Design + Inspiration

The Italian titanium specialists return to Ibiza with limited edition

Blackfin is back in Ibiza for summer 2023. The Italian brand – an official partner of Blue Marlin Ibiza has designed a limited capsule edition sold exclusively in the Beach Shop of the beach club destination. Above: bar and restaurant staff are wearing statement Blackfin sunglasses throughout the summer at the venue – Blackfin style pictured: Highlighter in black and light blue

The five frames on sale can be found in a dedicated corner, strictly in blue and light-blue, customized with the “BLACKFIN X BMI” laser-inscribed logo inside the temple and the Blue Marlin Ibiza logo on the lens. The sunglasses are presented in a custom made gift box with a nameplate that certifies the exclusivity of the limited edition. Find out more at www.blackfin.eu

A custom-made luxury frame, born out of a collaboration between Ludovic Elens, a master of spectacle-making and Moïse Mann, the jeweler Manalys has been created in Brussels; the bespoke design is the first in a concept which they expect to explore further in future

In a special collaboration dedicated to craftsmanship, tradition, quality and expertise, the unique design ‘High Line’ was produced in a luxurious Indian water buffalo horn, decorated in precious stones, selected by Manalys. Developed from a drawing and a prototype in acetate, the final frame design took more than 6 months to complete in the workshops of the collaborators, with eight other craftsmen who belong to their respective atelier teams taking part in the making of the extraordinary bespoke design. Above: the bespoke High Line sunglasses are the result of a very exclusive collaboration

Aviator-shaped prescription glasses are back with a bang in womenswear this year 

The bold 1970s allure of the aviator continues to enjoy a moment in women’s fashion, and it’s not just the sunglasses that are trending for summer. The pure metal lines of the oversized ’70s-inflected shape have been an instant hit as the perfect eye-catching prescription eyewear – worn with other standout womenswear trends, from an oversized suit, top-to-toe denim or classic feminine tailoring.  Above: Götti’s Allidy model is a good example of the type of look that is now on-trend thanks in part to some of the celebrities wearing this shape, among them Gwyneth Paltrow

The Allidy by Götti Switzerland from their Titanium Collection has a contemporary look with a narrow double bar and interesting gradient colour palette which adds a special twist, ranging from a violet blue/shiny bronze coloration to a silver/shiny copper finish. Find out more at www.gotti.ch For more on Götti Switzerland on Eyestylist, visit the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/11/buffalo-horn-by-gotti-switzerland-new-structural-designs-released/

Chief designer at Labor, B. W. Seo is designing frames in Seoul, with a focus on well-considered, essential design, strict craftsmanship and – an important highlight – the avoidance of unnecessary waste. The products are produced in Mazzucchelli  and Jimei sheets. We found out more from the heart of the studio…..

Labor regard eyewear as a tool with a balance of essentials and aesthetics for modern individuals. “The spirit of Labor is determined to pursue the highest level of perfection that a good product should have,” the team explains. They strive for well-considered design, an aesthetic that will improve daily life, and place emphasis on the avoidance of overconsumption and unnecessary goods. The line is already stocked in some famous opticians across the globe. Above: the collection at Labor is distinctive, with a minimal aesthetic and timeless yet interesting finishing

For the frames themselves, Labor focuses on essentials and details, artisan quality and forms and volumes that are simple, comfortable and always flattering. Sombre classic colours sit alongside a bright tone of yellow, soft pink and natural green which add a special flavour and aesthetic style.

Labor has a fascinating collection of microfibre cleaning cloths which feature limited art prints. The CHINTZ cloths are produced in a limited run in South Korea. Labor frames are now available worldwide in some of the most exclusive stores including H. Lorenzo (W. Hollywood), Gogosha Optique (LA), Dr. York (Mexico), Le Claireur (Paris), HauteEye (Seoul) and Tartaras (Athens). For more information about Labor, visit www.liveonlabor.com

A new collaboration with artist Carla Fuentes

Barcelona’s exclusive independent eyewear label FOLC introduces a new collaboration with the Spanish artist Carla Fuentes, resulting in evocative portraits which the brand is featuring for their latest cleaning cloths for summer 2023.

Fuentes created two oil paintings inspired directly from the FOLC campaign. Printed on different sustainable textile supports, Folc has designed and locally produced a limited edition of cleaning cloths that accompany the sunglasses and eyewear collection.

Carla Fuentes (Valencia, 1986) has created visuals and album covers for bands and solo artists such as Polock, Russian Red, Hewel, and Ariel Pink. Her work has been published around the world. Find out more at www.folc-eyewear.com Above: The making of the portraits, featuring the artist.