28th June 2012 A ravishing butterfly eye shape, volume and glamour all combine in this graceful acetate silhouette from Chrome Hearts. Sterling silver accents on the titanium temples add to the luxury and distinctiveness of the design. Luxury lenses too – from Zeiss – the three-layer premier anti-reflective coating is guaranteed to provide protection and beauty. www.chromehearts.com JG
31st May 2012 Emmanuelle’s Khanh’s sunglasses are bursting with joy and cheer – the bright orange colour has enormous child appeal. So does the shape. Small, round forms are a favourite with the young set (and their parents too!) so this design (style 1507) allows kids to feel very cool – and the shape is ideal for little faces. EK frames are handmade in France, and the quality and beauty of the acetate is assured. More stunning EK frames can be seen at www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com JG
9th May 2012 “The sunglass styles Mariann and Luki are the ‘must-haves’ this summer”, says Sarah Settgast, Baroness of Design at Framers Eyewear in Berlin. Mariann reflects perfectly the current ‘zeitgeist’ with a touch of the past. I have in mind the streets of Paris in the 1950’s, the beautiful little cafes, couples in love, the sun is shining……..I love to wear Mariann in bright strawberry red!
“For Matthias, Earl of Eyewear, the perfect match is Luki in a smokey grey colour. I think this frame is a statement for the adventurous man who knows what life is all about – a mixture of traditional and contemporary design.
“Maybe my imagination is a bit romanticized. I love to watch French movies, because they give me this beautiful attitude to life. We are ready for the summer!” www.framers.de JG
30th April 2012 A dream was the inspiration for the creation of Old Focals – the iconic Pasadena California boutique that supplies vintage eyewear for movies and TV productions. Owner Russ Campbell shares his story: “I had a dream in which an old man gave me his sunglasses, and I was writing down my dreams at the time. He said to me ‘you can have these old focals’. This gave me a vision, and from there I began to search out vintage eyewear. I find frames in shops, markets, and antique shops. I have bought frames everywhere, from garage sales to eyeglass companies that liquidate. I have also travelled internationally amassing my collection – the first collection came from Detroit.
“Old Focals has provided frames for Harry Potter, JFK, Benjamin Button, Men in Black, Spiderman, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, to name a few. I also do Mad Men, The Office and Greys Anatomy.” Old Focals also provided the frames for J. Edgar, the recent film about FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Although Old Focals is all about Vintage, Campbell has a solid footing in current market forces. He is manufacturing his own collection, developing brand recognition, and “eagerly attacking internet sales.” You don’t have to be a film star to enjoy wearing vintage eyewear from Old Focals! www.oldfocals.com JG
30th March 2012 Designer Pascal Jaulent at Face à Face enjoys designing frames that are beautiful and elegantly crafted, plus adding a bit of daring, drama and humour. Bocca – a Limited Edition of only 200 frames – has a hint of Mae West’s aura – a bold, glamorous, feminine design with volume, sensual curves and an enticing cat eye form. The feel of the acetate is sensuous as well – masterfully combining technology, luxury and beauty. A true collector’s item! www.faceaface-paris.com JG