Design + Inspiration

The French company and 4th generation of the Morel family opened their doors to journalists in June. Known for their history and heritage – since 1880, the company is moving forward with the times, with a commitment to French eyewear manufacture, combining traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technological processes, and a bold, new programme of engagement embracing environmental and socially responsible initiatives across many different elements of the company’s daily life.

A stay at Lac de L’Abbaye, a visit to MOREL HQ and a special guided tour of the famous glasses museum, Musee de la Lunette in Morez: the French company invited the international press to experience everyday life at their 4th generation led eyewear establishment in the heart of the stunning natural scenery of the Haut-Jura. It was also an opportunity to visit their new re-launched acetate production on site (Morel Industrie), as well as to see the complete design and production cycle of a Morel frame. Their rich archives which include frames, marketing materials, campaigns and logos through the decades remain at the centre of everything they do today, exhibited around the corridors and staircases of the HQ interior in eye-catching, inspirational displays. Above: Morel headquarters, in Morbier – France

The Morel family were proud to tell their story of ‘Engagement’  and corporate social responsibility (CSR) which they first began to implement over 2 years ago. Alongside commitment to authentic French craftsmanship and quality, they have put in place multiple projects to become more sustainable and more responsible in all aspects of the company’s daily life.

Morel introduced journalists to Valerie Prillard, a highly skilled French spectacle maker who has been awarded the Best Craftsperson of France Distinction in the eyewear category. Prillard works in the product development department at Morel, in charge of all prototyping.

“Looking ahead, the 4th generation of the Morel family strives to develop a socially responsible, innovative, and collaborative culture faithful to the passion and values of founder, Jules Morel…”

The Morel team previewed new eyewear styles across its collection for the Autumn/Winter season including a brand new MOREL reading glasses collection which is presented in an exciting contemporary packaging concept. The line will be presented to opticians for the first time at Silmo in September 2023.

MOREL has recently adjusted its portfolio of brands: today they offer the main collection, MOREL  (comprising the collections previously known as ÖGA, LIGHTEC, and KOALI), the M collection featuring NOMAD and MARIUS, and MARIUS MOREL – the line which pays homage to the glasses that have previously shaped the brand’s history and heritage (previously 1888). The company continues to produce the unique line MOREL par JeanNouvel, a collaboration edition with architect, Jean Nouvel. Find out more at www.morel-france.com

OGI Eyewear’s Red Rose capsule collection offers six new distinctive styles in metal and custom-layered acetate, with bright colour concepts at the heart of the new-look designs

The six new styles in the Red Rose collection expand on a modern, poetic take on minimalism. On-trend shapes – including a butterfly, a cat’s eye, and other geometric styles – are presented in sleek materials, with a play of bright colour rooting the collection within the OGI brand. Above: touches of bright colour are a feature of the new capsule

David Duralde of OGI Eyewear explained: “We explore the idea that bright colours can be subtle and wearable when the gesture is intentional and artistic. It’s fun to see metal frames take on a new face and create excitement and originality.  It’s time for metals to shine”.

As a capsule collection of the OGI brand, Red Rose has an established conceptual design focus, elevating minimalism and juxtaposing bold colours to create a thoroughly modern selection of timeless, confident styles. All of the new Red Rose by OGI designs can now be experienced with virtual try-on, both on the OGI Eyewear website (www.ogieyewear.com), and via the new OGI Eyewear virtual try-on app at ogi.theopticalfoundry.com.

VAVA’s collaboration with Suzanne Ciani explores the composer’s world through eyewear design

Launched in Milan earlier in the year, VAVA’s latest collaboration offers a new expression of design linked with the world of Ciani and her passion for the Buchla and quadraphonic sound. Throughout her career, Ciani has worked with the Buchla to compose electronic music. In this design collaboration, the team at VAVA studied the unique world of electronic music and how it could inspire aspects of the frame designs.

“The eyewear seamlessly blends sound and movement into its design, representing how Suzanne approaches music-making…” VAVA 

The collection, which is made in Germany using VAVA’s signature bio-based 3D printing techniques, offers frames with bold geometric elements that draw inspiration from the Buchla’s colours, details and lines. The colours of the cords and connectors are incorporated in the design.

Find out more at www.vavaeyewear.com

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