Design + Inspiration

Debut at SILMO

24th September 2015 All roads lead to Paris this weekend with the opening of SILMO 2015. International eyewear designers exhibiting include Susanne Klemm, the Netherlands based creator of the dynamic Suzy Glam collection. Klemm is in an accelerated mood with her racy “Drives Fast Cars” frame in burnt orange acetate. With its sharp angles and dramatic brow line, the frame is an exciting testament of eyewear opportunities. www.suzyglam.com Photo: Aisha Zeijpveld

At l.a. Eyeworks, tiers of patterned, solid and transparent acetates have been calibrated precisely to form a complex blueprint of strategic sculpting. The result is a harmonious multi-layered chromatic essay – as seen in Arden – with three dimensions. Gorgeous colours too – Fire on Red/Brown Streak (above) and joyous Sunrise Haze Streak. www.laeyeworks.com

Coppe & Sid announce their collaboration with the Italian outerwear company Parajumpers, to launch a collection of free-spirited sunglasses. The Liberator features a sleek double bridge in dark Havana acetate, with contrasting metal trim in Antique Bronze. There are five different styles — all crafted in Italy – in smart colourations. More info at www.eyedesignclub.com  SILMO details at www.silmoparis.com JG

The new glamour

Feminine eyewear shapes with classic characteristics and curving forms are one of our current obsessions. Fine eyewear collections do these beautiful shapes justice with modern design details and colourful proposals that define a new glamour for women.

Jones from luxury fashion brand Roland Mouret is one of the new styles launching at the Paris fair this week. Mouret has created his own line of eyewear in house, and in doing so has achieved a very high level of quality, individuality and design. A noteworthy metal temple hinge is one of the unique hallmarks that distinguishes the designs. The addition of the slender metal bridge on this particular style is elegant and on-trend for SS16. Colours include transparent red (above), grey, yellow tortoiseshell and black.  www.rolandmouret.com

A minimal yet super glam direction is also evident at Danish design house Ørgreen. Their new style Sweet Dreams is ultra feminine, with a curved top line, rounded lower line, elegant bridge, and temples that hide behind the frames. www.orgreenoptics.com

American luxury eyewear brand Salt Optics has wowed us with its new styles and colours. Model Houston is a super example in Sandy Sea Green acetate with Antique Gold temples, in smooth beta titanium. The pared-back rounded front strikes a stylish modern chord in this super bold colourway with contrasting brown gradient polarised lens. www.saltoptics.com

Silmo Paris takes place from 25th to 28th September 2015 at Paris Nord Villepinte. For details and registration visit www.silmoparis.com CN

A new launch for Tom Herrington

Five years on and independent British label RockOptika is flourishing.  HQ is a converted high street bank – complete with original safe – situated by the seaside, with an extensive selection of British eyewear, including RockOptika’s very own new ultra luxe handcrafted collection.

The new line is fresh, confident and big on artisan detail. “Made in a leading traditional factory in the Jura, each frame front is carved from one piece, including the nosepads,” says Tom. “An integrated gold metal T.H. logo under resin appears on the front and bespoke dual colour schemes are perfectly matched. The bridges have been machined; chamfering along the sides adds a distinctive touch of luxury.”

With 21 styles in total in the full collection, the 6 new Art Deco inspired styles include a statement round shape with a flattened top, inspired by a pair of small French vintage spectacles, several bold glossy acetate rectangles, and a hard edged vintage look supra (half-eye in the style of the Kray twins), all named after stars.

The new models are presented in a sturdy paper case and embossed presentation box and all are suitable for sun or ophthalmic lenses. The collection launched this weekend at a new flagship eyewear store by Nelson’s Eye Patch, Norfolk, UK, www.nelsonseyepatch.com. Further details at www.rockoptika.com CN

Magical Interpretations of the Colour SpectrumPreviews of new season launches indicate that the colour spectrum is absolutely stunning! Bright colourations abound, as well as lovely nuances of deep, rich tones, and subtle mutations. Duo and tri-tone effects provide additional style and flair. SALT. Optics – the California based company – explores the many fascinating aspects of nature, and Eleanor (above) in Dragonfly is a beautiful example. The two-tone acetate design in a contemporary silhouette is handcrafted in Japan. www.saltoptics.com

HAPTER in Italy has launched a striking bi-coloured design – Optical EO4S – with colour both inside and outside the frame. The colourations are chic and sophisticated in muted tones. This is an elegant new feature from Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti, in a design that is suitable for small to regular-size faces. Sophistication and understated luxury are totally aligned in Prime Line, within the txt001 HAPTER collection. www.hapter.it

Benjamin Franklin – one of America’s Founding Fathers – was also a witty man who thrived on work, and according to legend – the inventor of bifocals. Theo in Belgium have creatively – and colourfully – updated Franklin’s invention with a 21st Century version, that enables bifocal wearers to have perfect far away and close up view. Tandem in vibrant shocking pink is for the individualist who won’t settle for less – just like the fascinating Mr. Franklin. www.theo.be

California designers Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi at l.a. Eyeworks debut a multi-faceted collection this month at SILMO Paris in dynamic colours. Pingo in acetate – deliciously named Emerald Lagrassy Fade with Deep Eggplant – features a signature metal browline, with handmade custom epoxy finishes. The latest optical collection from l.a. Eyeworks is a modern exploration of colour and shape. www.laeyeworks.com

Colour vibrations and special surface techniques are emphasised in frames by Face à Face Paris. Selma displays scratched acetate with hand varnishing for a rich, lustrous look in  glossy cherry and teal blue. A modern cat-eye shape adds to the allure and individuality of the design. www.faceaface-paris.com JG

Eyewear Designers at Motorworld

Important dates to note on the October calendar are Saturday and Sunday the 17th and 18th – when major independent eyewear designers present their collections at Motorworld in Stuttgart. Stunning eyewear and an equally distinctive collection of vintage cars at the same venue is an ideal way to enjoy an autumn weekend! Over fifty unique companies – including Götti; Orgreen; Spectacle Eyeworks; Onkel Ferdi; Kirk & Kirk; Bellinger; Joel Lesca; Tavat; and Slav Nowosad among others, will present their latest collections at this outstanding international exposition of creative eyewear.

The Canadian design house Spectacle Eyeworks pays homage to history and heritage with the Cyrus (above) frame. Inspired by the power of the past – and connecting with the present – the temples of each frame are meticulously engraved. Cyrus is named after the Great King of Persia who wrote The Tablet of Cyrus. Designer Mehran Baghaie says: “My Persian roots and family, the visual richness and enigmatic nature of symbolism, as well as the freedom and equality of mankind, continue to be a defining source of influence and inspiration with these new designs.” www.spec-eyeworks.com

Swiss designer Sven Götti has an elegant, deft touch with eyewear materials. His latest collection combines acetate and Titanium, crafted beautifully into Tonky – in a glorious shade of autumn plum. The voluminous shape is remarkably slim and lightweight. www.gotti.ch

Fun details and dashing colours highlight designs at Danish company Bellinger. Bella is a bright tonal mix – colours that are ideal with autumn fashions. www.bellinger.dk

Handcrafted in Italy, Tavat has launched a unique frame – Soupcan Pantos – in red acetate and light gun metal, with great attention to detail – particularly on the nose piece and temples. www.tavat-eyewear.com Save the Dates! 17th and 18th October for Die Brillenmesse in Stuttgart. More info at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG