Design + Inspiration

An 8th anniversary collection by the Japanese handcrafted label debuts 8mm Zylonite Acetate

An 8mm thick material evocative of old-fashioned glasses, fine Sabae (Japanese) handcrafting and classic solid rivets are some of the highlights in The Infinity 8 collection, an anniversary series – celebrating their 8 years – by Japanese TVR® OPT. In this latest range, TVR® also unveils for the first time the new Japanese hand-carving metal core design also known traditionally as the ‘Tebori’ technique or Japanese engraving. ‘Te’ means ‘hand’ in Japanese while ‘bori’ translates carving; thus the name hand-carving.

The ‘Tebori’ technique was developed during the Edo period when Japanese arts and crafts truly flourished with its own code of design. The technique was employed in various objects including swords, hairpins, combs and many more items. In order to perfect the engraving, ‘Tebori’ craftsmen had to first master the art of making a ‘tagane’ or a cold chisel that acts as a stencil-like tool for the patterns on the metal.

Today, there is only one ‘Tebori’ craftsman in the optical field in Fukui, Japan and a few more in Tokyo focusing on pure gold products including jewelry, watch-making, rings and other gold trinkets featuring the unique hand-carving design. Above: TVR528 French Vintage Panto – colours include clear crystal, Havana and light grey crystal

The collection is inspired by the concept of ‘Infinity’. The two designs honour the artistry of French design with a touch of Japanese sensibility. As well as representing the 8th anniversary, the number ‘8’ represents the shape of eyeglasses and is akin to the infinity symbol, and notions of completeness as well as endless abundance. The brand approached these concepts representing what TVR® OPT embodies in a pursuit to revive and preserve true vintage artistry in eyewear making.

This is the first time that TVR® OPT launches a collection using 8mm Japanese Zylonite Acetate. Patented from classic French design with European influences, the respective models are statement pieces of bold, vintage design with extraordinary attention to detail and a subtle yet extravagant finesse. Find out more – www.trvopt.com

The French designer is releasing a new experimental 3D SLS printed collection incorporating an innovative material combination of nylon, stainless steel and acetate

A taste of the future characterised by rule-breaking shapes dominates the new 3D printed glasses series from Jean-François Rey. The frames use combinations of nylon, stainless steel and acetate and have  airy volumes, open work structures, and quite unusual shapes and dimensions.

Produced in a range of very different looks from minimal to exotic, the collection is created using 3D SLS (selective laser sintering) technology, which offers very wide scope for exploring an unexpected world of shape. Above: model wears a dramatic showpiece in this collection – the JF2947, with a 3D front that has multiple layers

The JF 2945 model takes the classic round eye shape, and adds a further rim to either side, a construction that is both surprising and eye-catching, while the clean simplicity of the JF2944 (above) takes on its slightly more outgoing personality with the addition of a twisted 3D printed surface following the eye rims. To find out more about this exciting release at JF Rey this week, visit www.jfrey.fr – an exclusive preview by Eyestylist.com.

The Californian label’s C1-21 sunglass collection includes chic, slim styles for women with a relaxed, every day style

Snug-fitting, in amazingly balanced colorations that enhance and flatter our natural skin tones, the new styles at SALT. Optics are modern and yet timeless, fitting for our current slower paced lifestyles, and ideal through the seasons, and for every day wear. The brand continues to put all focus on their successful Japanese manufacture, where artisan techniques such as hand polishing are carefully administered, and the tiniest details – from core wires to real rivets are precisely considered. Even the thickness of the mono block acetate pieces and the placement of bevels are carefully thought through to avoid stress being transferred from the frame to the lens. Above: The slim, sophisticated model Walker is available in black, coffee black, smoke grey or taupe. These rich natural tones combine with subtle on point lens hues with exotic names such as Lovers Soul and Glass Denim. Walker is also a successful optical shape at SALT. Optics

SALT. Optics is well known for its acetate collections, but titanium is also featured. Inspired by the classic P3, the small delicate feminine shape Torres is characterised by an eye-catching two-tone effect and colour variations, achieved using a durable cloisonne application. The frame has three unique colour choices of antique silver, brushed honey gold and antique gold, with nature-inspired lens tones of denim gradient, green or crimson gradient.

SALT. Optics use proprietary lenses which have advanced coatings, filters and materials as well as offering a beautiful colour palette that balances colour intensity, contrast, and light transmission. To see the full collection of men’s and women’s styles and to find out more about the brand visit the website at www.saltoptics.com