Reviews

A close look at a bold frame from the Spring/Summer release

Parisian landmarks. Historic buildings. Favourite arrondissements. The new frames in the Spring/Summer collection by Ahlem Eyewear are linked to Parisian life and culture through names of importance, familiarity and striking historic significance, conjured up by memories in the French city where Ahlem Manai-Platt grew up. Typically, the frames in this line are the result of careful study and inspiration, in this case drawing on two subcultures, the original jazz era of the 1950s and 60s, and La Sape, the postcolonial African legacy of self-determination through natty dress.

Among the extensive choice of models, Pont Mirabeau offers a bold and generously proportioned frame style – as an ophthalmic frame it comes in two new shades of petrol light and brown light – both in sync with a sophisticated timeless mood that is permeating through ready-to-wear and accessory trends – and offering special nuances of design at a time when newness and Spring desires are definitely in the air.

The frame is available in two other shades called dark light (nearly black but with a degree of transparency to lift it) and dry pampas – a lovely greyish taupe with a crystal finish. All the styles – sun and optical – at Ahlem are made exclusively in France (and sometimes in Japan, depending on the materials and subtleties of craftsmanship required), according to time-honored tradition; they have an obvious hand finished elegance and charisma only possible via artisan craft. Top image: Photography by Andrea Spotorno for the new campaign at Ahlem Eyewear. Find out more by visiting the website, www.ahlemeyewear.com

Movitra has designed 7 new prestigious eyewear products which launch at Mido this weekend

The premium Italian eyewear brand Movitra has released a preview of its new designs, which fuse luxury and technical details with a precision-focused, minimalist refinement. New entries are to be found in their Ultralight, Combo and Limited Edition collections, with characteristics which include premium galvanic finishes, laser engravings and complex material combinations, often using two or three materials in a single design.

 Above: Angelo in the Limited Edition collection by Movitra – from a line that promotes constructions which combine three premium materials – acetate, stainless steel and titanium

The models Charleston and Colosso at RES/REI are among the Italian brand’s current collection, where colourations are energetic and fresh, often combining several surprising tones

RES/REI is well known for its elegant acetate frames and artistic palette of colours and delicate transparencies. Model Colosso, in their Sculptures Collection is an example of that style, expressed with enhanced three-dimensionality by means of layering the acetate. Above: model Colosso by RES/REI in the Sculptures Collection, one of a series of frames inspired by the great Italian sculptors of the past – RES/REI has developed custom colour acetates that, where the thickness of the frame changes, the colour fades from one tone to another

The model Charleston offers a completely different way to wear colours in combination. The frame has a refined hexagonal structure where the thicker upper rim runs along the entire length of the glasses: it’s a frame that glows with individuality and style. For more information about RES/REI’s latest styles for 2023, visit the new collections on view at www.resrei.com

Made in Normandy, the new ophthalmic frames uphold the original concepts of dynamic colour and geometric shapes of the Struktur collections

Thierry Bonhomme, designer and Jean-François Lufeaux bring manufacturing know-how to their collection at Struktur, through the expertise of the artisans at Solf Production, a traditional French eyewear producer which first opened in 1966. Through ongoing traditions of craftsmanship and French heritage, the factory is able to offer a guarantee of French quality – ‘Origine France Garantie’ – a certification and endorsement that assures the traceability and origin of their eyewear product with complete transparency. Above: a frame that caught our eye at Silmo – The Artist by Struktur in matt white acetate with titanium temples. The graphic frame shape is surprisingly lightweight – the colour choice for the design is broad, and includes yellow, matt graphite and a trendy bright pink

The Commander is typical of the Struktur styles with a masculine character. The ‘sculpted’ or bevelled effect brings a distinctive look to the frame when worn, while carefully shaped temples make it especially comfortable if worn throughout the day.

All Struktur frames are made by SOLF Production, a traditional eyewear factory based in Évreux, Normandy. The factory is working hard to highlight their responsible production processes, and are reusing waste to produce other small accessories such as key rings whilst also introducing new pounches and cleaning cloths which are made from recycled microfibre. Struktur Eyewear will exhibit at the upcoming fairs including Opti, Mido and 100% Optical. See the full collection of Struktur frames at www.struktur-eyewear.fr