Reviews

Tripoli

L.G.R.

Tripoli is a fine example of L.G.R.’s Italian acetate spectacles…each of these designs is made by hand using old-fashioned techniques…L.G.R. brings together a love of authentic vintage design and an understanding of the values of the history of traditional Italian eyewear production. Free from embellishments or logos, the models speak for themselves! Available in a range of colours including black, brown and dark havana, Tripoli’s modern angular flat front is likely to turn heads in the months ahead (a very trendy look for guys in 2012) but is also likely to remain covetable in years to come. www.lgr-sunglasses.com. CN

Effect

Anne et Valentin

Anne et Valentin’s acetate frames have always been a favourite of mine; the aptly named “Effect” is an example of the brand’s work in titanium that stands out for the two-tone colour work and lightweight, accessible design, which works with all faces. The small modified shape features a key hole nose detail, a stylish accent that lends character to the design.

The outlining colour contrasts come in warm tones of orange, turquoise blue and lilac….among others. To find Anne et Valentin frames in the UK, we recommend Adam Simmonds, Primrose Hill, London, Melissa Conway, Temple Fortune and Jones and Co, Manchester. Other stockists include Les Createurs d’Opta, Paris and the eponymous Parisian store Anne et Valentin Optique, 4 Rue Ste Croix de la Bretonnerie. CN

www.anneetvalentin.com 

Otis

Graz Studio

Otis is one of those iconic statement styles…designer/DJ Graz Mulcahy is making a name for himself with some interesting collaborations in Australia…including Chronicles of Never and Ellery…but he is a name in his own right, and one that promises more in terms of innovations in the frame world. Otis is a classic for men with idiosyncracies that are unique to Mulcahy…the substantial feel and flat look of the frame, the edgy shape, and serious attention to detail…this style takes a classic Malcolm X or Mad Men semi-rimless, and turns it into a uniquely fashion-forward design. CN

www.grazmulcahy.com

 

Palladium 002

RVS by V. Handmade Eyewear

Following the success of their first stainless steel frame the Palladium 001, Turkish company RVS by V. Handmade Eyewear have continued their production of lightweight steel frames with the new 002 and 003. These showpiece styles are available in matt gold with gold lenses and matt black with faded lenses….the timeless but quirky shapes are delightful…the square 002 and small rectangular 003 are both shapes that appeared in the 1960s but also remind me of some very early antique specs produced in the late 1800s….RVS cleverly gives them a makeover producing them in modern stainless steel with luxurious eye-catching lens colours. Exciting! CN

www.rvsbyv.com

 

Hadid

Cassius Eyewear

This is a first appearance for New Zealand’s Cassius Eyewear on Eyestylist. Hadid is a classic flat-top sunglass style which is one of the signature shapes in the Cassius sun collection. As designer Jason Ng explains, “I am drawn to modernism: clean, linear, timeless design and work that is free from unnecessary decoration. Cassius Eyewear is a reflection of my methodical nature, and the way I see the world and everything in it.” This is a brand that prioritises cool, on-trend styling, but without any compromise on essential quality or comfort. For example, Hadid, released in homage to architect Zaha Hadid,  is made from premium layered acetate and finished with hand-polished lenses. 300 pieces per colour are available through Cassius Eyewear stockists. Colours include: black, cortado and this lovely deep mahogany pictured. Available to buy online at www.cassiuseyewear.com CN