Reviews

Katya

Götti Switzerland

Separating me from acetate requires a really amazing frame.  Sven Götti did it! The moment I tried on the Katya sunglasses, I realised the enjoyment to be found in wearing titanium. This is a feel-good frame – the high square shape is extremely graceful, and the lenses are a delicate shade of violet. An additional asset is the magical “Spin & Stow” temple, with its fully integrated hinge that can spin. A simple movement to revolve the temples, and the sunglasses become extremely flat and readily slide into a case or your pocket (see our January reviews, where we feature model Larry, we are both fans!). These frames are so enjoyable to wear, that getting accustomed to a new lens prescription was achieved without problem. Götti frames are available at the sleek, chic Lucerne boutique Götti & Niederer www.gotti-niederer.ch and in Barcelona at Soler Centre Visual www.solercentrevisual.com JG

Götti Switzerland www.gotti.ch

Factory One

Anne et Valentin

Specs with round eye shapes have been enjoying a revival and continue to do so this Spring, and this pretty shape from the French label Anne et Valentin shows how fun and contemporary they can be. All my choices this month are based on the classic round vintage shape (also known as a P3!)  that has an intellectual yet playful design and works just as well for women as for men.

The Factory models from Anne et Valentin are inspired by Andy Warhol and his New York Factory studio. This particular acetate design has a round shape that is slightly flattened at the top; the design has a nice handmade quality, adding to the vintage note. Colour choices include black, a rich red and a lovely classic tortoise. CN

Götti Switzerland
ERKERS
MOREL
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
Res Rei
OGI Eyewear
LEINZ

www.anneetvalentin.com

1224

Lindberg

Danish spectacles company, Lindberg have an Acetanium collection, from which this lovely shape has been released. Acetanium, as the name suggests, was designed by Lindberg to refer to their collection which combines acetate and titanium, to create very light, modern looking frames which are flexible and hard-wearing. It’s a versatile collection which has become increasingly influenced by the lure of vintage, and it is an excellent place to look for very wearable, round spectacle shapes. As far as Lindberg’s model 1224 goes, a lovely old-fashioned round front is combined stylishly with a contemporary temple which puts the modern titanium on show. There are almost invisible, perfectly formed, small medical silicone nose pads for a good, comfortable fit; these also prevent the nasty red pressure marks around the nose that some poorly designed or ill-fitting specs can leave. CN

www.lindberg.com

MOREL
SALT.
LEINZ
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
Article One
BLACKFIN
NYC LOFT 2025
Götti Switzerland
DIFFUSER Tokyo
OGI Eyewear

Cinquante+1

Theo

A round model that is, as they say themselves, totally in keeping with Theo tradition. It has a keyhole nose and decorative rivets in the shape of three little balls, filled with epoxy resin. This model comes from a line called VinGtage by this exciting Belgian eyewear design company, which is inspired by the past but created in a modern way, using high quality titanium in stunning flashy colours such as fuchsia, turquoise and bright green. The titanium is very light to wear, although the design looks quite heavy or chunky – it’s a clever trick! Comfort is also at the top of the list here, and so the sidepieces are flexible and easy to adjust for that all-important perfect fit. CN

www.theo.be

Res Rei
GIGI STUDIOS
TVR True Vintage Revival
ERKERS
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
LEINZ

Special Edition TF5174

Tom Ford

Tom Ford has released a Limited Edition of four frames for men, which are based on vintage designs with a minimal yet highly functional  execution. The TF5174 comes in black acetate (or havana), features metal details which perfectly enhance the overall design. A high-set nose is curved slightly to echo the frame’s 30s inspiration. A ‘T’ symbol on the temple is a discreet reminder that this is a Tom Ford design. This a sophisticated frame for the smart male eyewear connoisseur, anyone who’s wearing it I’d love to see how it looks?….Available in the UK at Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. CN

www.tomford.com