A new collection of chunky vintage-inspired frames has just been launched by Ray-Ban. The line includes wayfarer shapes and this modified cat’s-eye, Ray-Ban 5281. Classic and more eccentric colours are proposed. I like the brown on opaline brown and the Havana, a colour choice that never seems to go out of fashion and always adds a vintage flavour. Ray-Ban is celebrating 75 years this year, quite something! www.ray-ban.com
Robert Marc is using elegant vintage acetate in some of his styles, a trend that has been taken up by a few eyewear companies this year. This model for men features a vintage crystal front with olive havana temples. The 50s look vintage crystal has a warm translucence and combines seamlessly with the darker temple contrast. The latest collection by Robert Marc which I viewed during Mido also includes these colour combinations using vintage acetate which we see as on-trend for guys this year. The temple is the classic signature Robert Marc design, for an additional contemporary twist. Available in selected opticians in Europe including in the UK, Icon the Opticians, Isis and Viren Jani. CN www.robertmarc.com
Produced at Algha Works in the UK, a traditional factory known for its small-scale quality production, the Harry-Potteresque model Warwick is typical of the Savile Row Collection. Focusing on old-school retro shapes, such as the classic round-eye and panto shapes as well as the rarer octagonal and petite oval, the frames are made from 18% nickel silver, around which a skin of 14Kt gold is bonded to create an incredible rolled gold finish. Described as undergoing 130 different operations, including machine and hand tooling for the final result, these are frames for connoisseurs, and much to our excitement, show that England is very much on the map again when it comes to traditional spectacle-making. www.algha.com CN
This is one of my favourite aviators right now. It’s a Limited Edition of just 100 models, by the Swiss based Strada del Sole. Each of the frames is numbered, and they come in three colours, red, white and blue. There is an aviator version for men (pictured) and a panto style for women. Find this Swiss company’s newly launched website at www.stradadelsole.ch Keep an eye on it! CN
I was impressed by this style when I saw it in January in Munich. Pau Hana is one of Maui Jim’s trendier shapes for 2012 with its cool colour choices and design with uber fashion key hole nose, yet it comes with all the tech features you might expect from this label. A unisex shape, the style is offered in black with dark brown and neutral grey lenses; Tokyo tortoise with Maui Rose lenses and honey with HCL Bronze lenses. The Maui Gradient lenses are dark at the top, and gradually lighter moving down the lens. This means that an appropriate amount of light is allowed to filter through certain areas, while less light comes through where protection is paramount. CN