Design + Inspiration

Busy stands, energy and vitality, and a party atmosphere at the annual independent eyewear event in NYC

Over 35 independent eyewear brands took part in the most recent edition of The Loft Eyewear Show in New York City this weekend, with a mix of European and US companies as well as a handful of designers from Japan. Above: a packed Friday night party at The Loft (Hudson Mercantile, New York City).

Some brands were launching collections for the first time at the event. A brand new combination concept from British creatives, Kirk and Kirk was one of the highlights. The frames fuse Kirk and Kirk’s signature Italian acrylic fronts in bright colours with metal temples – a completely new departure for the brand. Made in Italy, the lightweight temples are produced in Alpaca Silver – an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc, a material often favoured to create jewellery.  www.kirkandkirk.com

Acetate models displaying interesting thicknesses, contrasting with sharp angles and bevels were a special feature at The Loft, courtesy of VUE DC. The collection on show worked with very dazzling bright colours as well as some sophisticated classic tones of tortoise and translucent red. For the complete collection, visit the brand at www.vuedc.fr

At theo, the new pop art glasses were fresh and super funky, referencing work by Roy Liechtenstin and art-inspired details such as bold contours and printed dots. The frames have been designed by the fashion designer, Tim Van Steenbergen and theo designer, Serge Bracké. Find out more at www.theo.be

At SALT. Optics, the latest offer of new designs, made in Japan, remained perfectly attuned to the natural world and the land and seascapes of California, with nature colours and easy to wear, flattering classic shapes available across the collections.  www.saltoptics.com

The next edition of The Loft takes place in San Francisco on 23-24th September 2023 at Fort Mason Center. For further information about the event, visit www.lofteyewearshow.com

Lafont Paris celebrates an impressive 100 years as fine eyewear ‘maison’

One of the leading independent eyewear brands from France, Lafont Paris is celebrating 100 years of family history and a unique trajectory from a small Paris optical boutique to a world-renowned eyewear house.

Lafont was first created by Louis Lafont in 1923, the year that saw the opening of a now iconic optical store in the historic rue Vignon. Establishing its name as an optical boutique offering fine optical frames and sunglasses, in the 1980s, Laurence and Philippe Lafont changed the course of the family business with the design of their own unique frame, the iconic Genie. Above: the interior of the historic rue Vignon boutique, which remains open to this day, and which, in recent years was extended to house the Lafont artisan production of bespoke, made-to-measure eyewear

Today, the sons of Laurence and Philippe – Thomas and Matthieu – the fourth generation of the Lafont family, continue to head the Maison Lafont, with a bold commitment to independence as a primary pillar of the brand.

The Lafont brothers are also building upon the eco-responsible direction of their family company for the future, while, at the same time, ensuring that the contemporary Lafont style remains colourful, original and decorative, steeped in history and the authentic chic style of Parisian design. Follow the latest news about the company at www.lafont.com

An eyewear collaboration to benefit G.L.I.T.S / the frame is a bold, thick oversized aviator style produced in transparent acetate in three colours, designed for everyone

Ahlem has launched a collaboration edition with proceeds going to G.L.I.T.S (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society), an NYC-based nonprofit providing TLGBQIA and BIPOC individuals with access to healthcare and housing services. Along with increasing awareness about G.L.I.T.S., the collaboration between the eyewear brand and the stylist Jorden Bickham seeks to communicate a message of solidarity and promote equal rights for all humans, regardless of situation and background. Above: portrait of Frances Coombe by Soraya Zaman

The campaign for the collaboration represents powerful portraits shot by photographer Soraya Zaman and features an interconnected social network within the New York City LGBTQ+ community including Creative Director Jorden Bickham, Ceyenne Doroshow (the founder of G.L.I.T.S.), Rachel Lee, Richie Shazam, Frances Coombe, Marcelo Gutierrez, Angel Prost, Dee Harper and Jahlove Serrano.

The new edition is available at www.ahlemeyewear.com

The eyewear company Woody’s has opened a new HQ in Vic, Catalunya / the building is sustainable and fuses design, personality and functionality 

One of the latest independent eyewear producers to take a step forward in initiating a bold and sustainable footing for their company, frame company Woodys have opened new premises in a building with three floors and more than 3.000 square metres. The space is part of a commitment by the company to improve services and express the values of the brand. It also represents a reflection of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

“The new headquarters …allow us to advance and improve….it’s a charismatic and attractive place ready to continue growing….”

The new building, which features interiors created by the brand’s own creative team, is designed to reduce environmental impact and ensure greater energy efficiency, adopting a respectful and responsible architectural approach through the installation of solar panels for energy supply and the use of geothermal energy for air conditioning. It is also a welcoming space with bright colours, plenty of light, and interesting details.

Attributes include wide open spaces, a trendy colour palette with shades of pink-orange coral, bright yellow and bold turquoise blue, a showroom with light wood flooring and natural light flooding in, and brightly coloured contemporary furniture, more typical of a home environment than an office, across its different floors.

The pivot towards a more sustainable existence and identity among independent eyewear companies is already an ongoing trend in the optical business. The Woodys House represents further evidence that corporate sustainability and future-oriented projects in this area are increasingly desirable and appealing for those who are looking to future benefits, profitability and all-round success for their company and creative teams.