Design + Inspiration

A balance of transparency and colour

As the new season embraces the artistic effects of transparency and colour in eyewear design (see https://www.eyestylist.com/trend-bulletin-issue-5/), artisan brands have selected refined and unique crystal materials to highlight the see-through aesthetic of the frame. The variation of styles in the perfume inspired collection at RES/REI – the Italian design label – excite the eye with a vibrancy of style. The glasses in the collection are delicately shaped and characterized by temples with metal details. The effect of the material with translucency and colour is surprising when worn, highlighting the eyes and illuminating the natural colours of the eyes and skin. Above: an expression of the season’s subtle colorations, model Aloe features a natural colour combination inspired by the shades of the Mediterranean landscape – the frames has a chic ‘sculpted’ look

The strong character of the hexagonal shape of model Peppermint fuses with a sophisticated play of overlapping lines. The frame is available in a variety of soft tones.

Since 2012, RES/REI has produced a curated collection of artisan frames, which evolve through experimentation and a highly developed palette of bespoke colours and beautifully designed forms. To find out more visit www.resrei.com

An autumn/winter “staple piece”

Modern, moody, and definitely a must-have this season, the black sunglasses shape you choose can look edgy or classic, whatever your predilection for styling up this Autumn. A favourite, iconic colour in sunwear through fashion decades, the key shape for black sunglasses right now errs towards the 1990s elongated cats eye or  “70s” shaped squarish lens. We love the warmth and style of a colored lens for the current season, but for those who desire their retro classic, black on black is chic and strong. Above: Street style: Paige Reifler at Paris Fashion Week – photographed by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com.

Model Ogjort by EOE Eyewear is an angular design created in the company’s ‘eco-friendly’ acetate made from wood and cotton pulp. The cat eye design has a trendy sculpted look and a ‘Northern black’ lens colour that just reveals the eyes. https://eoe-eyewear.com

The impact of a black frame and colored lens provides a beautiful touch in lower natural sunlight of autumn/winter.  Model Crestwood by US label Erker’s has a strong, bold square acetate frame available in a dark “moon crater” tone with temples in a contrasting tortoise finish. For more on Erker’s visit https://erkers1879.com

Model Garland from the Californian eyewear brand SALT. Optics has a sweet oval lens shape with a hint of the cat eye in the form of the outer frame. The shape derives from classic women’s eyeglasses of the 1950’s and 60s.  The matt black Japanese acetate frame with crimson lens tone is an ideal combination to match with the current season’s apparel. Find out more at https://saltoptics.com – This feature was written by Clodagh Norton / EYESTYLIST.com. All rights reserved.

Fine accessories from Japan use “Kasuri-zome” technique – written by Clodagh Norton

The latest artisan cord styles by Diffuser Tokyo are testament to Japanese craft and a specialty dyeing technique which originates from Kyoto, the capital of Japan’s traditional textile production. The cords are completely distinctive, with a wonderful graduated or “ombré ” colour effect from light to dark in different natural colorations of blue, red, khaki and grey. Above: the new cords at Diffuser Tokyo – handmade in Japan

“Kasuri-zome” – the traditional dying technique – is a time honored dip-dyeing technique involving multiple stages, all of which are done by hand to achieve the final result. For the cords, the process for the colours of the cords involves dyeing two different colours at both ends – at the centre they overlap to create the beautiful effect of graduated tones.

Diffuser Tokyo is a specialist producer of fine eyewear accessories, created in natural materials with original timeless designs. They are beautiful to use or wear as well as practical. Their products are available at fine eyewear stores around the world. Find out more: www.diffuser-tokyo.com

Street style and sunnies at #PFW – with a personal edge

‘Wear what you want’ seems to be the key theme for eyewear on the street. In NYC, London, Milan and through the last week in Paris, the styles of eyewear and sunglasses out in the city pointed to a love of bold vintage influences, including designs inspired by particular decades such as the 70s and the 00s, as well as a charming freedom of expression to wear what you want when you want – without too many rules to consider, apart from the need to occasionally match a mask with a frame. Massive frames, mini styles, and a mix of square, round, aviator inspired or futuristic designs were seen through the week. Colours were brave or subdued, with colorful tints (particularly orange) that reveal the eyes beneath.  The usual variety of interesting black shades in all dimensions – one of the archetypal looks of the Parisian street style scene – emerged once again as one of the coolest ways to finish a look in autumn mode although white tones were also very chic on the street. By Clodagh Norton – Photography by Gennaro D’Elia exclusively for Eyestylist.com  – Above: oversized sunglasses make the outfit

For previous features on street style click on the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/10/paris-fashion-week-ss20/  https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/02/milan-fashion-week-february-2020