20th September 2011 Some wonderful pictures have come through from LFW…these are some favourite backstage shots at designer Zoe Jordan’s catwalk show, featuring oversized catseyes in acetate and metal versions from Austrian label Andy Wolf. The frames were perfectly in tune with the collection, paired with classic yet modernized silhouettes and very British fabrics and references (headscarves, tweeds and cricket jumpers) with traits of the 1930s. CN
14th September 2011 The new British label RockOptika will present its debut 10 piece optical collection at Silmo this month…I had a coffee with Tom in his bijoux Hasting’s shop (www.theopticallounge.co.uk) this week, and he showed me the full collection…mixing old-school vintage with some idiosyncratic details, the shapes are designed to be wearable yet bubble with personality, the colours fit perfectly into the new season, including a lovely transparent sea blue and a chic crimson, and each model works just as beautifully with sun as with prescription lenses.
“My aim is to make the frames I have always wanted to make….taking vintage elements and resizing them to make them wearable. I am very conscious of the aesthetics, and injecting something of my own character and a British eccentricity, but I also wanted quality and high-level production.”
Designed by Tom in the UK and produced in the Jura, the designs are made from Italian acetate…with some patterned variations featuring…an antique lace motif, and a vintage-look tortoise. As owner of an optical boutique, Tom has a true understanding of the needs of frame wearers in terms of fit and comfort. But he also has an appreciation for the minutiae of eyewear. Little touches such as the larger end tips are there to fit nicely behind the ear as well as adding a quirky touch. Available in the UK at McClintock Eyewear www.mcclintock-eyewear.co.uk. For more information visit www.rockoptika.co.uk CN
12th September 2011 Continuing with our luxury frame theme, we are pleased to present this stunning new design from the Lindberg Precious collection. Fine, smooth horn and lightweight titanium merge in a contemporary shape, exquisitely crafted. The pure simplicity and flow of the frame expresses both a subtle and a strong statement simultaneously. The Danish based company has amassed international fans for their elegant designs these past 40 years, and regal patronage in their homeland. In 2009, Queen Margrethe II bestowed a Royal Warrant to Lindberg. For further information: www.lindberg.com JG
9th September 2011 Just in on my desk, these elegant sunglasses are as beautiful on the inside as on the outside! With Davies’ amazing technical skills, this design has the appearance of being “reversed” – as if the inside has been transformed onto the frame front. The above design is one of an exciting, bespoke Limited Edition collection in Double Bloc Titanium – an original and beautiful concept that illustrates the artistry of Tom Davies. The frames, for men and women, were originally designed for royalty. I particularly like the classy sculptured frame front, with its gentle flow. Further information at www.tdtomdavies.com JG
6th September 2011 Gertrud by Isson, with its overtones of the Bauhaus period, has the appearance of marble…these frames, and the others in the collection are made from vintage acetate and feature pearlescent light reflecting finishes in tortoiseshell, flecked patterning, rocks and layered acetate.
Gertrud (above) is pictured in the mouthwatering colour “banana split”, and also comes in “fleckle”, a name that beautifully reflects the effect of the acetate. They are typical examples of this Australian sunglass range and we can’t wait to see them up close! www.isson.com.au
Vintage marbling effects, which look likely to be an interesting trend in the month’s ahead, are also seen in Pierre Eyewear’s collection launching this month…here is a sneak preview of two of the lovely idiosyncratic optical styles by Pierre that come in elegant varieties of deeply coloured/patterned acetate. www.pierre-eyewear.com CN
