Reviews

Farfale C23/S345

Francis Klein

Creativity, fun, a sense of whimsy, uniqueness, superb quality and unconventional colours are to be found at Francis Klein.  I’ve followed this brand for a long time, and enjoy wearing their sunglasses.  Looking at a Francis Klein collection, you feel as if you’re entering Aladdin’s Cave, because you’ll find some new treasure! This is an artisanal family owned brand, who keep craftsmanship on a high pedestal. Farfale, a trendy cats eye in acetate, (FK mixes all their own acetate) is studded with little Swarovski flowers.  The frames are hand-made, and this design, (plus many others) is available with a different assortment of beads, flowers, and animal motifs. They are truly Collector’s items!  If in Paris, visit the charming Francis Klein shop at 30, rue Bonaparte 75006. www.francisklein.com JG

 

 

EK 1503

Emmanuelle Khanh

Emmanuelle Khanh has always been an inspiration.  She was among the first eyewear designers to take the bold steps that helped capitulate eyewear in the 1980’s into a major fashion accessory.  I still have her frames from those days! The brand has been rekindled and the designs continue to be true to Khanh’s desire for individuality, creativity, quality and colour. The above style features a soft, rounded shape in luscious Burgundy acetate, with a distinctive white line edged neatly into the top of the frame front. EK frames are available at Corso Como in Milan and Marc le Bihan in Paris www.marclebihan.fr More information at www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com JG

CR14302

Christian Roth

The highly influential design team of Christian Roth and Eric Domége have been creating beautiful, luxurious frames for over twenty-five years.  Their designs are a favourite with Clodagh and I. For this summer, I especially like this handmade shimmering acetate design in soft tones of blue and lilac. The fit of Christian Roth frames is perfection, as the frames gently mould to the wearer’s face.  Christian and Eric have a knack for assimilating unexpected shapes, colourations and techniques into memorable eyewear creations.  It’s no wonder that clients include high profile wearers on an international scale. JG www.christian-roth.com

Trend alert: the iconic cat eye

Terry by Face à Face

The catseye has been a major success this season, and it’s still right up there. I have a special fondness for this shape as it was the first interesting spectacle shape I wore when I started to report about frame design some 12 years ago. Face à Face has presented me with this marvellous retro cat shape today which oozes elegance…the extra touch I love is the charming little 1950s inspired metal insert on each side of the front which catches the light. There are plenty of ‘cats’ around at the moment but the quality ones such as model Terry here are a delight. For more styles by this Parisian eyewear design company visit the website www.faceaface-paris.com CN

Aviator (M03 and M03b)

Zoobug Sunglasses

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dr. Julie Diem Le and following her career from the start in 2006.  In the intervening years, the company she founded, Zoobug, with its range of high quality children’s glasses, has won several prestigious awards, including a Silmo D’Or. As an eye surgeon, she understands that youngsters need sunglasses that protect young, vulnerable eyes. This dashing aviator, shown here in pink, is also available in green, blue and gold, and is available in two sizes, for 3-5 year olds and 6-12 year olds.  Made in Italy, in hypoallergenic stainless steel with flex hinges, and polycarbonate UV 400 lenses, these frames possess safety and style features that appeal to parents and kids. Zoobug frames can be purchased online at www.zoobug.com JG