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Italian Flair: Radical Yet Discreet

18th February 2015 Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti at HAPTER have just launched new styles in their Prime Line collection txt1001. Their original interpretation of unique eyewear – fusing surgical steel and luxurious cotton fabrics from Cerruti Woolen Mills 1881 – evolves with optical frames and sunglasses that are inspirational. The optical model A05M  (above) is super light, and available in beautiful colours.

The sunglasses are stunning – the classic and much loved aviator shape is translated into HAPTER’S trademark design and materials. An elegant double-bridge and hints of vintage capture the essence of HAPTER’S desire to create eyewear with superb artisanal precision. These special eyepieces are equipped with ultra-resistant Carl Zeiss nylor lenses with five layers of anti-reflection.  Quality, innovation and excellence from HAPTER. www.hapter.it JG

What’s New!

13th February 2015 100% Optical was the place to be last weekend to see exciting eyewear from global brands. Here are several innovative designs that celebrate spring/summer with style and distinction. Orgreen is fascinated with film and their new campaign echoes the subtle nuances and sensual style of Film Noir and French New Wave. The stars in this dramatic interlude include Nikolaj Hubbe (above right) the Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, wearing Balthazer, suave, strong sunglasses in titanium. Hubbe’s lovely female co-star is actress Katharina Damm, (above left) wearing Orgreen’s voluminous round sunglasses in titanium and beta-titanium. www.orgreenoptics.com

Oversized with fun and a distinct retro look emphasizes John by SALT Optics. Volume is paramount for sunglasses, which John provides along with vintage and modern cool. The striking Aloha Blue acetate colouration is perfect for summer fashions. www.saltoptics.com

Luminous, see-through frames give a charming illusionary effect, and one design that caught Eyestylist’s attention is Veda, designed by Laura Nicholson at Larke Optics. Combing both vintage and modern characteristics, the sleek frame is handmade in England. www.larkeoptics.com

Elegant, subtle neutrals are a perennial favourite, and Michel Henau in Belgium has deftly merged cocoa and sand acetate with a contemporary look. Trend alert: this season highlights round shapes for both sunglasses and optical designs, so pull out all the fashion stops with a round silhouette! www.michelhenau.com JG

100% Optical will take place again in London on 6th to 8th February 2016. www.100percentoptical.com

7th February 2015 100% Optical opens at ExCel London today with international designers presenting their latest collections, including Austria’s Silhouette, with their elegant, ultra-light Titan Contour frames (above style 5410). www.silhouette.com

Carter Bond from Australia is ready for summer with sleek sunglasses in gold with gold lenses. With its distinctive round shape, curved nose piece and fine lenses, you are ready for the sunshine! www.carterbond.com

Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at L.G.R. in Rome has a fabulous new collection – Eyestylist was fortunate to have a preview – and includes Lawrence (above). Crafted in metal alloy, with flat red tempered mineral glass mirrored lenses, these frames are totally knockout – and a must-see at 100% Optical! www.lgrworld.com JG

100% Optical continues through Monday 9th February at London ExCel www.100percentoptical.com 

Spotlight on British and International Brands at 100% Optical

4th February 2015 Anticipation is mounting as 100% Optical opens in just a few days. British and international artisan labels will present their collections of optical and sunglass designs at the event taking place at ExCel London. Claire Goldsmith will show her elegant Claire Goldsmith Eyewear optical collection that includes Cole (above) in Tortoiseshell and blue. Claire commented: “This is our first time exhibiting at 100% Optical, and we are excited to be involved in a show on our home turf!” www.olivergoldsmith.com

British brand Kirk & Kirk’s new collections – Vivarium and Solarium – offer beautiful designs in Italian acrylic with fine details. Louis (above) from Solarium is a bold, strong shape with an elegantly handcrafted horse head in sterling silver and gold on the temples. www.kirkandkirk.com

Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland  is looking forward to 100% Optical. “We took part as one of the first international brands, and we thought it was terrific. The fair is very well planned, and we believe in the growth of this show.” Götti will present their new collection – Handcrafted genuine horn. Babar makes a strong masculine statement, with straight edges and rounded corners, the frame expresses harmony and elegance. www.gotti.ch

Cosmopolitan in outlook and handmade in Italy, Coppe & Sid’s collection of optical and sunglass frames unite retro and modern concepts. Cleveland (above) is a sleek look in tortoiseshell and black – très chic! www.eyedesignclub.com

100% Optical takes place from 7-9th February at ExCel London. See the complete list of international exhibitors at www.100percentoptical.com JG