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Round Shape Renaissance

11th October 2012 The round shape is not new – a dapper Benjamin Franklin in Paris was charming the ladies in his round spectacles in the 18th century. The earliest round designs were encased in heavy brass frames – and viva la difference three centuries later! We found some must-have round creations at SILMO, orchestrated in lustrous materials. Above, a beautiful round interpretation with translucent, expressive dimensions from the Danish award-winning company Lindberg. www.lindberg.com

Lunettes Kollektion in Berlin has revisited the 1920’s for the elegant Constructivismo, (above) inspired by the Constructivist movement of the period. The top edge of the acetate frame features a moulded motif reminiscent of the Russian avant-garde. We tried this frame on – looks great and a pleasure to wear! www.lunettes-kollektion.com JG

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8th October 2012 There has been some tremendous catwalk action in the last weeks with lots of hints of the new sunglass styling for next year. This special design for Nicole Farhi’s S/S 2013 show is one that stood out in London. This is a wood-effect acetate model that illustrates the growing enthusiasm for frames with a natural grainy almost rough finish. The oversized flat fronted style complemented light, elegant sheer fabrics and neutral tones of white, taupe and grey, inspired by the marble quarries of Carrara in Italy. The show was the last for the 65 year old designer Nicole Farhi whose label will be headed in the seasons to come by new creative director, Joanna Sykes. www.nicolefarhi.com CN

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René – Collection with a Personal History

6th October 2012

Tim Van Steenbergen Honours his Grandfather

6th October 2012 We’ve seen some beautiful eyewear collections at SILMO, but one we greatly admire is René, the inventive creation of Tim Van Steenbergen with Theo. These very special frames are a tribute to Steenbergen’s grandfather, René, a Belgian architect, who taught Tim to draw, appreciate art, and was his mentor. Many of the art deco inspired buildings designed by René Van Steenbergen are connected to religious architecture, and Tim found the contrast of heavy concrete, glass and light to be a great attraction.(Above René No 6. and No. 8)

The acetate and stainless steel frames exude craftsmanship and luxury. Each design has geometric details in a primary colour – a reference to stained glass windows. The multi-dimensional aspect of the frames adds to their beauty and mystery. Only 150 sets of Limited Edition René will be produced, so this is the moment to grab a slice of eyewear history! www.theo.be JG & CN

Parisian Fashion Adventures….

4th October 2012 We are heading for SILMO today, eager to see the new eyewear designs. The previews that we’ve seen have really tweaked our interest – so we look forward to seeing the complete collections. We are impessed with the artisan influences at Jono Hennessy – their inspiration ranges from the early 20th century Arts & Crafts movement through to Art Nouveau. The cat eye shape looks so fresh, particularly when interpreted as in the graceful design above – (style 8250). www.jonohennessy.com

The dashing cosmopolitan collection from Coppe+Sid includes this chic little cat’s eye (above) in vibrant red acetate. As an affirmation of the sophisticated nature of the frames, each design is named after an international city. www.coppeandsid.co.uk Click and stay with Eyestylist as we bring you news of our favourite eyewear discoveries! JG & CN

Style Influences Transcend The Centuries

1st October 2012 The opulent, sophisticated Baroque era of the 17th Century is appearing in a 21st Century version in fashion collections. Baroque was an amazing cultural period in European history – the luxurious lifestyle of Louis XIV, the memorable paintings of Michelangelo and Rembrandt, the literature of Moliere, plus the music of Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann and Bach. This era also marked a change in how people dressed – beautiful, rich silks, lace, and ornamentation showcased craftsmanship and new found freedoms.

The splendour of this period has inspired fashion this season, in clothing and accessories. Designers are taking risks – as they did in the Baroque era – with colour, experimentation, bold designs, and unique decoration. In eyewear, we particularly love the fabulous frames (above) created by Mercura NYC for Giulietta Spring 2013. The style is alluring Baroque poetry –  in jet black crystal, with brass and elements of the sea sculpted into the design, then hand painted with enamel – a fantasy working with the innovative “by the sea” romance design structure of Guilietta’s clothing collection. The result is splendid, avant-garde glamour.

Mercura NYC eyewear (above) also beautifully compliments the Falguni & Shane Peacock Collection with its futuristic, sensational, and exotically regal design in acetate with sculpted crystal lucite bubbles. The grandiose influences of Baroque are a fashionable celebration! www.mercuranyc.com JG