Reviews

Danish eyewear: Ultimate comfort at Ørgreen Optics

11th November 2021

Simple, authentic styles released in comfortable, light, minimal materials

Among their many releases across collections this week, the appeal of the ultra-thin, minimalist styles in Imaginary Lines heralds a definite trend towards the ultimate comfort charged up with vibrant colours. In this line, titanium is the material of choice, and the frames feature super thin silhouettes that sit delicately and easily on the face, lightweight, and free from decoration in a pared back style that works so well. Above: Imaginary Lines series by Danish eyewear label Ørgreen Optics: model Eastern is a medium sized frame in 100% pure titanium and beta-titanium

Western: one of three new styles in the Imaginary Lines collection

Where the constructions are minimal and refined in titanium, colour and colour combinations are introduced in such a way as to bring a cool, contemporary vibe here. The company is one of the best when it comes to a palette of tones that look fresh and modern whilst also being well suited to – and enhancing – to work aesthetically on the face.

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Bermuda: colours inspired by fashion + design trends, and redefined for the face – in matt red with matt light white gold

Model Bermuda is an excellent choice for women in this selection, produced in colour combinations such as matt brown with shiny gold or matt ice blue with shiny silver. Its lightweight look is sleek and elegant for women while the oval shape is versatile. No corners have been cut in the matching of the warm, flattering colour combinations, of which the matt red and matt light white gold is bright and well defined – yet balanced with finesse for an easy wintery upgrade that would look good for months to come. Find out more about the new styles at www.orgreenoptics.com

Reviews

70s anyday: Vippvedel by EOE Eyewear

8th November 2021

Step out with a bold and hippiesque style

Named after a rare flower, this new-season, attention-grabbing aviator is ideal as optical or sun style, a distinctive and expressive version of the classic shape with a unique bridge – the opening is symbolic of the shape of the rare alpine plant. Above: an on-trend look for the winter season, which welcomes eclectic influences from many different decades, including the 1970s

Vippvedel is the name of a rare flower growing in the mountains from Härjedalen to the northernmost part of Sweden

Model Vippvedel is part of the Carved collection at sustainable design company EOE Eyewear, a line inspired by craftsmanship and classic Northern carving techniques. The effect gives a beautiful, geometric and sharp expression which for this frame is the essence of the look – a move away from the classical more rounded pilot shape. In a palette rooted in natural organic hues inspired by the terrains of Swedish Lapland, the frame comes in three colours of Northern black honey, Rosehip light bark, and Honey northern black. The sunglass versions have beautiful delicate orange gradient, gold gradient or Northern black gradient (pictured) lenses. Find out more at www.eoe-eyewear.com

Reviews

Creative eyewear upcycling: Lafont Paris and Inouie

1st November 2021

The Limited Edition Inouie by Tomas Lafont of the French design house launched at SILMO this season

Richness of creativity in tandem with a sensitivity to sustainable change: the new Limited Edition Inouie by Lafont Paris was presented at SILMO this season and signifies a special step for the company as they increase the eco-friendly models in their elegant line. Named ‘inouie’ which in English means ‘unheard-of’, ‘incredible’ and ‘amazing’, the Limited Edition frame is the first example of a style which incorporates Lafont’s own archived acetates – recreated by reassembling a selection of the different colorful materials which date from the last 5-15 years, sourced in the company’s Paris archive and on the premises of the Lafont factory in the Jura. Above: the Lafont Paris stand at the memorable Silmo 2021

Limited Edition Inouie by Lafont Paris: a bold and colorful design featuring upcycled acetates from the Lafont archives

The thick-rimmed, square frame is distinctive in the assembly of different styles of acetate which include a very gentle tinted transparent material as well as rich, eye-catching decorated patterned material. Each colorway (the choices includes ‘red’, ‘yellow’ and ‘blue’) features a mix of 3 varieties of which the temple and top are up-cycled acetate.

Limited Edition Inouie by Lafont Paris – a bold and creative gem – pictured in yellow paired with bright Azure blue pattern

The eco-friendly approach at Lafont was also observed in their new children’s eyewear collection, which features castor oil bio-based plastic (non toxic with 90% castor oil content) and bio-acetate materials which are lightweight, durable and free from toxins and phthalates. Find out more about the new collections at Lafont Paris by visiting www.lafont.com

Reviews

Titanium eyewear: Blackfin One style Simos

5th October 2021

Statement titanium design with a lightweight build

Large round rims are set to be a staple shape this season. The innovation that goes into creating some of these designs and their unique constructions distinguishes the fine ones from the mass produced, with colorations and colour pairings that are wonderfully creative.

For their new styles in titanium sheet, the Italian company Blackfin explores how the technical characteristics of a frame can merge with an artistic aesthetic that is bold yet refined incorporating trendy shapes and details with a distinctive style. The Blackfin One line features frames where an interplay between the top rim’s bold 2.5 mm thick sheet and 2.00 mm rims forge a 3-D structure with modern proportions on the fronts. The look is accentuated by contrasting bright and pastel colours with matte or polished finishes for a sophisticated edge.

Model Simos by Blackfin One: a trendy large round frame style for Autumn/Winter

The large round rims of style Simos express a contemporary spirit and a clear architectural influence. Sections are cut from the lenses where the colour on the front changes, creating a special look that emphasizes the two-tone concept which looks bold and beautiful as it frames the face.

About Blackfin: Blackfin is an independent eyewear company with a special focus on titanium and advanced design. The frames are made following 53 production steps, the expression of industrial precision merged with artisan excellence. Find out more at www.blackfin.eu

Reviews

Kengo Kuma x VAVA Eyewear: 3D printed

18th September 2021

VAVA CL0015 “woven” 3D printed sunglasses design – nomination in SILMO D’Or 2021 awards

The astounding architectural imaginings of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and the process of weaving explored within the acclaimed architect’s work form the basis for the almond-shaped Cloo15 sunglasses design at VAVA, one of the nominations in the recently announced European optical industry’s 28th SILMO D’Or shortlist in the design category ‘Sunglasses – Eyewear Designer’. The SILMO D’Or prizes will be announced at the Paris “live” event on 25th September 2021, before an international audience. Above: model CL0015 Kengo Kuma x VAVA – a round eye shape, the 3D printed frame is created using polyamide bio-based powder made from castor oil

Beyond the eloquent structure, the design is also equipped with advanced base zero glass round-shaped lenses by Barberini and patented hinges in VAVA’s signature Avional aluminium. VAVA’s collaboration collection with Kengo Kuma is the latest innovative series in a line of studied and inspired collections that put structure and architectural aesthetics at the forefront of eyewear development and sustainably produced frame design. Find out more at www.vavaeyewear.com