s printed sunglasses created with textile expert John Robshaw took a trip to India with the designer last month, for a shoot that will launch for the Spring/Summer 16 collections. Robshaw uses Indian patterns, colours and block-printing methods in his collections, which now extend to bedding, fashion and furniture.

Kadena TG by Mondelliani for John Robshaw

The six sunglass models, worn by local men in the photographs, include Kadena in two colourways reflecting the rich textiles typical of Robshaw’s mainline collections…choose from clear amber or amber with an exotic animal print effect.

Robshaw, who studied fine arts at Pratt and traditional block printing in China, has joined forces with Italian sunglass company Mondelliani to create a special edition that perfectly encapsulates the vitality and colour of his vibrant artisan-inspired prints. Fitted with high-quality lenses for 100% UV protection, the frames are available online at www.johnrobshaw.com. Daring and elegant, says the designer. For more details on Mondelliani, visit www.mondelliani.it CN

Design + Inspiration

Zoobug Captures Prestigious Awards

9th November 2015

Zoobug London – the quality specialist children’s eyewear brand – has received two prestigious accolades from Junior Design Awards. A delightfully fun and striking design by Zoobug – SqFarer Polarised Sunglasses – won the Best Travel Product for Children. The award-winning frame in navy and white stripe (above) is specially designed for infants, and fitted with a surgical grade silicon saddle.

Lively, bright colours for children's eyewear from Zoobug London — Lively, bright colours for children’s eyewear from Zoobug London

Zoobug also won Highly Commended in the Best Accessories Brand Category. Founder, Director and Ophthalmologist Dr. Julie Diem Le noted: “We are honoured to achieve official recognition in not one but two categories.” The Junior Design Awards are part of Juniormagazine.co.uk – the leading family, lifestyle, and parenting website in the UK.

Since Dr. Le created the brand in 2006, Zoobug’s beautifully crafted eyewear for children in safe materials, and gorgeous styles and colours, has won the approval of children and parents. In 2008, Zoobug London was awarded the “Oscar” of the eyewear world – the SILMO D’Or, an international industry citation. Congratulations to Zoobug London from Eyestylist! www.zoobug.com JG