Design + Inspiration

Small-scale artisan production with sustainable ambitions in Annaberg-Buchholz

From a small traditional workshop in East Germany, the distinctive bespoke frames at Coco Leni use natural materials such as horn and wood and artisan techniques, creating one-off designs with classic constructions and rivets and pins. The custom shapes include classic cat eyes and bold rectangles as well as more offbeat designs.

With a production history that dates back to 1946, the new Coco Leni concept was born in 2015 under Matthias Haase and Arjun Sagar –  who wanted to revive the handmade designs of the past from this studio and make new styles. Sustainability they say is at the root of their work, which is based on the natural materials and hand finishing whilst also paying attention to planting trees (with GPS labelling) and reducing waste.

Above: a neo-classical round frame that can be made to measure: the style is called Laibach and was inspired by a Slovenian avant-garde music group – it is one of the more unusual designs in the collection

Furthermore, with aspirations to bring the frames to a wider audience outside Germany, particularly in the current climate, the Coco Leni team have created a virtual measurement system comprising 20 different measurements to create a design. All they ask is 2 photos of your face and they promise shipment thereafter within 7 business days. Find out more about the frames and the small workshop and try on the styles with Virtual Try-On at: www.cocoleni.com

FACE A FACE : surprising colours to prompt radiance and joy

Fresh eyewear proposals are here for Spring, and colour plays a leading role. Mood-lifting tones and special combinations with energetic, rich tonal flourishes bring an artful upbeat direction to the season’s new frames.

The French design label FACE A FACE has directed their attention on spirited colour throughout their new collection, with  geometric, structured forms and exciting vibrant colour details, ideal for moving out of winter tones and long months of ‘dressing down’.  Above: model Bocca Tweet is brand new! The frame has a cubic construction – the front and the side appear to have been carved from a single 3D block. The oversized, squarish eye shape is a perfectly ideal choice for women wanting the latest looks

Lively colour combinations are increasingly sought after for variety and a spark of fun. With several variations available, the FACE A FACE Bocca Tweet 1 in blue paired with transparent red (above) is bold and creatively fused – a nice choice to wear right now. Sophisticated in effect, frames with this level of colour are instantly eye-catching and easy to dress both up and down.

With features in bronze and aluminium tones, iconic cat’s eye shape Masha – a lightweight metal frame – is classical and feminine. The two versions – round or rectangular – play with transparent and fluorescent effects and tones such as teal (above) or coral pink with transparent temples, and terracotta enhanced by safari print.

All FACE A FACE frames are created to reveal the individual’s unique personality and the details of the frames such as the colours and artistic concepts make these pieces creative, independent ‘objects of design’. Find your frame for Spring! Visit www.faceaface-paris.com

In the final highlight in our close-up study of some of the most unique and classy specs for men we found some bold styles at l.a. eyeworks

A substantial frame, one that is worn to get noticed, is a fitting style focus for the last post in our menswear series this month. Nerd fashion? Geek chic? We prefer to call the thicker rimmed frames a statement of individuality and personality, a defining accessory with bold nuances of colour and design. Gone are the days of the big black so-called Clark Kent specs being the only option here as a more colourful approach and desire for variety in shape changes the perspective – let’s hope for ever more!

As bigger and bolder becomes a mantra for 2021 in eyewear, three new styles at l.a. eyeworks caught our attention for men. These styles are hand-finished, with “tailored” edges, smart distinctive shapes and a completely different colour palette from any other.  Above: Kola by l.a. eyeworks in colour Rock Pool – the shape is classical and the edges are refined – the Rock Pool coloration is a twist on a tortoise pattern, distinctive in its multi-colored pattern which features an uplifting mix of tones in blue and brown

Similarly, model Trout presents a strong thick-rimmed traditional shape with the keyhole bridge detail. The fun comes in the colour palette, which offers tones such as ‘Blue Jay’, an impressive striated pattern in elegant blues which turns the look from classic to elegantly adventurous, or quite different tones like ‘Dirty Martini’, an ever so popular light crystal that seems to be consistently popular as we head into Spring.

For those who simply must have a statement in black, our tip is to choose an intriguing matt or shiny finish which gives the look a modern edge. A style like Frankly is made from a sturdy titanium material from Japan and offers different finishes and colours of black, BIC blue and shiny silver, all stylistically intense and in true l.a. eyeworks style, totally exciting to wear! To see more of the latest frames in this new collection by the Los Angeles label, visit www.laeyeworks.com

Japanese Limited Edition – VINTAGE 1993 in rare 8mm acetate

If it’s rare and handcrafted you yearn for, the Japanese handcrafted label TVR has dipped into a prized archive of vintage acetate for the creation of a Limited Edition acetate design series – launched this month. The vintage 1993 8mm acetate material, available in two colour variations, was considered highly desirable in the past, and dates back to first production of Japanese Zylonite in the 1950s. Discovered by one of TVR®’s master craftsmen, the very limited quantity available has meant that just 99 frames will be produced for each colour – Vintage Black + Clear and Vintage Brown + Clear.

Above: the models in the series are distinguished by  flat fronts without rivets for a clean and minimal look and wide ‘library’ temples tapering to flared tips. A special polishing process highlights the handmade quality.