Nine

Rolf Spectacles, Austria

Rolf Spectacles creative team specialise in creating unusual frames – in unique materials. The woodstone series is the result of painstaking attention to detail, and combines both ancient and modern techniques to achieve the smooth finish on the frames. The graceful shape is contemporary, so there is a harmonious mix of a natural, earthy material in a design that is effortlessly stylish. Handmade in a small Tyrolean village, the frames are a distinctive delight – a work of art. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG

Lafont

2012 sees some new interpretations using carbon in eyewear…this material tends to have an industrial feel but Lafont has come up with something quite different to create a very chic finish. Spotted at the trade show Silmo in the autumn, (and I’ve been eager to show it), model Horde conbines carbon temples with a colourful transparent acetate…both materials are patterned but in such a way that it avoids being flashy and manages to capture an elegant feeling….and a refreshing one that moves away from classic black and the slightly overplayed geek chic formula. Lafont has also created handsome “Riviera” sunglasses using the carbon, which combine French class and a touch of innovation with the clever use of the material.   www.lafont.com  CN

Anne et Valentin

Beautifully muted tones of purple and smoky taupe merge elegantly in this lovely frame from Anne et Valentin. Created especially to fit small, feminine faces, the frames have a vintage spirit with a smart retro shape, cut out nose detail, and the two-tone end tips follow through on the bi-colour theme. The totality is a harmonious mix of colour and design. The Anne et Valentin collection is available at Cappelle Opticien in Brussels – www.cappelleopticien.be, and in Innsbruck – www.krischan-panoptikum.at. Visit www.anneetvalentin.com for further information. JG

Anne et Valentin

Anne et Valentin’s acetate frames have always been a favourite of mine; the aptly named “Effect” is an example of the brand’s work in titanium that stands out for the two-tone colour work and lightweight, accessible design, which works with all faces. The small modified shape features a key hole nose detail, a stylish accent that lends character to the design.

The outlining colour contrasts come in warm tones of orange, turquoise blue and lilac….among others. To find Anne et Valentin frames in the UK, we recommend Adam Simmonds, Primrose Hill, London, Melissa Conway, Temple Fortune and Jones and Co, Manchester. Other stockists include Les Createurs d’Opta, Paris and the eponymous Parisian store Anne et Valentin Optique, 4 Rue Ste Croix de la Bretonnerie. CN

www.anneetvalentin.com