Design + Inspiration

RIGARDS and the designer Uma Wang continue their imaginative work in collaboration, with a new edition informed by primordial nature and indigenous aesthetics. The bold UW12 frame, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week, is an outstanding example of crafting in titanium with a style that closely relates to finely handcrafted artisan-designed jewellery.

The rims of the frame are decorated with an incised concentric ring motif with 568 fine ridges encircling each rim, which creates a pattern subtly reminiscent of coil-shelled ammonites from the Jurassic period; it also recalls the enigmatic double spiral staircases at the Vatican Museum.

Rigards also draws parallels between the radial composition of the glasses and the ring-bearers of native tribes in Asia and Africa whose ornamental rings form part of traditional attire.

Enhanced with a hollowed-out construction which also minimizes the weight, the frame can accommodate sun or ophthalmic lenses. Available in five flattering colours, two of the choices offered are accented with RIGARDS’s trademark ‘Time Machine’ patina – a finish that was developed by the label and which is perfectly in keeping with the unique elegance of the frames. Every UW12 frame comes with a small leather case with adjustable strap. See more about the collaboration here: www.rigards.com

As the Swiss company’s ‘manufactory’ continues to evolve, and ultralight 3D printed frames become increasingly desirable, Sven Götti says now’s the time to further innovate in the field

“We have a team of 15 in the Götti manufactory with 5 working exclusively on 3D printing,” Sven Götti told Eyestylist at Silmo in September. “This style of product is more and more desirable. Nearly 30% of our business is now dedicated to new 3D printing work.”

3D printed styles at Götti, produced from polyamide, are characterised by a luxurious minimalist finish, lightness and cool “touch and feel”. “To me personally,” says Sven, “there is much inspiration for design and further innovation in this material. We have also experienced a lot of synergy with other materials, and especially titanium. We have been able to spend considerable time developing really harmonious combinations, trying and testing until we are really really happy with the results on all levels.” Above: Sven Götti photographed by Amanda Sellem, – exclusively for Eyestylist – at Silmo 2022. All rights reserved.

The company is also pivoted towards sustainability and sustainable production, and has evolved – through the difficult times of the pandemic – a successful local in-house production and  state-of-the-art manufacturing, always considering minimising waste, with creative ideas and solutions. “Where there is waste material, it is used by the designer and materials researcher, Fabio Hendry, who is also based in Switzerland (https://www.hotwireextensions.com),” Sven explained. “He  produces art and design works with overlooked matter.”

Released at Silmo, the new 3D printed models Guidi and Gydo from the Dimension collection are exemplary of the refined style and finish of this state-of-the-art line. A soft to touch, silky surface makes the frames easy, comfortable to wear and flattering on the face. The colours are timeless and tasteful, with a large choice of 15 tones, based principally on a natural palette of tones such as sand, slate, teal, plum and cliff.

For more information about 3D printed design at Götti Switzerland, visit www.gotti.ch

The French artisan label’s Autumn/Winter shapes in acetate extend this collection of modern classics – the entrepreneurial co-founders and brothers, Germain and Alexis Bouchara enthused about good times at Silmo 2022 as we took their portraits for our exclusive series.

Quintessential artisan eyewear created with a contemporary point of view was one of the niche areas of particular interest once again at the optical trade fair, Silmo, which takes place annually in Paris. Such frames – from small independent labels –  are produced with a keen eye, a developed understanding of the history of eyewear fused with modern influences from other areas such as art, architecture and product design. Home-grown label Lunettes ALF is one such example, with a particular lean towards timeless quality and longevity and less emphasis on seasonal trends and fashion, a direction that is picking up pace.

Three new shapes are added in the Japanese acetate collection at Lunettes ALF, with the progression of the classic colour palette which currently includes more than three variations of tortoise/Havana, black, an olive-like green and crystal.

All sun lenses at Lunettes ALF are photochromic mineral glass which is scratch resistant as well as providing excellent optical quality.

Lunettes ALF are poised to present their first metal collection, being produced in Japan, in 2023 – watch this space for their exclusive news. Eyestylist spoke to Lunettes ALF at Silmo 2022 (Paris). For more information about the French brand, visit the website at https://lunettes-alf.com  Portraits by Amanda Sellem exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.

Iconic British brand Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses proposes fresh new shapes and colorations – aligned with its rich family heritage and enduring models endorsed by celebrities and vips, across the world. As we caught up with the brand at Silmo in Paris, Claire Goldsmith, the great granddaughter of founder Oliver Goldsmith, shared new designs and views on the season’s new colours

“Oliver Goldsmith’s designs will always reflect our design heritage,” says Claire Goldsmith, when we asked her to show us a taste of what’s new at the Paris fair, in a space that echoed the wealth of history and celebrity endorsement through magazine covers and photographs framed for display.  “Heavy set, ‘retrocentric’ British styling has always been at the heart of what we do…” said Claire, whose new Winter Sun styles continue on the theme. The Venator, Preston, Rex, Vice Consul and Zepher were all launched at Silmo, smart, well balanced contemporary designs which are subtly retro at heart.

Colours evolve at the British eyewear brand, recognising a need to stay in tune with contemporary tastes and engage with essential colours that fit with general design directions. “For colour, the focus has definitely been about finding the warmth in each chosen colour,” Claire says when we asked her to define how the palette has been tweaked. “Finding the right depth in khaki greens, inky blues and whiskey browns to compliment as many skin tones as possible is a challenge,” she says, “but something I’ve worked hard on; I’m delighted with the results.” Above: Claire Goldsmith photographed at Silmo Paris 2022 by Amanda Sellem, exclusively for Eyestylist.com – all rights reserved.

The Winter Sun collection by Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses was a concept originally devised by Oliver Goldsmith back in 1969. Very lightly tinted lenses allow the frames incredible versatility; from wearing on a winter’s day, shielding the eyes from the glare of screens or interior lights to simply being a stylish and adaptable accessory for any time of day.

At Silmo, alongside the Winter Sun display were eye-catching classics, Oliver Goldsmith sun designs which remain timeless and historic, yet fashionably bold. Model Fuz dates back to 1966, and was one of the many styles at OG that was worn by Audrey Hepburn. Characteristic of the 60s “oversized” look,the front features bevelled edges and archetypal paddle temples with the original production date embossed on the inside. The model is released in new colours and combinations such as Seafoam and Champagne – a bright green with crystal champagne tone and Summer Shadow ‘black on crystal ‘white’. For more information about the latest releases at Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, visit www.olivergoldsmith.com