Design + Inspiration

Neon brights ‘light up’ colours of the night sky in the new collection by FACE A FACE

Playing with the effects of light – through the day – and how they influence colour. The FACE A FACE designers have introduced special effects in striking combination colours, imagining how light transverses each model in cut-outs and contrasts as well as unique shapes. The frames are complex and beautifully finished in state-of-the-art materials, an expression of boldness with experimental flair.

“Our work themes are drawn from aesthetic details in our first sketches or models made by our model maker. Some common details catch our attention, and through a discussion process a story appears,” explained the designers, when asked to explain how the idea came about. “When you have this feeling that a collection theme is blooming, it’s a very exciting moment.”  Above: model Zenit by FACE A FACE – a statement design in the collection ‘Colour as Light’

“We feel that people need to feel positive: after a period of doubt, there is always renewal. For this, the use of colours is a fantastic ‘soft medicine’.” FACE A FACE design team

Model Gordon, a design with masculine lines inspired by industrial machining, plays with dual tones and matt and shiny surfaces. The combination of bright aniseed yellow on opaque grey contrasts with transparent grey temples – is the ultimate trio of trendy hues while the layering effect is graphic and sculptural. FACE A FACE will exhibit at the Paris trade fair SILMO this week. Find out more about the collection at www.faceaface-paris.com – Eyestylist spoke with Paris design team Claire Ferreira, Marianne Dezes and Robin Apprioual of FACE A FACE.

Renewed energy and a tantalizing freedom of choice in trends and looks: the styles for the new season will debut in Paris

As the first international event for eyewear companies in some time approaches this month, our attention will be on innovations and trends, and how the experiences of the past 18 months play out through the design and development of eyewear. With the move to a more sustainable orientation in materials and less wasteful manufacture (and effort to design eco-friendly packaging materials), the key directions also look set to be much more wide-ranging than ever before. Recurring, popular shapes for specs and sunglasses there are of course,  and colours too, but over and above that typical flurry of new season trends there are signs that a desire for freedom and creativity among the designers will fuel an especially broad and tantalizing assortment of new-season designs – big, small, minimal, decorative, restrained, rebellious, formal, casual and so on -, to suit every individual and their unique, personal style.

In the Eyestylist forecasts about what to expect at the event, we introduce must-see eyewear designs and highlights for the first time. Above: Fleye Copenhagen will show a skillfully designed collection inspired by silent film at SILMO 2021. This distinctive optical collection includes beta-titanium, acetate and combinations of carbon fiber and wood – www.fleye.dk

Lafont Paris promises glamorous novelties in their sun and optical collections at SILMO, including the very chic statement model Juillet: an acetate design, the front features a grooved linear decoration adding a pretty texture to the surface. We expect to see more unique surface finishes, detailed patterns and artistic sculptural designs in the weeks ahead! www.lafont.com

At Morel, a collection of colorful new models in small sizes hint at a desire for warm, original yet functional eyewear that addresses a need for an easy-to-wear, comfortable and well-fitting choice of frames. Generally, shapes are very versatile, and many of the new collections point to a real diversity to meet all tastes and different face shapes. The collection of new smaller sized frames by Morel includes the circular shape, a bold rectangle and a hexagon – all on point for the season ahead. www.morel-france.com

From FOLC Eyewear, a Barcelona-based label by the designer Marta Linares, who will make her second appearance at SILMO for 2021, BAM is a striking example of a large unisex frame with a sharp rectangle eye shape. FOLC takes a special interest in the details of the construction and finish of each design, and here, very defined and contrasting carving or bevelling is observed, in combined matt and shiny surfaces for the front. This frame requires a detailed process for production and special steps as well as a customized tooling of the front to achieve the contrasted finish.
BAM will be presented with a selection of new models. The frame comes in eight trendy colour combinations including a Blue Combo ( Blue + havana), Havana Mix RX (demi + turmeric) , Moss Combo ( Moss + Havana ) and  Sage Mix ( Soft Sage + Soft Blue). www.folc-eyewear.com

Innovation in creative design is always a favourite theme at the Paris fair. And this year, those moments where something completely different appears will certainly be memorable. Already on our must-see list is the designer Veronika Wildgruber’s new aviator which features an interwoven bridge design in nickel silver CuSn6 – a copper alloy – a detail that she says is inspired by Roger Penrose and Escher. The designer describes the frame as painstakingly put together – it includes rubber temple tips and titanium nose pads – and the unique twist at the bridge. This frame has been shortlisted for a SILMO D’Or award in the category ‘Sunglasses – Eyewear Designer”. www.eyewear.veronikawildgruber.com

SALT. Optics continues to evolve a fascinating, nature inspired colour palette in shapes that are timeless and versatile to wear. The brand will show new models in its C3-21 series at SILMO, including new model Garland , a frame which comes in this beautiful two-tone coloration. The frame is a good example of how the brand uses vintage influences from the 1950s and 1960s and reinterprets them in a modern-day style. www.saltoptics.com

About SILMO 2021: the fair (trade only) takes place at Paris Nord Villepinte from 24th to 27th September 2021. Over 500 companies have booked to exhibit this year following post-pandemic closures and a smaller event in 2020. This year a good number of independent labels are showing. They include: Fleye Copenhagen, FOLC Eyewear, Gigi Studios, Jean-Philippe Joly, J F REY, Kuboraum, HOET, Lafont Paris, LINDBERG, Mykita, MOREL, RIGARDS, ROLF Spectacles, SALT. Optics, Sea2see, Shelter, SOOD Eyewear, Struktur Eyewear, Tarian, VAVA, and Veronika Wildgruber. The SILMO d’Or awards – much coveted prizes which recognise outstanding design and innovation – will be announced during the weekend of the event. To register, and find out more: visit www.silmoparis.com