German eyewear designer Adrian Marwitz has just launched a new frame in featherweight Titanium, that is part of his Urban Stranger series. The graceful, contemporary shape in Stranger No. 18 – all handcrafted in Germany – is particularly stunning in a lustrous, shiny finish – a colour that is a lovely blend of copper and gold. www.adrianmarwitz.com JG
rapp Eyewear continues to produce creative avant-garde frame designs. A family business, led by Shilo Rapp, trained as a goldsmith, the frames have a unique handmade look and feature materials like titanium and Italian acetate – always with a distinctive finish. Francine caught our eye: the style is like all of Rapp’s designs made in the brand’s own production workshop in Toronto. The acetate material has a subtle striated pattern. The shape also boasts a fantastic bevelling effect which gives it lots of character.
Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson creates romantic, original eyewear with magical adornment. Among the splendid designs in her new optical collection is Down Lush Boulevard – a charming retro interpretation in black acetate, and white shell roses with gold accents, cascade on the front. Each frame is crafted and drilled by hand. Order romantic Down Lush Boulevard now online via www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG
For an optical frame with elegance and chic, Zero 04 is a beautiful example. Smooth black acetate is finely sculpted with a lifted brow, and then majestically accented with a vintage rolled gold brow bar that extends to the sides. Finest Seven designer Jesse Stevens studied sculpture, and his understanding of the metier brings unique distinction to the frame designs. www.finestseven.com JG
A strong message for ophthalmic frames this year is colour – clear, lucid colour, frequently augmented with sleek marbled effects in contrasting tones. Purple is a favourite – and Anne et Valentin offers this elegant version – D-Tail – in acetate with sharp, clean lines, softened by a murmur of retro/vintage – updated for the present day. The graceful cat eye shape unites dynamism and femininity, accentuating delicate features with an air of assertiveness. www.aneetvalentin.com JG