Reviews | Eyestylist

Gemma

1st October 2011

Kirk Originals

Just checked this one out in Paris…the brand new Beam Collection from the British cult brand Kirk Originals is made of acrylic, an unusual choice in eyewear, that innovator Jason Kirk has been using for temples combined with other materials since the late 1990s. The result is beautiful, as the material has a lovely shine when polished, similar to that of glass, and the intensity of the colours is striking. Handmade in France, the frames are unusual in that they do not need re-enforcing wires in the temples, so the lines remain pure. Shapes are oversized as is typical of the Kirk Originals brand, and a new colour process allows bright hues to merge and separate in tones of fluo orange, yellow, pink and acqua. RRP 420 euros. Available immediately at the Kirk Originals flagship store in London. www.kirkoriginals.com

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Nine

Panache

1st October 2011

BOZ

This is a really distinctive looking frame with an eccentric temple. An intricate decoupage technique is used to create the front. Drops of coloured lacquer are applied by hand to the openings in the metal with an extremely traditional and delicate process, creating a lace effect. The lenses look as if they are floating but in fact a nylon thread holds them in place.

BOZ is produced by the French designer Jean Francois Rey, and his wife Joelle. The range is inspired by textiles and nature, and has a very feminine yet unique look. It always catches my eye for the painstaking attention to detail and hand-finishing. CN

Reviews

ME2

1st October 2011

Markus T

This is a German brand which turns out sleek titanium designs, that are perfectly engineered to deliver high levels of comfort…winner of the Red Dot Design award this year, the ME2 from Markus T is its latest innovation combining both titanium and a synthetic material referred to as TMi, two antiallergenic components that are very lightweight. This design is completely free from screws, and it has lots of user-friendly technical advantages such as easy-to-adjust temples. A good-looking, minimal line which also includes sunglass designs, fitted with a choice of grey or brown polarized lenses. CN

www.markus-t.com

Monthly Titled

Muffin Top

1st September 2011

Henry Holland for Le Specs

Muffin Top comes from a fun, new limited edition collection of sunglasses (18 styles) by English designer Henry Holland for Australian brand Le Specs. Lots of round shapes and references to “brow shapes and eyelashes” feature (such as the Hoodies which the fashion press have selected as a favourite) as well as a 1980s/90s vintage theme. I like the sense of adventure in as much as there are some new shapes and looks that are totally unique to this Collection. Muffin Top is a unisex model like many of the styles in the line, and our favourite colour choices are the black (pictured) and transparent. It’s typical of the designer in its quirkiness and fun fashion styling, and yet it seems that it is surprisingly wearable…we’d love to see who is wearing it, all fans of this collection are welcome to send us their pictures…to buy now (RRP Euro 90 or £80 pounds sterling), go to www.asos.com or www.eyerespect.com CN

Reviews

Vesoul

1st September 2011

Dita

Model Vesoul by US brand Dita comes in this incredible colour called “blue swirl crystal” with dark grey gradient lenses. It’s got the hue of the Mediterranean and fits beautifully with our blue theme of the Summer which seems to continue into the Autumn collections. Handcrafted in Japan, the model is typical of Dita’s sunglass styles, which combine an equal helping of style and quality construction. This is a trendy shape this season and one I recommend strongly to those of you wanting a fashion look for 2011/12, in optical or sunwear. Available direct from www.dita.com and also at the Eye Company in Wardour Street, London (www.eye-company.co.uk) retailing at £290. CN