Design + Inspiration

Better than Ever With theo

With a new Bond film on the horizon, theo has launched amazingly cool frames that will rock your world. Just like the original “007” women, theo’s “Bond Girls” are young, glamorous and like to make their own statement…as theo says: Bond Girls are ladies with guts!

Four strong, significant designs in seventeen brand-new colours highlight the acetate frames with a 3D effect. Volume is key here, with the front piece lining up perfectly with the volume of the temples.

However, the frames – and the temples – are not heavy, but distinctive and stylish. Each model has been given the first name of an iconic Bond Girl – Pussy (Galore) Octopussy, Vesper (Lynd) and Eve. Will 007 – that dangerous and famous secret agent – be able to resist their charm? www.theo.be JG

From Utilitarian to Art – by Joan Grady

Designer Lens Cloths L.a. Eyeworks pose the question: “Who said that cleaning your lenses has to be a mundane task?” The California based brand is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, and in addition to original frames and cases, they have been creating fun and amusing cleaning cloths. The company commissions innovators – illustrators, artists, and graphic designers – to explore the lens cleaning cloth as a blank canvas for art. Since 2009, the programme has featured works by world-renowned figures from the visual arts, including among others: Jim Isermann; Kori Newkirk; Susan Stilton; Barbara Keruger; Remy Charlip; and contemporary artist Jeffrey Vallance (dog lens cloth above), whose artworks infiltrate the everyday and the overlooked, infusing them with fantasy and spirituality. www.laeyeworks.com

Cleaning cloths from Mondelliani in Rome incorporate film and real -life characters, plus beautiful fantasy images of the Four Seasons – perhaps taking a cue from Vivaldi’s musical masterpiece.

Created by Mondelliani graphic designer Felipe Colasanti, the cloth colourations are vibrant and lively. www.mondelliani.it

Nature is the force and inspiration behind S.A.L.T. Optics, and they carry this theme through to their cleaning cloths, which feature elegant expressions of the sky, sea and mountains. This utilitarian item is not only useful, but is entertaining and stylish! www.saltoptics.com JG

…Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

Summertime…and the living is easy – and so are beautiful accessories. Holiday time is a wonderful opportunity to wear fun, spirited designs – relaxed, yet with a touch of fantasy. The Parisians have a special flair for accessories, and in the photo above, we feature three Parisian designers with exciting summer inspirations. Johanna Braitbart has the perfect solutions to enhance fashions with a must-have collection of hair ornaments and turbans. The model on the left wears a charming hair clip with feathers, beads and Swarovski crystals, which coordinates harmoniously with Oregon sunglasses, an elegant modern classic by Lafont Paris. On the right, sunny yellow brightens your style and your day in splendid Bocca Lova sunglasses by Face à Face Paris, and a sleek turban by Johanna Braitbart. All Johanna’s hats are handcrafted in her Paris atelier located in the Marais. Visit her delightful boutique where you can experience her beautiful hats and accessories to your hearts content. www.johannabaitbart.com  www.lafont.com www.faceaface-paris.com

Summer sandals by Zoe Lee makes everything you wear feel – and look – great. Her stunning, slick wedge shoe is ideal with floaty dresses and trousers. If in Paris, visit Zoe’s imporessive boutique in Le Marais where the entire shoe collection can be viewed. For more information click on www.zoelee.co.uk

Vintage rises in the summer air with this elegant, wrapped turban by Johanna Braitbart, complimented with smart retro sunglasses in lustrous black acetate by Face à Face Paris.

Italian designer Benedetta Bruzziches creates lovely, memorable bags, and this stylish clutch is practical for holding necessities, and also a unique conversation piece. www.benedettabruzziches.com JG