Reviews | Eyestylist

HL 24-57-15

1st October 2013

Herrlicht, Germany

Just launched in Paris, this slick modern style from German wood specialists Herrlicht uses not just one but two types of wood side by side. Herrlicht uses very elegant woods such as maple, cherry, oak and plum. Crafted by hand, each frame consists of 100% natural wood created in layers, glued together and pressed into form. Each one is then sanded and cut, resulting in an individual and elegant design. A special hinge system features a four-pronged star; the system ensures that the lenses can be changed easily. www.herrlicht.de CN

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Reviews

G.M.S Limited 2013

1st October 2013

Masunaga 1905, Japan

This Japanese label won an eyewear award in Paris last week for their G.M.S. Limited 2013 which I had a chance to take a closer look at. The frame has temples in solid 18 carat gold and beta titanium, welded using a new technology to give a smooth transition between the two materials, and an interesting colour contrast between the luxury metals featured. The rims and the saddle bridge are fashioned from titanium overlaid with bamboo. A signature round shape is inspired by a frame that Masunaga Optical presented to the Emperor of Japan in 1933; the style has been given a modern feeling using advanced technology. This is a luxurious optical style conceived to push design boundaries. www.masunaga1905.com

Four

406

30th September 2013

Conservatoire International de Lunettes, Italy

406 by the Milanese label Conservatoire International de Lunettes features a brave combination of acetate, metal and wood. They have several other shapes using this combination and their work on the frame and the finish is carefully studied and executed – in Italy. 406 is a particularly feminine, and glamorous design, with a curvaceous form in acetate with the wood inserted in the brow piece at the front so you can see the contrast in the materials from afar. I had the good fortune to meet the team behind the label on the train to Parc des Expositions from central Paris….delighted to discover their work for the first time. www.conservatoireinternationaldelunettes.com CN

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Dianthus

30th September 2013

W-Eye

Looking for interesting well-made frames featuring wood? Our fifth choice for Autumn in wood is this layered wood/aluminium design by W-Eye that we also spied in Paris. Italian creativity combine with technical accomplishment to create designs that have a unique character and a lovely natural feel. I admired Dianthus in the new W-Eye H collection which is available in three woods and three colours. Strong aesthetics, a new practical closing hinge design (just introduced), and a great shape for those who like a crafted frame in innovative materials. W-Eye has also added mother-of-pearl into its creations. More on this coming soon. www.w-eye.it CN

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Sands 1

1st September 2013

Face à Face Paris

Beautiful autumn tones highlight this optical frame by the acclaimed French brand – Face à Face. The inspiration for the design is Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, whose work is well known for juxtaposing colour surfaces, and the concept is effectively transposed to eyewear in this lovely design. Art and graphics unite in the thin metal shape, which is accented with a smooth matt finish. www.faceaface-paris.com JG