Design & Inspiration

Two handmade designs are announced in the collaboration for 2024

Rigards has reunited with Ziggy Chen to create a dual release synergizing eyewear and high fashion. Defined by bold and assured silhouettes, the two co-branded frames were conceived as a response to a unique challenge: eyewear that will not only style well with hats, but equally will not be easily dislodged. The designers found inspiration, in particular, in the mountaineering style and oversized climbing shades of the 1980s.

The model RG1941ZC ‘Z-Goggle’ naturally resurrects the spirit of 1980s alpine goggles, and is described as having a directional yet easy edge. This titanium frame features ‘staircasing’ stepped curves, a signature architectural element that demonstrates evolutionary continuity to the preceding installment in this collaborative series. The stepped profiles fan out onto the side-shields, their small undulation further articulating the geometric presence and creating subtle shadow-play. The double-sided guilloché flourish on the temples enhances grip and lessens slipping from desired positions, the characteristic texture again circling back to the overarching imagery of nāgas and serpents. Above: Rigards x Ziggy Chen edition: RG1941ZC ‘Z-Goggle’ 

Eyestylist was privileged to explore the eyewear collections at the annual MIDO fair in Milan. The fair highlighted a wealth of new creativity and innovation in a busy, high-energy, enjoyable show experience – exclusive content by EYESTYLIST.COM

Designers are embracing new design techniques, highly developed technical competencies, state-of-the-art materials in cool combinations and an ever-inspiring artistic language in terms of key techniques such as bevelling or sculpting the frame, often mixing different materials in unique designs. Exciting concepts, contemporary handcrafted details and new colour palettes were on display at the Mido fair, inspired by many different imaginative sources and ideas, from beyond the eyewear segment itself.

Highlights from the independent designers and brands included new launches by RIGARDS, whose collection included a new bold and assured co-branded frame with Ziggy Chen – www.rigards.com; a new collection by Italia Independent, the first produced with MODO Group, under the direction of Lapo Elkann, founder of the brand; a brand-new 3D printed collection by Götti Switzerland called Bubbly in the Götti Dimension range;  an outstanding new collection from the Italian brand MOVITRA which pays special attention to performance and accomplished technical detail; new incredibly lightweight readers from Swiss start-up, read on; the official launch of Bayria’s Arts & Crafts Collection at the event, and exquisite material innovation at Nina Mûr from Spain who introduced their CLAY collection in Milan. Above: GIGI Studios’ model Elma in the stylish VANGUARD collection for Spring/Summer 2024 – the Spanish brand reported a very successful Mido event – www.gigistudios.com

Among several new product releases revealed in Milan, MOVITRA exhibited a brand-new edition of their iconic bestselling Error404, a design named after the Error Code that appears on websites. The iconic bi-colour Error404 sunglasses style has always been a model that represents the very essence and identity of the Milanese eyewear brand. The new frame, which has a round eyeshape, has been created in two new contemporary colours for 2024, Black, Crystal Brown with Bronze toned lenses or Black, Mirrored Crystal Blue with Blue lenses. Particular features of this all-acetate model are the scratched-effect of the front, which combines with acetate temples with MOVITRA’s patented bar behind. www.movitra.it

A new collaboration edition by Kaleos was introduced at the Mido fair. The eyewear brand has worked with HEY for this modular concept, a creative studio in Barcelona who are known for their use of colour and irreverent visual code. www.kaleoscollection.com 

The new Bubbly collection by Götti Switzerland consists of two sunglasses (Ilana and Play) and two optical models (Ivie  and Ivon). The lightweight 3D printed styles have striking aesthetics which explore fluidity and organic forms with surfaces that are tactile and soft. www.gotti.ch

The new line from Italia Independent introduced predominantly acetate sun and optical styles reinterpreted through details and, in some cases, treated with a metal-effect finish informed by the world of ’90s racing yachts.

The colour palette draws inspiration from the wardrobe of Lapo Elkann: the brightest shades such as Lapo Blue are flanked by fluorescent colours in transparent versions, as well as more traditional tones of grey, crystal and havana. https://italiaindependent.com

At Mido, we saw a significant trend towards experimenting with combinations of materials, colours, surfaces and transparency. The new Bayria collection had several examples, such as the model Utinum which features a crystal bridge and crystal as a lining to the natural green translucent angular front. https://bayriaeyewear.com

Eyestylist observed many trends at the Mido fair and this article is intended as a first view of some of the directions in 2024  : further developments will be gradually highlighted in the weeks ahead across our Eyestylist platform. The next MIDO will take place 8th to 10th February, 2025. www.mido.com

The London show, which takes place from 24th to 26th February 2024 will feature – as part of its optical industry showcase – a variety of independent eyewear brands, from start-ups and emerging labels to well established international names

100% Optical, the London eyewear show – which is celebrating 10 years, promises a broad selection of independent eyewear collections with brands travelling from across Europe to exhibit at the show. The latest labels to confirm their presence include neubau eyewear, Frost, UltraLimited and Vakay. Above: the Italian titanium label Blackfin will exhibit at 100% this year – they will show their new collections including new titanium sunglass designs featuring Blackfin AirGlass, cutting-edge mineral lenses by Barberini

The fair will highlight new trends and directions in the optical arena, pointing to sustainability, eco materials and colour and design trends as key areas that will be highlighted through the presence of the selection of independent labels. They will exhibit in a dedicated area – The Studio – this year, which is sponsored by Nikon Lenswear UK and located in the heart of the Eyewear Zone. The fair organisers say that this location is set to be “the biggest independent line-up to date across the three-day optical event”.

100% Optical holds the popular Love Eyewear Awards, sponsored by ShopAr and including 13 categories for the 2024 Edition. The Love Eyewear Awards features independents and major designers, manufacturers and retailers in the Optical industry.

The shortlist of nominees for 2024 include Filipe Diniz Lunettes, OtrO Eyewear, l.a.Eyeworks, Okkul, KOMONO, Danielle Rattray, STRUKTUR Eyewear, ROLF., Gotti Switzerland, Mokki, Bird Eyewear, The Optical Gallery and more! The winners of the awards will be announced on Saturday 24th February 2024 on the renowned 100% Catwalk, sponsored by OCUCO at the show.

100% will welcome the following independent eyewear exhibitors and brands this year: Bevel (US), Bird Eyewear (UK), Blackfin (Italy); Danielle Rattray (Scotland), Erkers1879/Studio Optyx (US), FACE A FACE (Paris), GIGI Studios, Kirk & Kirk (UK), Morel (France), Ørgreen Optics (Denmark), MOREL (France), Nina Mûr, SALT. (US), Sea2see (Spain) – among others.

100% Optical is a three-day show (from 24-26th February at the ExCel London) – the event will once again welcome professionals, experts and eyewear enthusiasts alike through its doors to celebrate the world of eyewear and optics. The February show will mark the 10th edition of 100% Optical, and organisers predict that the event will attract over 10,000 optical professionals from across the globe. For more information and to register, visit www.100percentoptical.com

Eyestylist Exclusive: Independent eyewear brand NEUBAU shot their latest campaign in Capo Zafferano, Palermo, Sicily – the brand shared the story and ‘behind the scenes’ imagery as the Sphere collection launches at Mido in Milan – 3rd to 5th February 2024 

NEUBAU’s latest campaign, with the title EUNOIA, presents the rimless collection ‘Sphere’, an entirely new rimless concept from the Austrian eyewear brand, which will be presented at Mido to an international audience. Based on the Greek word meaning ‘beautiful thinking,’ Eunoia is described as a documentary-style exploration of friendship, individuality, and the limitless possibilities of human connections, focusing on friends staying at a villa. The imagery communicates a mood that is evocative and dramatic, with intimate close-up imagery and a striking contrast of colour and black and white shots.

The shoot took place at a villa on Capo Zafferano, with its sprawling beauty, overlooking the impressive gulf of Palermo in Sicily. Above: one of the lead images in the Eunoia campaign, presenting Sphere – shot by Photographer/ Director Max Von Gumppenberg; below “Behind the scenes” images from the EUNOIA shoot – ‘behind the scenes’ by Ole Jacobs

Credits: Photographer / Director Max Von Gumppenberg; Director of Photography Jakob Stark; Production MVG Studio Oleh Oleh Shypkov; Stylist Andreas Peter Krings; Hair + Makeup Anna Doemling; Talent: Leo Birker, Hannah M. Weber, Jada Joyce

The new Sphere collection by NEUBAU will be available from April 2024. For more information about NEUBAU, the Eunoia campaign and the new rimless collection Sphere, visit www.neubau-eyewear.com

All images supplied for publication on Eyestylist.com courtesy of NEUBAU