Design + Inspiration

Ingenuity and Originality Highlight Designs

29th July 2014 Entries are arriving daily for the 2014 edition of The Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Awards, and Eyestylist is delighted to partner again with HOF for this event. Independent designers who have started their collections within the past five years are eligible for entry. The range of designs is imaginative, and it’s gratifying to see the enthusiasm, energy and individuality that goes into the collections. Here we present three of the eyewear creators who have entered the 2014 Newcomer Awards. The winners will be announced at Hall of Frames in Stuttgart in October.

Paris-based Jérémy Tarian has worn glasses from a very young age, and eyewear is one of his passions. Each line, curve and detail of the frames is hand drawn by Jérémy. He is open and vibrantly aware of his surroundings, and finds inspiration on the streets of his beloved Paris, his many travels to stimulating lands, people’s expressions, museums, and nature – and these experiences are reflected in his beautiful creations, handmade in France. Above: Madeleine in acetate and metal. www.jeremytarian.com

Adrian Marwitz upholds a name that has been synonymous with German eyewear since 1918, when his grandfather created Marwitz. Now Adrian is at the helm, creating handcrafted Titanium designs, with the entire manufacturing process made in Germany. The contrasting stripes on the hinges and inner temples of the frames is a defining Marwitz look. Adrian’s inspiration is daily living, meeting people, and keeping an “eye” on what they are wearing, plus the fashion world, and another favourite accessory –  shoes. www.adrianmarwitz.com

Like Jérémy Tarian, wearing glasses since childhood was the foundation for Laura Nicholson to have a natural obsession with eyewear. She created her own collection in 2013, which is entirely handmade in England in the last remaining acetate spectacle production workshop. Each frame is intricately carved from the finest blocks of Italian acetate. Laura frequently draws on rare and obsolete materials to ensure a degree of individuality for the wearer. www.larkeoptics.com  www.hallofframes.ch JG

Frames With Globe Trotting Credentials

30th May 2014  A passion for Africa and Luca Gnecchi Ruscone’s Roman heritage combine with dramatic effect in his seductive, glamorous sunglass designs. Elegant materials handcrafted in Italy bring further allure and beauty to the frames. (Pictured above: Designer Luca Gnecchi Ruscone.)

L.G.R. model Maria wears Alexandria CM in matt Havana acetate – a gracious, voluminous shape with sweeping temple interest. The green tempered mineral glass lenses complete the stylish harmony. www.lgr-sunglasses.com  JG

Photos by Luca Santocono exclusively for Eyestylist.  All rights reserved.

German Heritage with New Vision

29th April 2014 Adrian Marwitz continues a family history that has been synonymous with German eyewear since 1918. The brand was created by Marwitz’s grandfather, and Adrian is delighted and excited to guide the brand into the new millennium, with his passionate belief that eyewear is the ultimate fashion accessory. Marwitz frames are streamlined and sleek, uncluttered and pure, and feature first-class manufacturing processes – everything is handcrafted in Germany.

Urban Strangers is the latest collection – titanium frames in contemporary shapes with modern, high-tech features. Beautiful colourations are contrasted with ultra-thin stripes on the hinges and inner frame of the designs. Understated elegance with graceful distinction.Top photo: Urban Stranger No. 6 in Bronze www.adrianmarwitz.com JG

Timeless Treasure

28th March 2014 Tortoiseshell has been a treasured material since ancient times, as people loved the splendid markings and its organic warmth. In eyewear, the use of tortoiseshell was first noted about 1675. However, real  tortoiseshell has been banned since the 1970’s to protect turtles – an endangered species – and fragile eco systems. Fortunately, technology has paved the way for lovely tortoiseshell adaptations made from superior quality acetate.

Tortoiseshell and its timeless beauty contributed to the success of the costumes for The Great Gatsby. Catherine Martin won an Oscar for Best Costume Design this year. Christian Roth, who understands the lure and naturalness of beautiful classic materials and fine design, created the distinctive sunglasses featured in the film. Elizabeth Debicki (above) portrays 1920’s chic with her sleek turban and voluminously proportioned Christian Roth Tortoiseshell sunglasses. www.christian-roth.com

Claire Goldsmith and Ainjali Fine at Finest Seven both enthusiastically embrace modern day tortoiseshell interpretations. Robust proportions enhance Begbie by Claire Goldsmith in glossy Electric Tortoiseshell acetate, with expertly beveled temples.

Soft Tortoiseshell acetate with subtle shading and a keyhole bridge highlight Zero05 by Finest Seven. With elegance and superb crafting, Tortoiseshell possesses beauty and enduring style.JG

www.olivergoldsmith.com www.finestseven.com

Photo of Claire Goldsmith and Ainjali Fine by Luca Santocono Exclusively for Eyestylist.com

Great Gatsby image: Warner Brothers/Courtesy of Everett Collection