Reviews

Blade 1874

Vanni by Nico Design

Blade is the exclusive new cellulose acetate block devised and produced for the Italian Vanni collection. The material structure is sliced into minute parts and all the two-tone pearly fragments compact together against a transparent or solid underlayer.
A new combination of deep blue and warm grey is on offer, as well as some lovely variants on the lime-green and burnt umber, dusky ruby, and anthracite. Blade frames come in larger shapes that are perfect for progressive lenses. The forms are slightly feminine, with an inner block texture against either a transparent underlayer or a top layer in ‘hip’ tones such as deep blue-turquoise, petroleum-grey, havana, classic black, or bright red. To see more on Vanni, visit www.vanniocchiali.com. CN

The Dawson

Original Penguin

The Dawson is a super retro P-3 shape that is smart and instantly fashionable for men this Autumn/Winter season. Part of the Original Penguin eyewear range, the frame features a smooth plastic front augmented with thin wire temples and suspended metal nosepads.  The choice of colours includes the classic dark tortoise pictured and a striking grey tortoise effect. Coloured tortoise, by the way, is on the rise. The keyhole bridge adds extra vintage elegance. See more of the frames from this elegant fashion range for men at www.kenmarkoptical.com or visit www.originalpenguin.com CN

3010

Emmanuelle Khanh

A super little cat’s eye shape is always a lovely idea for the winter and this style sums up how adorable this design can be. I like the pretty moulded line of the upper front, and the choice of a classic red, which can be a top one (sometimes unexpectedly) for many skin colours. It is a smallish frame, but full of character. Try it and see! www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com CN

Jackie

Tom Stevens

Graduated colours or gradients such as this acetate example by the label Tom Stevens are a must-have in the coming months. This colour scheme is very soft and gentle on the face, while the shape offers the right level of statement for girls who like their frames bang on trend. For more on this boutique brand by Dutch designer Tom Stevens, visit their website: www.stevenseyewear.com CN

Rhoda

Hardy Amies Signature Eyewear

A couple of British opticians have written and recommended this new eyewear line. Most of the designs are in acetate, and are bold and quite chunky in line with the vintage revival; this metal one has an interesting shape and quite a finely worked thin frame featuring an antique finish which is very trendy. Sir Edwin Hardy Amies, the founder of the label, was often described as the king of British style and was best-known for his official title as dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II; the label lives on, with a new creative director, Claire Malcolm and collections for both men and women.  This is a first optical range by the luxury fashion house, focusing on clean cut silhouettes and strong lines. To see the full range, visit www.hardyamieseyewear.com. Frames from £145.00. CN