Design + Inspiration

Crystal Clear

Frames in clear, transparent acetate enhance eyewear optics with inspiration that embrace an element of the 1950’s – and infused with modern engineering guidelines. Both optical and sunglass designs feature distinctive styling and contours, with an aura of quiet elegance. The cat-eye shape from Pollipo’ (above) is crafted in smooth hand polished ultra-transparent crystal, and features tiny rhinestones and metal pins embedded on the frame front. Handmade in Italy, designer Paola Costantini says that No. 557 is perfect for “creative faces!” www.pollipocchiali.it

Christian Mascré at Vue DC beautifully balances retro and crystal in POP. The unique shape is a Limited Edition produced in France, and the blue lenses add glamour to this striking design. The new POP styles are also available with rich colour intensity and a marbling effect. More info at www.vuedc.fr

Desirable crystal eyewear is classically expressed at Lafont Paris with Recit. Vintage echoes are evident, when harmoniously combined with an ultra-thin silhouette, which is particularly prevalent in optical designs. Fine crafting and precise details further enhance Recit in quality crystal acetate. www.lafont.com

Original Penguin has launched The Clifford in two-tone custom acetate, and men will appreciate both the tradition and modern elements in this optical creation –  with its uncluttered free-flow design. More details about the new vintage inspired collection by Original Penguin at www.kenmarkoptical.com JG

Exceptional Eyewear

Artfully crafted by independent designers who have a passion for fine materials, gorgeous colours, and technical directives celebrate eyewear. Visit REVIEWS for frame designs of distinction. Meet a Canadian designer, and discover a unique boutique in London. In CITY GUIDES a stunning fashion exhibition is reminiscence with history. It’s all on Eyestylist – beautiful, desirable eyewear and accessories.

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Anna-Karin Karlsson with Le Snob

Collaborations have come into a new realm in the last months. Creative independent eyewear designers are uniting with terrific independent fashion partners, and raising the bar beyond the traditional eyewear collabs. One such union? Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson and Le Snob’s co-designers B. Akerlund and Robert Lussier, who have created a cool, covetable cat’s eye, with iconic elegance.

A rather gorgeous exaggerated upswept shape with round lens, the Black Swan sunglasses have flip-down front pieces, a concept that can be traced back to the lorgnettes and make-up glasses of the 1950s/60s. Pictured above: Model Guinevere by Tim Walker for Le Snob. Guinevere wears the new Black Swan shades.

Le Snob
Black Swan sunglasses by Anna-Karin Karlsson for Le Snob

Le Snob, set up by co-designers B. Akerlund, stylist, and Robert Lussier, formerly Creative Director at Vuitton and Dior, presents a street-sharp collection of haute utility, luxury leathers, canvas, eyewear and “gilded” gear, under the concept of “snobbility” – rhyming with mobility and nobility, proposing a superbly original take on innovative luxury. A relatively new entry in fashion, the brand is making a powerful debut in the fashion industry with the addition of big names such as Tim Walker shooting Guinevere Van Seenus in their latest campaign. Le Snob Black Swan sunglasses ($865) and other styles in the collection are available online at http://shop.lesnob.com/shop/le-black-swan CN

Contemporary and Futuristic…

Beautiful eyewear – optical frames and sunglasses – surprise and delight with stunning new season styles. Shapes are varied; colours range from subtle tones to rich colourations; and materials combine classic favourites and high tech innovations. Click on all the Eyestylist sections, and find creative eyewear – skillfully crafted – from international independent designers – plus boutiques and captivating cultural quests.

This site is legally privileged, controlled and operated by Eyestylist.com. Material on this website may not be communicated in any way whatsoever, without the consent and prior written authorisation of Eyestylist.com

Rigards – Elegant and Sculpted Aesthetics

Metalloid Frames by Innovator Ti Kwa

Napoleon III used aluminium plates for state dinners – and Jules Verne – in his novel –  “Journey to the Moon” – describes an aluminium space rocket. Now Ti Kwa at RIGARDS, uses this exceptional and naturally occurring metal for sculpted frames. This traditional material is strong, yet lightweight, durable and non-toxic. The result is five marvellously crafted designs in three colours – grey, ink blue, and gold.

Sanjuro by RIGARDS from the Metalloid Collection
Sanjuro by RIGARDS from the Metalloid Collection

Creative shapes for men and women that embrace RIGARDS gutsy, yet refreshing eyewear expressions, enhance the designs. The frames feature specially created screw-less hinges, and innovatively designed nose-pads for superb fit. For more info on RIGARDS Metalloid directional frames, visit www.rigards.com JG