Japanese designer Eque M. was educated in America, and the West Coast is the inspiration for his frame designs. Luxury materials and prestigious details are incorporated into the frames. My Burrito (above) is handmade in Japanese acetate with 18K gold detailing. The frame has strong, masculine styling – the distinctive flat bridge denotes eyewear with personality. Frency & Mercury creatively combine classic and contemporary features. www.frency-mercury.com JG
Silmo D’Or winner Jeremy Tarian has just launched stunning new men’s frames, including this distinguished design – Newsstand. The bold, strong shape and beautiful tortoise acetate marquetry effect is highlighted with a bevelled bridge in crystal acetate. Contrasting both light and dark tones adds to the individuality of the frame. www.jeremytarian.com JG
E&E glasses are based in Swedish Lapland. This striking aviator frame from their collection, Abisko, is named after a village north of the Arctic Circle, a place that is known for its great location to view the aurora borealis. The cutout on the nose bridge of the style resembles the U-shape of the Lapponian Gate, a striking element of the landscape there and an interesting detail for this optical design which plays on the classic oversized pilot shape. The introduction of the theme of nature in Sweden is understated yet gives a hip look to the frame.
Tom Herrington, the British designer and creator of RockOptika, has a passion for no-fuss designs with clean lines using top-notch acetate. One of our favourites from the label’s 2013 collection is this well proportioned style named “Montreal” that has individuality and flair. Tom says it is inspired by the 1970’s Alfa Romeo and while I am no car expert I get how the shape and lines pay homage to this super hip automobile. I popped into RockOptika headquarters this month and had a little peek at this one which is the pure black, but I would also recommend the tortoiseshell and the slightly more decadent black with tangerine. Available at The Eye Place, Haverstock Hill www.the-eye-place.co.uk and Occhio in Stockholm – www.occhiooptik.se. For further stockists see the website: www.rockoptika.co.uk CN
Stripes in neutral tones give a very sophisticated look to Jerry 5 – from the distinctive collection of men’s frames at Lotho Paris. Colour variations, fine design and excellent crafting are hallmarks at Lotho, and Jerry 5 in fine polished acetate, handmade in Japan, exudes authority and style. Lotho designs are available in Paris at Artisan du Regard www.artisanduregard-opticien.com and Parici Paris 14, rue du Bourg-Tibourg 75004. For more details, visit www.lotho.fr JG