Reviews

The Commander

Rolf Spectacles

A vintage car, designed over 50 years ago, is the inspiration for these luxuriously crafted walnut frames from Rolf Spectacles in Austria. Passionate about cars, as well as eyewear, classic automobiles are the foundation for everything the Rolf team designs. A revered, but now long gone American carmaker, Studebaker, created The Commander in 1953. At that time, The Commander was slimmer and more refined than other car designs, and the attractive silhouette made a strong impression on the creative forces at Rolf, which in turn, inspired this frame. The sculptured frame shape is as classical as the legendary car, very lightweight, and the walnut is polished to perfection. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG

Rose/Rouge

Anna-Karin Karlsson

Music, art, acting and the fantasies that emanate from these creative forces, all find their way into the amazing frames created by Anna-Karin Karlsson. Private clients of the  Swedish designer have been fortunate to wear her innovative frames for the past several years; now she has debuted her first official collection in Paris. The above frame is dedicated to her sister Rose, whom Anna-Karin says is “my one and only super star.” Fabricated in sleek acetate, the luscious rose motif is reference to the beauty and romance that she envisions for her sister – with less thorns in life and more petals! www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG

MET 02

Histoire de Voir

The touch and feel of smooth, sensuous calfskin, expertly tooled, possesses an elegant look for distinctive eyewear. The latest collection from Historie de Voir is particularly outstanding.This style with its dramatic shape, is totally handcrafted from fine quality calf skins, with the rim and temple in inox. One of the lovely aspects of leather is that with continued wear, it becomes even more beautiful. Available in ten gorgeous colours, including Red Pony, shown above. Historie de Voir is sold at Eyes Pleasure, 40 rue Saint Suplice, Paris 75005, and at Optic Gallery, Galerie Louise 18, 1050 Brussels. Further details at www.histoire-de-voir.com JG

Senso

Face à Face

Mae West was a gutsy gal who always exhibited brash vitality and enthusiasm for life. She would certainly be enthusiastic about these Silmo d’Or nominated sunglasses from Face à Face. West’s emboldened spirit motivated many, including fan Salvador Dali, and he created the well-known Mae West Lips Sofa, the inspiration for these flirty, feminine frames. The artistically crafted, sculptured shape is accented with just a hint of “red lipstick” on the sides to highlight their impertinence.  Mae West would approve! www.faceaface-paris.com JG

The Casuarina

Baum Vision

This stunning design by Shane Baum is a classic 1970’s shape in sleek gold plated titanium across the top and temples, and tortoise acetate. Then the wearer is spoilt for choice, with a selection of either diamonds, sapphires, or tigers eye nestled into the temple. With its 70’s demeanour, Ivy League sophistication, and superb shape, these exquisite sunglasses possess an equally exquisite fit. Baum Vision’s eyewear crafting is truly couture, like handcrafted clothes from master designers. www.baumvision.com JG