Lafont’s ornate optical model Gaufrette 550 translates this winter trend perfectly, combining in one single design a distinctive patterned acetate with intricate gemstone studded metalwork. These are techniques that this exclusive French brand has developed and perfected over many years, and they are very much in tune with the sumptuous fabrics and ornate detailing in this winter’s fashion collections. One of our favourite optical styles for women so far in the upcoming Autumn/Winter Collections. For more information and stockists visit www.lafont.com CN
RVS by V. Eyewear
28th July 2011 The launch of Palladium 001 by RVS by V., the Turkish eyewear company headed by designer Vidal Erkohen, comes just as 1960s fashion styling is about to make a serious comeback for A/W. This delicate round model is made from ultra light palladium coloured stainless steel, and is released in six colours. Conceived according to the Golden Ratio (a mathematical calculation), the model has been designed in line with the RVS brand’s commitment to true and timeless design and aesthetics. Retailing in dollars at around $345, and available at a variety of shops including Selima Optique Paris, Silver Lining Opticians, New York, Andre Opticas, Lisbon, and Etiler Optik, Istanbul. We hope to bring you more on this label soon. CN
Autumn trends 2011
I have just started researching the autumn trends, and I came across some images produced by Wolfgang Proksch that set a mood of more autumnal fashions and a slightly 60s feel, a decade which is to have a comeback for A/W 2011/12.
The Proksch frame which is already out in the shops is a retro style also with a ’60s spin, yet the sculptured curve of the acetate and the nosebridge brings it right up to date. This German designer has worked for many eyewear labels in the past and launched this new line at Mido in March this year. Photography by Mark Mainz (www.markmainz.com) CN
Wolfgang Proksch – www.pmd-eyewear.net Wolfgang Proksch frames are available in the UK at Niche Optical Tailor, Glasgow www.nicheopticaltailor.co.uk See images from the shoot at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYE5fyRm1xQ
Luxurious wood
Gold & Wood’s Galaxy sunglasses
28th June Today I have Gold and Wood’s sunglass model Galaxy 2 in my hand, and it’s really quite something. I have seen nearly all the wood eyewear collections this year and each one is unique. This particular style from the luxury brand Gold & Wood is lightweight, and very sophisticated, produced in ebony with an incredible geometric 3D decoration in amourette wood – this detail reminds me of a medieval bas-relief, except the style of the patterning is timeless. It’s certainly a classic sunglass design and the use of wood will have great appeal to connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship and minute attention to detail. CN
Bubble London, the kid’s fashion show
Children’s fashion and design from every corner of the world
This is a great show for kid’s fashion, inspiring and always very friendly. The mix of fashion, accessories and design and homeware includes some of the most interesting international and home-grown labels for infants and children. I have put together a few of the beautiful things that caught my eye, and some of the labels have provided me with some wonderful images to share with you. First, and pictured above, is Folk & Flora stationary by Norwegian label Darling Clementine, which of course I had to bring up, for its little spectacle motif; I love the 50s illustrative mood of this design and i’ve seen they do a print of it too (available at www.darlingclementine.no).Other products include pretty notebooks, cushions and tea trays.
Eyestylist favourite Zoobug exhibited at the show for the first time, with its main collection (boy wearing wayfarer in black below) and new Official London 2012 sunglass collection for 0-12s (produced under licence), featuring models which promise to be iconic must-have accessories for the London Olympics. www.zoobug.com
Kid’s fashion labels that set the mood for 2012 included Jessie and James, a label that underlines high quality British manufacturing. I liked the nautical dresses and their eye-catching imagery, also on show at www.jessieandjames.co.uk
At very cute label Tootsa MacGinty, the emphasis was on colourful, hard-wearing unisex clothing – I was really impressed by the practicality and long-lasting qualities of these cleverly designed clothes which can be passed down to siblings or friends, both the girls and the boys!
Another favourite for me was Zee & Zo, a swimwear label from the Netherlands. Their girls’ collection brims with pretty colours and super teeny-tiny prints and their boys surfer shorts are everything a boy of 6 or 7 plus would consider cool and fun to wear. www.zee-zo.com
General trends in kid’s clothing such as ‘green’ or recycled fabrics, vintage design inspirations, cute motifs and vibrant colour and fabric combinations are looking exciting for next S/S, judging by this show. I have just mentioned a few favourites in passing, I hope to find out more about some of the great collections for little ones that exhibit annually at Bubble, in the weeks and months ahead. CN