Design + Inspiration

Kings of Past, the online store for vintage eyewear

29th October 2013  If you are a vintage eyewear connoisseur, wondering what the key looks are that fit with seasonal fashions of the season, we’ve got some guidelines. Musadik Rajani from Kings of Past, one of the specialists in fine vintage eyewear, tells us that nostalgic “traditionalist” pieces that are decorative and very feminine are becoming more and more sought after. “Think Jackie-O or Sophia Loren, for a touch of Hollywood glamour but choose earthy tones and retro shapes. The natural browns and lighter neutral colours are picking up, and items made with unique materials like natural wood and silk are in again. We have vintage wood designs by Gold & Wood and I’d say they are emerging as a special trend. Navy, two-tones and tri-colours are beautiful in eyewear, and there is a certain boldness returning with tartan, and with that, slightly grunge vibes too.”

Gold & Wood vintage frame above: http://www.kingsofpast.com/shop/vintage-gold-wood-ti-654-23-eyeglasses.html

According to Rajani, the classics are always popular although some shapes are always wanted. “For women, thin cat-eye shapes are gorgeous, particularly because they look great both as opticals and sunglasses,” he explains. “In men’s eyewear we are still seeing a fondness for the round shapes for their vintage overtones and memory of a bolder time period.” So is there an overriding trend? “Interestingly enough,” says Rajani, “because of our large range of clientele the biggest trend we’re seeing is individualism. Gentlemen who you may perceive to be into aviators may in fact purchase thick super large frames. Others want thin rounds or square/rectangles. Generally speaking, thin aviator frames or oversized Dior frames, for instance, are where we see most of the numbers but people today dress uniquely and in tune with personal characteristics. We love to be able to cater to this diversity, and it just adds to the excitement of what we can unearth from our vast vintage treasure trove…..it is going to be a great season!” Visit Kings of Past at www.kingsofpast.com CN

Originality and Ingenuity Prevail in Paris

28th September 2013  Clodagh and I are twirling around SILMO viewing multiple collections, and marvelling at the creative intensity of eyewear designers. Two impressive standouts are Theo from Belgium and Tarian in Paris. Japanese titanium and horn unite in perfect balance with striking shapes in eye-witness by theo. TV and TX (above) achieve a balancing act between symmetry and asymmetry, and also between a hard material such as titanium, and a ‘soft’ natural element such as horn. The ‘browline’ shape is inspired by the 1950’s optical look that accentuated the eyebrows. Gorgeous colours too — all accented with natural Indian water buffalo horn. www.theo.be

Bold, strong statement styles are the hallmark of Jérémy Tarian. His goal is to create unique and original frames in superior materials, while infusing the design with unexpected concepts. The voluminous lines in Shark Tank (above) are beautifully accented with graphic elements, and precise and elegant details. www.jeremytarian.com

Our explorations at the show continue – so stay tuned for exciting discoveries in eyewear excitement! JG

Lesca Lunetier – Eyewear Legacy

29th August 2013 Lesca Lunetier was one of the brands I remember from early visits to the fashion frame exhibition in Paris. What a delightful surprise to see Joël Lesca again, and discover that his talented son Mathieu is now involved in the business. On a recent Paris visit, Clodagh and I were enamoured to have the opportunity to look at scores of gorgeous vintage designs from Lesca including frames designed by Joël. The feel of the acetate is wonderful – so smooth and rich. The beauties above are from the 1950’s that have been lovingly refurbished in the Lesca workshop.

Frame P9 (above) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year – Joël Lesca created this design in France in 1983. Fabricated in finest quality cellulose acetate, the frame shape captures vintage elements in classic tortoiseshell. www.lescalunetier.com JG

Photography (top image) by Eyestylist.com.

Eyewear Pleasures by Anne et Valentin

1st August 2013 Designer Anne Valentin lives and works in Toulouse, the lovely French city located on the banks of The Garonne River, and not far from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. So she is used to lots of sunshine and the need for sunglasses. She has aptly named the three lovely styles above – “Time Off” – sophisticated designs with glamour and beauty. In acetate and metal, the detailing and frame shapes are superb. From the top: styles 19h15, 16h35 and 10h10 in luscious colours of blush pink, mint green and burgundy. Chic on the beach and for town wear too! www.anneetvalentin.com JG