Superior materials – titanium and plated gold in 12K, 18K, or 24K, – highlight this beautiful frame by Shane Baum. The multi-dimensional laser etching on titanium and the rim wire, plus elegant enamel inserts, add to the luxurious look and feel of Princeton (above). Every little detail is meticulous, further expressing the beauty and craftsmanship. With its classic design, this is an heirloom frame, one that will stand the test of time and fashion. www.leisure-society.com JG
I enjoy finding new labels, and while I haven’t yet worn one of these or had the chance to see the whole line, I am very pleased it has appeared on my desktop. Arcadia is topping my wishlist for 2012…this is a bold thing in red, the slightly articulated, angular design is modified from a 60s cat shape with a lovely deep lens, and it bears no decoration or emblem which seems to serve it very well indeed. If you want your sunnies to combine a very trendy shape for 2012, and preserve a touch of vintage chic and handcrafted originality, this is a style we recommend. Made from Japanese zyl, the frame has top quality, durable 5 barrel hinges and double gradient AR backside coated lenses for a high-level UV protection. The brand Entourage of 7 is located in Los Angeles, and is run by two Danish eyewear designers, Rikke Brogaard and Jakob Talbo, who love 50s and 60s Danish design, and L.A.s laid back style, which is caught in the frames through the choice of warm, playful colours. Frames to look out for. www.eof7.com CN
Theo and Tim Van Steenbergen celebrate their fourth collaboration with a Spanish-themed Limited Edition, an ode to Spanish patron saints. Spain and its rich history are the inspiration for this strong, bold design, and the name is a tribute to the patron saint of Barcelona – Mercé. Think of Toreadors, and the beautifully decorated jackets, the passion of Bizet’s Carmen – lively Spanish spirit is interpreted into this stunning acetate and metal design. The frame shape is definitely diva, with its broad form and colour contrast. Olé! www.theo.be JG
Following the success of their first stainless steel frame the Palladium 001, Turkish company RVS by V. Handmade Eyewear have continued their production of lightweight steel frames with the new 002 and 003. These showpiece styles are available in matt gold with gold lenses and matt black with faded lenses….the timeless but quirky shapes are delightful…the square 002 and small rectangular 003 are both shapes that appeared in the 1960s but also remind me of some very early antique specs produced in the late 1800s….RVS cleverly gives them a makeover producing them in modern stainless steel with luxurious eye-catching lens colours. Exciting! CN
Music, art, acting and the fantasies that emanate from these creative forces, all find their way into the amazing frames created by Anna-Karin Karlsson. Private clients of the Swedish designer have been fortunate to wear her innovative frames for the past several years; now she has debuted her first official collection in Paris. The above frame is dedicated to her sister Rose, whom Anna-Karin says is “my one and only super star.” Fabricated in sleek acetate, the luscious rose motif is reference to the beauty and romance that she envisions for her sister – with less thorns in life and more petals! www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG