Reviews Archives - Page 164 of 173

Zero 2 / Rhodium

1st May 2011

Finest Seven

This is a good-looking metal style (a look we think is getting hotter and hotter for this summer) from a brand that I am pleased to have discovered recently. The New Zealand born designer Jesse Stevens who now lives in London is dedicated to excellence. The brand name Finest Seven holds at its core that there are seven key elements in eyewear production, and sets out to incorporate the very best of these elements in every single design. Features of the Zero 2 which also comes in 24kt gold or 14k gold, are a five layered hinge for durability and strength, Zeiss lenses, metal pad arms and silicon nose pads. The frames are made in Italy by hand and come with handcrafted cases from Spain. Top notch design. CN

www.finestseven.com

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

May

Casablanca

1st May 2011

L.G.R. Sunglasses

Casablanca is part of the luxury sunglass line by L.G.R., the Italian company created by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. Ruscone inherited a collection of sunglasses dating back to the 1930s from his grandfather, and was inspired by his find to the point where he decided to start his own eyewear label.

The colour I have picked out here is hazelnut with a grey gradient photochromic lens which for me offers elegant styling for the changing season and dress code further into summer (50’s/70’s glamour, bare ankles and legs, tanned skinned). This is a lovely, soft combination, and the neutral frame tone promises to be very pretty on the right faces. It also comes in many other colour choices, my next favourite being ivory with blue gradient lens; another interesting yet easy combination is black with pale violet. The models in this collection are handmade in Italy, and hand-finished with features such as flex hinges. L.G.R.’s founder is passionate about artisanal quality and the production of real, timeless objects. This model is simple yet stylish, and the absence of branding allows the frame to speak for itself. L.G.R. is only to be found in very exclusive fashion boutiques such as Colette (www.colette.fr) and Matches (www.matchesfashion.com) and a few select opticians (see the L.G.R. website for details). CN

www.lgr-sunglasses.com

Four

Soldier Betty

1st May 2011

KBL/PRET-A-SURF

This is a limited sunglass style, the result of a collaboration between US eyewear company KBL and the very chic vintage inspired swimwear brand, Pret-a-Surf. It’s a modern take on the classic cat (as you know, one of my favourite shapes), in a flash red which is a tone that appears in the swimwear prints. Featuring strong, light NXT polarized lenses, which offer comfort and protection, the design delivers functionality without compromising on quirky statement styling. I am told it hits the stores early May…for more information visit www.kbleyewear.com and www.pretasurf.com CN.

Five

Sig

1st May 2011

Dita

This is a handcrafted acetate frame with a strong, angular shape, an interpretation of an aviator with a large helping of extra attitude. The frame comes in black and black swirl (pictured), tortoise and burnt brown and purple crystal gradient and purple, each one with coordinating gradient lenses. The Dita brand is based in L.A. and describes itself as being “committed to producing premium products, for those who seek the finest quality.” Dita stores are located in Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Tokyo. But it’s not a a brand that is well known in Europe, I can guarantee it won’t be too long……To buy Dita products online, including model Sig, priced at 345 euros, visit www.ditalegends.com CN

www.dita.com

Reviews

Henry 5/LO-0909

1st May 2011

Lotho Eyewear

Lotho is a recent addition to the French eyewear scene. Artistic principles, flawless workmanship and strong, individual character are the principles of Japanese designer Coco. I’m particularly fond of Henry, shown above, with its unique, chic round contours, in deliciously smooth acetate. The frames are lightweight, while providing a sense of substance and durability. Great colours too – the tortoise and mustard shown plus black, crystal, and a variety of confetti colours on black acetate. Lotho frames are available in Paris at Hervé Domar Opticians 48, rue Dauphine, 75006, and Le Bon Marché. www.lotho.fr JG