The fragility of coral reefs is the inspiration for Culcita – a Limited Edition design, and a project dedicated to reef conservation. With its well-proportioned shape and stylish character, Culcita was created as a “product with a cause” – sunglasses with a name and a mission to raise awareness about the rapidly vanishing coral reefs. For more information on Whiteout & Glare designs, and their project, visit www.whiteout-glare.com JG
Yachting has all the characteristics of Gatsby days – romantic ports, sunny beaches, and dashing skippers on their yachts. Frédéric Beausoleil has included sophisticated details on this handsome, strong design that include the cut-out on the bridge, and fine ridging on the nosepiece and temples. In addition to this knockout black and chrome colouration (above), Yachting is also available in tortoise and gold. More details at www.beausoleil.fr JG
Sun Pepe was my favourite among the re-launch of the “P-Serie Sunglasses” unveiled by Götti at Opti Munich. The handsome, timeless aviator in titanium features a curved double bridge – a strong trend, particularly in men’s eyewear. The 360° swivelling temples means that the frames fold easily and are very compact. In palladium and black, Pepe is certainly a stunner. www.gotti.ch JG
Founder of Paris based spectacles company Undostrial, Lucas de Staël has launched his own eponymous label, after two years of detailed research and development. The designs in the first collection, Once Upon a Time, play with organic materials such as wood and leather, placed together with cold stainless steel. As the designer explains, “As if worked by a silversmith, the frames perfectly balance flexibility and lightness, classicism and purism. Each frame is comfortable and as pretty as a jewel!” I saw these for the first time in Munich last month and found them very exciting in terms of the way in which the two types of material, organic and metal, are combined….11 shapes, 7 leather colours and 5 wood options are available. www.lucasdestael.com CN
I am always very impressed by the finishes of this acetate collection when I have the frames in my hands, and I had the pleasure of seeing these models a few weeks ago. They are the work of a small German label, Martin & Martin. Model Wim is available in six different colours, some of which are transparent with a graduated effect, and some of which combine colour with an elegant wood-look finish (such as the red and natural lining pictured above). See the full collection and visit the brand’s new website at www.martinxmartin.de/brillenfassungen CN