There is a cosmopolitan attitude and personal touch in eyewear designs by Coppe+Sid. The frames in the collections are named after major global cities, and their respective airports. Each frame is handmade in Italy, numbered, and comes with a warranty to guarantee the customer has the genuine article. Manila (above) in beautiful hues of soft turquoise with surf white sides, expresses a hint of retro with its gentle cat eye shape. www.coppeandsid.com JG
Designer Jeremy Tarian searched for two years to find a particular acetate colour to include in his collections. The Silmo D’Or winner achieved his goal with acetate that looks like horn, created exclusively for Tarian. The variance in the colourations and shadings give De Beauce a classic dignity and beauty. www.jeremytarian.com JG
In a little workshop in Barcelona, Baptiste Vuerich creates original, fun frames handcrafted from old recycled skateboard decks. Vuerich points out that only used decks – which he buys mainly from skateboarder teenagers – are transformed into frames. Cruisin is artfully designed so that the smooth wood grain is evident, and the pale blue sides add a delicate touch. www.vuerichb.com JG
Cool, fresh and pure lines keynote this lovely frame by Tom Stevens. The Netherlands based designer creates quality eyewear for men and women who appreciate refinement and frames with linear flow . Refreshing mint green is the gracious colour for Chloe in beta titanium, that is coated with a special lacquer for sustainability. www.stevenseyewear.com JG
There is a momentum for environmentally friendly frames, and the independent label Rigards sets the pace. The Hong Kong atelier specialises in artisan designs that are made from water buffalo horn on small African farms. I saw the collection when Rigards presented in Paris, and the designs include the above frame with its signature individuality. The frames are creative, with unexpected shapes and decorative accents. www.rigards.com JG