Safari Collection, Face à Face
French designers Face à Face have a great take on animal print…launched in 2010, their Safari Collection features this much-loved pattern teamed with colour. This gives a new edge to the very glamorous styles such as Blush 2 (above) and Garbo 4 which is distinguished by a very pretty metal detail on the upper corners of the front. With its elegant bevelled front, a signature of the Paris-based eyewear company, Blush 2 and its sister styles in the Safari collection are excellent examples of perfectly well balanced styling for this winter season in a palette that is on-trend but also classic…..a staple to bridge the seasons and likely to be a favourite for years to come. CN
Kismine
Paul Smith Spectacles
Kismine is inspired by style icons of 1960s London (a very, very trendy decade this season). It is an oversized (but not too big) rounded feminine design in acetate, offered in four colours of which this one is the most flashy…but I like the boldness and the graduated effect that we will be seeing a lot more of. For every daywear in the months ahead (sunglasses are actually a must-have in the winter by the way!) it’s a top style. www.paulsmithspectacles.com CN
Elektra and Phines
Mykita & Kostas Murkudis
Experimentation with colours, materials, laser and new print technologies are the focus here…there is a play on the contrast between “natural” and “artificial”, with specific materials selected that are more usual in the world of sport and swimwear. Laser techniques are used to produce a Moire effect in the material. The frames are made of stainless steel, with an unusual texture etched into it giving it a totally new feel. As well as a statement gold version there are these interesting Charcoal tile/dark blue and Pearl tile/light blue options. Very accomplished designs with attitude from this now very popular Berlin-based brand. CN
6200
Blue Magic Eye
Since Guya Montermini and Ciro Tugnoli launched their eyewear collection several years ago, I’ve been following their design evolution with great interest. This season, they have launched another chic collection in must-have colours. Their creative frames, with great attention to details, includes this bold cobalt blue and dark grey design, with the colour combination a Blue Magic Eye exclusive. Matt acetate is contrasted with gold metal, and the frame shape is deftly sculpted into modern retro. Refined style, with elegant impact. www.bluemagiceye.com JG
The Super Conductor
KBL Eyewear
I spotted this design at Hall of Frames in Zurich, and found both the colour and the airy, weightlessness of the frame very appealing. Super Conductor, with its slightly oversized design, is crafted from milled stainless steel, for the ultimate in shape integrity and strength. World class polishing, hand enamelled acetate temple tips, and silicon nose pads are great details for perfect comfort and fit. The coolest and most innovative electric instrument on the planet, a 1960’s fender deluxe model bass, inspired the gentle mint colouration. A cool history for a cool frame! www.kbleyewear.com JG