Design & Inspiration

The collab – entitled Chromatic Aberration – features a collection of hand-painted limited edition sunglasses and cases

The frames and cases in the unique collab are handpainted with artist Eric Marquez’s dynamic, minimalist designs, blending traditional Japanese elements with chicano aesthetics. Presented by Vincent Catani as wearable art, each piece comes with a handpainted case and an exclusive certificate of authenticity.

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Vincent Catani is creating frame collections which are the result of a  passion for eyewear developed over many years. The son of an avid eyewear collector, Catani has created a collection of frames “to elevate the individual’s wardrobe” with designs that offer lasting appeal, crafted in Japan. Above: Vincent Catani’s limited sunglasses created as a collaboration with the artist, Eric Marquez – ‘Chromatic Aberration’ – the name represents contrasting colours coming together in harmony

Eric Marquez is an emerging artist whose work fuses postmodern ideas with super flat aesthetics, inspired by a love of manga and Murakami. Rooted in his Chicago heritage and the vibrant culture of LA, the artist creates bold graphic compositions weaving contemporary energy with the rich narratives of his upbringing. 

Find out more at www.vincentcatani.com

TVR® Japan revives the iconic TVR®527 Infinity 8 Collection for Spring/Summer 2025

Four years after its debut in 2021 TVR®OPT Japan is bringing back the TVR®527 Infinity 8 collection, an exceptionally popular range in their archive which they crafted from premium 8mm Japanese Zylonite material.
Originally introduced to celebrate the brand’s 8th anniversary, the TVR®527 became an instant bestseller, selling out in less than two weeks. It now returns with refined design details, updated sizing options, and an all-new edition that they say took 18 months to perfect.
“Our family’s journey began centuries ago during Japan’s Edo period as skilled thatchers, crafting traditional thatched roofs with reed and straw,” says Sawada Yaemon, Mastercraftsman. “Over time we adapted, evolving from roofing to the artistry of handmade eyeglasses, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. The 3D-embossed front rivets draw inspiration from the Kirizuma (Gable Roof) design, reflecting the roofs surrounding my home and factory.” Above, refined and distinctive, with exceptional details, the TVR®527 Infinity 8 collection

The TVR®527 was born fromTVR®OPT’s first Hybrid Project, reimagining the TVR®504 with bolder aesthetics and intricate details. Inspired by 1960s French eyewear and Japanese craftsmanship, it features an 8mm thick acetate frame, angular “Quadra” lenses, and a masculine square-shaped bridge.
This 2025 edition introduces new C.O. rivets inspired by Japanese jewellery boxes, enhanced temple designs for comfort, and intricate metal accents using Sun Platinum Metal. The frames also feature exclusive details like the Infinite Logo stamping and Dragon in the
Cloud engravings. The design has been launched in three sizes (46mm, 48mm, and 50mm) and seven striking colours, including the limited-edition Tokyo Tortoise SP. Find out more at www.tvropt.eu

The Antwerp-based brand by Gaëtan Gaye proposes a practical but stylish and original solution for cleaning eyewear – Gaëtan told us he is excited to be heading to Munich this week to exhibit the Alpagota product lines at the opti fair 

Alpagota, the eyewear-care brand that has quickly become a talking point for independent opticians in the business since its launch in 2022, is a breath of fresh air in the cleaning product segment in optics, bringing some much needed style, quality and design innovation where such qualities have not been explored together before. Above: Alpagota’s Vision, a protective cleaning product for lenses which is also described as ‘multisensory’ – since showing at Silmo and other trade fairs, Alpagota has been attracting a lot of attention all round and has new distribution in several European countries as well as a distributor in Japan. Gaëtan was recently interviewed for a Monocle Podcast on ‘Entrepreneurs’.

The unique formulation of Vision is enriched with anti-static and anti-smudge active ingredients and forms a protective barrier to guarantee a long-lasting effect, Gaëtan told Eyestylist. “It is enhanced with sophisticated fragrances such as sandalwood and matcha, green mandarin and cedarwood or eucalyptus and patchouli.”

Carré is a cleaning cloth concept, with products produced in Silktech™, a material that is very effective for cleaning thanks to its high density of ultra-fine yarns and wonderful softness. Cut and sewn by hand, this patented Japanese-made fabric also absorbs impurities. Colour design and harmony is at the heart of the cleaning cloth collection by Alpagota. A focus has been placed on offering cloths with a timeless design and a really sensual feel, as the perfect compliment to its Vision range.

Alpagota will be exhibiting at opti – the trade-only optical fair in Munich from Friday this week. Find out more at https://alpagota.com

An Eyestylist Exclusive feature by Clodagh Norton, www.eyestylist.com

The Munich fair takes place from Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd February 2025 at Fairground Munich – the event will be an opportunity to identify the latest directions for colour stories, sustainable materials, and design innovations and the rising focus on ‘timeless’ design attributes of many new eyewear lines

The opti fair promises visitors a first view of trends and innovations in eyewear this year, with exhibitors coming from across Europe and further afield to show their latest collection for Spring/Summer 2025 and beyond. Some of the big brands who regularly attend and a display of new and emerging independent labels have reserved for the show, and for those with an interest in innovation and design, previews suggest there will be plenty of interesting products and new collections available. Above: Veronika Wildgruber – new campaign (photography credits – models: Charmie Pfeffer and Luk Jonas Schwalb; hair&makeup: Felix Stößer; photography: Fofo Altinell; styling: Michael Sonntag) – at opti, Wildgruber is planning to reveal new frames and new colours – www.veronikawildgruber.com

At the fair, the ROLF creative team looks forward to greeting German customers with new products in their Fusion, Wire and Evolved collections, presented in the finest natural and 3D printed bean based materials. Model Lotus is one example: a frame that belongs to the Fusion Collection at ROLF, the bold, edgy design is sustainably produced in 3D printed material – derived from castor beans. The attractive textured material offers a unique decorative effect on the models in this line, which is also timeless and genderless. www.rolf-spectacles.com

YOU MAWO’s stand is always a popular destination at the Munich fair. They have masterminded a process for creating responsibly manufactured eyewear, using a detailed facial scan to create a custom fit and very lightweight comfortable designs. Among their many product updates for the show, model Karula from the BOLD collection stands out with its striking square design and confident lines. Perfect for those who dare to stand out, model Karula redefines boldness with effortless style and a custom fit tailored to you. www.youmawo.com

A vision of enduring icons has inspired the new sunglasses at J.F. Rey which are bold, oversized and defined by characteristic architectural structures, overlapped layers and daring colour combinations. The Bridget sunglasses feature the innovative layered lamination effect. Graphic and artistic colour ways enhance the custom acetate composition which are further enhanced by satin metal detailing. www.jfrey.fr

The Swiss brand announced a few weeks ago that they have created a new titanium line called ‘Precious Objects’. Made from high-quality titanium, the frames also feature gold, palladium or rose gold finishes. Particular details have been created for these exclusive designs including subtly curved temple ends, carved from a single piece of titanium and high-quality titanium nose pads and the screws, which have a Torx screw head for added elegance. The fine brown gradient lenses feature a golden accent with a lasered ‘ö’. www.gotti.ch

Sea2see have recently launched the new Breeze Ultralight collection in their 100% recovered marine plastic material with a 90% recycled stainless steel for temples. Technical details have been a key priority in the development of the collection to ensure each frame is perfectly light (a minimum weight of 9 grams) with enhanced comfort – always maintaining the sustainable focus in materials. www.sea2see.org

Neubau are launching an all acetate collection inspired by 80s design and featuring an array of technical details such as a screwless titanium hinge, adjustable temples and 3D temple ends. This collection uses Natural Acetate, a material made from 68% cotton and wood, as well as 32% natural plasticizers and is described as “biodegradable”. www.neubau-eyewear.com

Blackfin has had a succession of optical and sunglass collections announced in recent weeks, from its new Prometheus Iconic titanium Limited Edition to its super lightweight Aero Loop line of rimless designs. There’s more to come too, including a sunglasses release which is especially dramatic and daring. www.blackfin.eu

Design Eyewear Group returns to opti this year with plenty of colour and design-led collections including Woow and FACE A FACE. Their FACE A FACE release is based on an experimental concept called Colour Lab / Over Lap with a palette that is described as unforgettable featuring trendy digital, milky and futuristic shades! www.faceaface-paris.com

opti Munich takes place from Friday 31st January 2025 to Sunday 2nd February 2025. Find out about more launches at the show by following Eyestylist.com and signing up to our newsletters. For further information about visiting the trade-only event visit www.opti.de