Reviews

A new experience in design-led technical sports sunglasses

Timeless silhouettes, high-quality design and advanced technical detail. It’s not often we come across an independent brand that delivers athletic sunglasses that design enthusiasts would want to wear. Article One has set about creating a line of frames that deliver the ultimate fusion of fashion and performance with an independent brand’s philosophy for excellence through good, authentic design. Above: a great alternative to regular sports branded sunglasses – Article One x Ciele unisex aviator design suitable for all intense athletic pursuits – the frames are made in Italy in a small factory

As well as several own label active styles in its core collection, including a super 1950s shape called Moon, the series includes a collab frame with Ciele Athletics, a company making contemporary running gear, with focus on performance and protection. Inspired by late 1970s and early 80s athletics, the aviator design is produced in light, durable TR90 with strength and lightweight properties and a notable technical bias. It has a very strong and cool look from the fashion point of view with a rimless lower section and central logo on the frame front, and behind that design is a list of technical features built in for physical activities and sports like cycling and running. The frame is fitted with Italian made Divel nylon polarized lenses known for their good quality, anti-glare and anti-reflective properties and 100% protection from UV (UVA/UVB).

About the Active collection: Article One’s Active collection was born out of a desire to create athletic sunglasses that transcend sport. Named “Gear of the Year” (two years in a row) by Runner’s World Magazine the styles have earned high praise from industry insiders in the US. Timeless silhouettes paired with technical components, like the adjustable silicone nosepads, come together to create a collection where high fashion meets high speed, with real and longlasting success. Article One also produces a stylish handmade collection of optical frames and sunglasses for every day wear. See the full collection at https://articleoneeyewear.com/collections/ao-active CN

 A colourful personal statement in bold titanium

Created from a single titanium block, Blackfin’s Zen goes for statement and individuality, a sunglass model that will turn heads, with a structural graphic style. The frame is typical of this brand in performance features for comfort and durability, with ultraflexible temples, hypoallergenic properties and Blackfin’s Radiant sun lenses with UV protection, optical clarity and a chic, contemporary design. Above: Blackfin’s new campaign ‘Colourscape’ highlights an expression of colour in grand landscapes with an imposing backdrop – a renowned Italian marble quarry 

Blackfin is an Italian label with their own state-of-the-art production facility – the Black Shelter – set in the mountainous landscape of the Italian Dolomites. As specialists in titanium eyewear, their designs are the result of hundreds of processes developed through time by experts and artisans with a passion for their craft. Find our more about the new styles at www.blackfin.eu

EYESTYLIST: “The Japanese brand features new products for discerning customers”

Diffuser Tokyo, the accessory brand that leads the trends in leather accessories and cords for eyewear, follows the release of its brand new eyewear stand with new cords, cases and chains. The products are made exclusively in Japan, and are the first of their kind to use Japanese craftsmanship and tradition in fine contemporary optical accessories – with a classy, individual style.

The Japanese accessories brand is currently using a special dying technique called “Kasuri-zome” to create their artisan cord colorations, and unique materials such as silk for cords and natural leather for stands and cases.  A fine weave modern canvas has been introduced into the mix in a tasteful colour palette, to create a soft, colorful portable case – with leather trim – to hold several items – including spectacles. Diffuser Tokyo accessories are stocked by some of the world’s finest optical boutiques in Japan, Europe and the USA. The full collection by Diffuser Tokyo can be seen at https://diffuser-tokyo.com