Reviews

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

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

Reverse 1

Kata

The US label Kata has created a group of frames called Reverse…which is based on the idea of turning the hinge of a frame inside out. By exposing the connection between the titanium and acetate on an inverted hinge, an ordinary design element has been turned into something extraordinary. The Reverse concept appears for two groups of frames; a vintage inspired one, from where we highlight model Reverse 1, this minimal metal style. And a more contemporary series of frames featuring modern rectangles and a semi-rimless design with top bar. Kata Eyewear is a luxury sunglass and spectacle brand from the US, produced by a company called Legacie in the US. In Europe, Kata can be found at the following opticians: in Germany, Private Eye, e.K., Wiesbaden; in Austria, Optik Hopffer, Innsbruck (www.optik-hopffer.at) and in Herisau, Switzerland, try Wuersch Optik. …….CN

www.kataeyewear.com

Sexxxy

Thierry Lasry

I have known Thierry since the 1990s; he looks like a rockstar and he’s the designer of clever, cool, underground eyewear; he’s totally passionate about eyewear design as many designers in the business are…he’s always shown me his frames with such great enthusiasm that I come away impressed by the creativity, the excitement he manages to inject into his styles, and the way he manages to put his stamp on his designs…he’s certainly very popular with celebrities, and you can see why – the designs are always special or make an independent statement. Model Sexxxy is just that (with one “x”); its sister shape, model “Lively” is one that Madonna has been seen in time and again, and Sexxxy provides that lovely reminder of vintage shapes of the past, in a futuristic concept – the temples look as if they have been designed by an architect, the chunky quality of the black acetate is a wonderful camouflage (you can see why the famous faces would like it to hide behind) and yet it has an eloquent shape. CN

www.thierrylasry.com

No.1 Sun Wyatt

Mykita

Today, model Wyatt by Mykita is sitting on my desk and has caught my eye. It’s a unisex frame that has a slick shape while being as light as a feather. There are different colour options, including this gold one and the stunning black I have in front of me. Mykita’s Collection No.1 has a clever, patented “snap-hinge”. This means the hinge does not require any soldering or screws and it is therefore particularly good-looking; it adds to the design, and makes a quirky snapping sound when you open and close the temple. Sunglasses in the No.1 line come in a variety of metal surfaces, with a choice of lacquer coatings. (more…)