Design + Inspiration

The lure of acetate: RES/REI Essences

New models in fine Mazzucchelli acetate
Almond, Calendula, Blackberry, Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus. Each of the models in the Essences Collection by RES/REI is inspired by nature’s bounty: uplifting natural fragrances, details, textures and rich variation in the colours of familiar plants, fruits and herbs we associate with goodness and wellbeing. Particular to the styles is a special design: a diamond-shaped core inside the temples: decorative and feminine, the frames are reimagined to create a look that is contemporary and refined. Above: the round model Eucalyptus in the Essences collection by RES/REI – the colour pictured is grey/pink/shiny rose gold – a combination that highlights fine double lines in the upper section.

Blackberry in the Essences collection by RES/REI – in dark havana, purple and red

Each model shows a delicate balance of transparencies and harmonious colours, with two or three different hues blending in one design. Deep berry tones of blackberry, purple, deep red and havana through to very light crystal tones of grey/white, mixed and matched, to reinvent each shape in each exclusive palette.

Retro refined at LINDBERG, Denmark

Function and fashion in new strip titanium styles

Among new styles for 2021, the Danish label’s strip titanium collection explores the finest qualities of a retro infused style – with a sleek expression and technically advanced, seamless construction. Models 7423 and 7424 are half-rimmed frames that carry a refined look. The distinct upper bars offer a unique character with an almost floating aesthetic when worn on the face. Above: LINDBERG strip titanium 7423 in a shiny gold finish

LINDBERG strip titanium 7423 – a modified square eye shape

One of LINDBERG’s most sought after frame concepts, the individual titanium elements of these strip titanium styles are laser cut from thin plates of premium quality titanium and formed to create a balance of lightness and impressive stability to bring exceptional standards of comfort. With qualities such as durability, corrosion resistance as well as being hypoallergenic – titanium has become one of eyewear’s most highly regarded materials, and these ultralight strip titanium styles are conceived quite precisely to blend all these different benefits in one.

LINDBERG strip titanium 7424 – based on the classic cat’s eye

LINDBERG’s expertise in producing quality titanium eyewear stems from a “desire for constant innovation”. The company has won multiple awards and holds a series of design patents for its lightweight screwless eyewear consistently setting new standards for style, comfort and toughness in their extensive choice of customisable designs. Their first titanium frame concept – Air Titanium, was first launched in 1985. Made from strong, durable titanium wire, it continues to be among their most successful and highly prized minimalist designs. www.LINDBERG.com

 

Eyestylist: A decade of fine eyewear & accessories

A note to you, to mark our 10th anniversary

Eyestylist is celebrating 10 years today! To mark our first decade, we wish to direct our thanks to you our friends and readers who support and follow what we do daily on the site and on social media. We are committed to a constant, dedicated study of the design and innovation in the eyewear and accessories business and we are extremely delighted to have a fantastic audience of professionals, opticians and people who love  and value the design and artistic focus of this creative world of fashion – and the extraordinary people who work within it. Above: Churada by Fritz Frames, Australia, first published on Eyestylist in November 2011 following a first interview with the designer Friedrich Schwarz at Silmo, Paris: https://www.eyestylist.com/2011/11/wood-to-wear/ – ten years on, this Australian independent brand continues to expand its timber frame collection.

A love for design details: Mido optical fair February 2019 – taking a closer look at the inside of  Nina Mûr wooden glasses

In 2011, this level of detail and news in a feed of online content on unique eyewear and accessory independent labels was not available and through the years we have built and are building what we believe to be a remarkable archive dedicated to the leaders and innovators in avantgarde, handmade, luxury and fine glasses, sunglasses and accessories.  Through commitment,  hard work and detailed research, it has been an exciting path of travel, meetings, and factory visits, international fashion weeks and trade fairs..and I am personally grateful for the friends and kind supporters I have encountered a long the way, and the recognition and respect we have built through this time as a trusted resource with a solid global following.

Avantgarde design: Horn spectacles by Rigards, from their 2012 collection – featured on Eyestylist in December 2012 https://www.eyestylist.com/2012/12/trend-watch-grainy-effects-textures-and-wood-look/

We hope you will take a chance to visit the new Eyestylist website and mobile site (www.eyestylist.com) we launched in December as a prelude to our anniversary and we look forward to bringing you more high quality content for years to come. Remember you can look back at our archive of content since 2011, and read about the evolution of some of the brands that are leading this field today!

Iconic French design: Lafont’s optical model Gaufrette, first published on Eyestylist in August 2011 – www.eyestylist.com/2011/08/trend-watch-rich-print-and-pattern/

Finally special thanks to the dedicated sponsors of Eyestylist who continue to work with us and inspire us from across the world. Best wishes to you all for the New Year, we hope 2021 brings renewed health and prosperity, time with friends and families, happiness and peace.  Clodagh Norton – Eyestylist.com / January 2021.

Shelter x Patrick Norguet

Shelter Manufacture collaborates with designer Patrick Norguet in ‘Fusion’, a line of glasses and sunglasses

A new line by the French eco-friendly independent label Shelter Manufacture with designer Patrick Norguet is based on complex architectural structures in Paris, London, Stockholm and Las Vegas. The collection features 10 designs in bio acetate, metal and wood with 70s undertones yet a clear and contemporary cosmopolitan aesthetic. Carefully thought out details bring a unique expression of architectural concepts and inspirations to the handcrafted range. Above: model Dublin in the new capsule collection, ‘Fusion’

Shelter x Norguet – model Stockholm

Shelter Manufacture use wood sheets from the French specialists Marotte in the creation of eyewear collections which uphold sustainable and eco-friendly values and an aesethetic direction that is minimal and timeless in its styling and colour palette. In this new collaboration, the frames are characterised by constrasting surfaces, playful yet discreet colour (including green, deep red, crystal and natural tones such as tortoiseshell), material pairings which offer something a bit different and bold variations on classic frame shapes including square, panto and multi-sided models.

Shelter x Norguet – model Austin

Patrick Norguet is an award-winning French designer who has worked in product design, fashion and architecture. His design agency, which was founded in 2000, is based in Paris. One of his most famous designs is the Rainbow Chair for Cappellini, a work of 1999 and the first of Norguet’s products in collaboration with the Italian avantgarde design house. The new collaboration between Shelter and Norguet was announced at the Silmo HorsLesMurs event in Jardin des Tuileries, Paris in October 2020. To find out more visit the websites: www.patricknorguet.com / www.shelter-manufacture.com

Less is more: Falvin Eyewear

An Eyestylist update on Danish design: luxurious, minimal frames that will never go out of style, by jewellery designer, Birgitte Falvin

The jewellery and eyewear designer Birgitte Falvin has released new images of the AW 2020/21 Falvin styles, part of a couture line of frames with a balanced Scandinavian design mood and individualistic finely crafted jewellery details. Featured sunglasses include the Stellar model, a contemporary vision of the traditional cat’s eye shape which balances classical style and contemporary elegance – in this case, with a Danish flavour. Above: Danish model Marina Ohm wears Falvin’s Stellar shades, in matte black with matte black gold detail. The 2020 campaign for Falvin was shot by Danish photographer Henrik Adamsen.

Patrycja wears Arctic by Falvin Eyewear
In tune with geometric trends and architectural influences, ophthalmic model Arctic, pictured above in matte black and black gold detailing, highlights fine Japanese craftsmanship and a contemporary aesthetic. The large eye shape is a fresh look in the ophthalmic lines and on point for 2021.
Marina wears Twilight by Falvin Eyewear

Falvin’s Twilight frame is prestigious and unique. With a decoration of premium Top Wesselton VVS diamonds, set by Danish specialists, each jewel is mounted using traditional techniques to ensure quality, longevity and exquisitely finished designs.

About the brand: Falvin Eyewear is creating fine eyewear – designed in Denmark and produced in Japan – using materials such as Japanese titanium, 24 carat gold, rose gold, palladium and diamonds. Creator Birgitte Falvin trained as a jewllery designer and has a special appreciation for products crafted in unique materials, inspired by exciting architecture and following the Danish design mantra of quality with focus on “less is more”. www.falvin.dk