Monthly Titled - Eyestylist

Aviator (M03 and M03b)

1st April 2011

Zoobug Sunglasses

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dr. Julie Diem Le and following her career from the start in 2006. In the intervening years, the company she founded, Zoobug, with its range of high quality children’s glasses, has won several prestigious awards, including a Silmo D’Or. As an eye surgeon, she understands that youngsters need sunglasses that protect young, vulnerable eyes. This dashing aviator, shown here in pink, is also available in green, blue and gold, and is available in two sizes, for 3-5 year olds and 6-12 year olds. Made in Italy, in hypoallergenic stainless steel with flex hinges, and polycarbonate UV 400 lenses, these frames possess safety and style features that appeal to parents and kids. Zoobug frames can be purchased online at www.zoobug.com JG

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

March

Aviator (817)

1st March 2011

Chopard

The exquisite world of Chopard includes dazzling jewels, luxurious watches, beautiful pens and sublime eyewear. The independent, Swiss family owned firm has been creating magnificent collectibles since 1860. In recent years, frames were added, and the result are designs that inextricably link eyewear with aspects of couture jewellery. This particularly sporty-chic frame for men features a dashing aviator shape in gold-plated metal, with a tyre-tread motif on both the bridge and the temple. The crafted precision utilised in Chopard jewellery and watches is applied to the frames. The results are stunning. If your aspirations to be a Formula One victor remain only in your dreams, with these glasses, you can still look the part! JG www.chopard.com

February

Sexxxy

1st February 2011

Thierry Lasry

I have known Thierry since the 1990s; he looks like a rockstar and he’s the designer of clever, cool, underground eyewear; he’s totally passionate about eyewear design as many designers in the business are…he’s always shown me his frames with such great enthusiasm that I come away impressed by the creativity, the excitement he manages to inject into his styles, and the way he manages to put his stamp on his designs…he’s certainly very popular with celebrities, and you can see why – the designs are always special or make an independent statement. Model Sexxxy is just that (with one “x”); its sister shape, model “Lively” is one that Madonna has been seen in time and again, and Sexxxy provides that lovely reminder of vintage shapes of the past, in a futuristic concept – the temples look as if they have been designed by an architect, the chunky quality of the black acetate is a wonderful camouflage (you can see why the famous faces would like it to hide behind) and yet it has an eloquent shape. CN

www.thierrylasry.com

January

Tortoise Jungle

12th January 2011

Robert Marc

Robert Marc’s Tortoise Jungle is a collection of optical frames and sunglasses inspired by the organized and rhythmic pattern of tortoiseshell with new unexpected colours. Tortoise is a central theme in eyewear history but can still look thoroughly modern, as Marc proves here. And as the New York designer puts it, tortoise says beauty, quality and craftsmanship.

I have viewed the whole collection first hand and I’m a fan of the quality of the acetate teamed with clever colour proposals. The exotic interpretations work brilliantly, red spotted tortoise and chic onyx with black tortoise are for those who want a walk on the wild side.

Robert Marc is an established luxury name in New York with an enviable celebrity following and a passion for quality, creativity and hand-finished products. If tortoise is your thing, don’t let this pass you by… www.robertmarc.com

Design & Inspiration

Sports choice

12th January 2011

Vuarnet revival

An interesting new partnership, Vuarnet is now part-owned by Alain Mikli. The brand has been revamped and promises sports edge and serious design, with new technical activity-specific lenses including Citylynx, a lens offering visual comfort for town and city, and Skilynx, for winter sports and particularly skiing. Vuarnet by Mikli is available from 2011, and whilst a number of the styles are perfect for the slopes, the range also offers some very wearable designs for winter sun in the city.

And of course, Vuarnet Vintage styles are going to be in fashion for their wonderful classic shapes and French “flavour”. It’s a brand that has a strong heritage and has earned, without doubt, a prestigious place in sunglass design history.