Reviews

Pursuit of the senses: Padma Image

The Japanese label by Meiji Hasui adds new colours for the asymmetrical ‘Shichisan’

Simplicity. Artistry. And a delicacy of style. The Japanese label Padma Image first appeared on Eyestylist in 2014 and is gradually growing, under designer Meiji Hasui’s careful eye.  Breaking with conventions and traditional design features, the label’s new collection (available in Japan and local markets to Japan) includes one of the classic styles in the Padma Image repertoire – the asymmetrical model Shichisan, inspired by a traditional Japanese hairstyle – a Japanese ‘look’ characterised by a parting to one side. Above: Shichisan frame on model. The design was first introduced on Eyestylist in 2015: www.eyestylist.com/2015/06/eyestylist-talks-to-yuuki-hasui/

Shichisan by Padma Image: made in Sabae

“Like an asymmetrical and natural side parting, I thought that even if the upper half of the glasses were asymmetrical, there would still be an elegant harmony with the eyebrows,” says Hasui, who has produced several asymmetrical style frames in the last years, including the Ue-Shita and the Moku-Moku, featured on Eyestylist. “We work with a small factory in Sabae which uses advanced technology and skillful craftsmen for absolute quality design.” To read more about Padma Image in English click on the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/12/ue-shita-by-padma-image/   For more about the brand visit www.padmaimage.com

Jean-François Rey’s 2932

Jean-François Rey highlights a fresh, colourful style in this ladies’ design exploring architectural volumes.

Geometric, lightweight and colourful, the JF2932 has all the signature traits of a design by Jean-François Rey, the Marseille-based eyewear designer and a trend-oriented attention paid to details and distinctive design. The inventive work with the metal material is achieved through the skill and expertise of French manufacture while the creative colour pairings are  applied by hand.

JF Rey: 2932 – a modified cat’s eye design

The JF2932 – an elegant woman’s cat eye shape, comes in several colour combinations, from gold with black and gold with blue to the vibrant red and turquoise – pictured above. Creative director and colour specialist Joelle Rey describes the colour pairings as an effect that looks as if two frames have been fused into one, in tones established through absolute creative freedom and a dedication to elegance and quality. To find out about more of the latest styles in this French design collection, launched for 2021, visit www.jfrey.fr

Lunettes Alf: artisan design style a20.01

a20.01 – alf’s artisan design inspired by American safety glasses

Lunettes Alf’s style a20.01 is a distinguished design in its acetate collection, a frame for men and women with a thick rimmed panto shape. The glasses which were inspired by the design of protective safety glasses of the 1960s has a striking bridge detail and visible pins on the frame front, a classic feature of the French artisan label.

a20.01 Lunettes Alf – made in Normandy, France

Lunettes Alf presents spectacles which are designed in Paris and produced exclusively in Normandy, in one of the country’s most prestigious factories for handmade eyewear. The quality of the featured materials is reflected in the choice of Japanese acetate and photochromic mineral sun lenses. Precise in their desire to create timeless designs, alf is inspired by the most beautiful frame designs of past eras, with a sober and clean style – with inspiration dating back to the designs of the 20s and times when spectacles first became an accessory of style and design excellence. a20.01 is available in 6 colours including crystal (above), and elegant variations of dark and light tortoiseshell. Find out more about the brand at www.lunettes-alf.com

Eyestylist trends: Shimmer and sparkle at Seraphin

Eyestylist update: The US label Seraphin Eyewear is known for its decorative designs, with stunning embellishments and sparkling jewellery accents. Today the collection is designed by Chief Creative Officer David Duralde, OGI Eyewear, and features the new Seraphin Shimmer, a capsule adorned with dazzling crystals by Swarovski. Eyestylist observed that the company has launched a try-on option on their website to browse the frames and see how they look on your face.

Apt for the festive season, but just as desirable by lovers of luxury through the seasons, Seraphin Shimmer expresses a mood of 1920s vintage glamour and high-fashion refinement. Above: model wears Shimmer 1, a modified rectangular butterfly with artful 1920s deco line decoration and hand-inlaid crystals.

Shimmer 1 by Seraphin Eyewear – adorned with sparkling accents

The Shimmer 1 style by Seraphin, like other frames in this series, features a delicate pattern of inlaid Swarovski crystals – the effect of which is both uplifting and illuminating on the face of the wearer. The two delicate colourways are inspired by the jazz age and the rich yet subtle fashions and finery of a Scott Fitzgerald novel.

Shimmer 1 by Seraphin Eyewear – art deco inspired eyewear for a modern trendsetter

Seraphin Eyewear has been quick to embrace new technologies in 2020 and offers virtual try-on direct from their website at  https://www.ogieyewear.com/try-shimmer

The new campaign was shot by Mike Carreiro with model Lana Zakocela and art direction by David Duralde. Seraphin Eyewear is produced by Ogi Eyewear. See the Shimmer styles at www.ogieyewear.com/seraphin-shimmer/

3D graphic statements: FACE A FACE

Stripes for the face: Bocca Pixel 3 and Bahia 3 by FACE A FACE

A few gorgeous and graphic horizontal striped frames have come to our attention this season, as the fashion trend for bold stripes – horizontal, vertical and/or zigzag, wide narrow or even classic marine styles  – really holds renewed appeal.  Whether it’s because it’s a trend that’s viewed as a safe and easy staple, the slight nod to the popular 1990s fashion era is also in its favour.

Among the stripey glasses highlights we spotted at the independent labels are modern acetate editions Bahia 3 and Pixel 3 by French label FACE A FACE – both using a translucent lined acetate with a delicate yet “digitalised” look that presents a graphic and bold illusion of movement, right across the front. Above: the Bahia3 by FACE A FACE in stripes with red detail; this chic style is also available in two other color variations, a striking blue and a bright fresh turquoise. The frame concept is inspired by Op Art and comes in four different wearable shapes.

BOCCA Pixel 3: a one-of-a-kind visual treat – with a pixelated edging and horizontal narrow lines in transparent striped amber acetate

The Pixel 3, a style in the well known Bocca collection is the most out there of the two “striped” designs, with its extraordinary edging, in a series of steps inspired by the labyrinths of the Dutch artist, M.C. Escher. The cute end tips, once “heels” or shoes” – are now abstracted – replaced by a pixel form with tiny highlighter toned fluo details. BOCCA Pixel 3 comes in a total of 5 amazing colorways, including transparent striped amber and a very exciting graduated frozen bordeaux.

FACE A FACE glasses are available at fine independent optical retailers. To see more of our latest “favourite finds” in the FACE A FACE collections click on the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/11/op-art-inspired-face-a-face-hollow/ For more details and to locate your nearest stockist, visit www.faceaface-paris.com. This feature was written by Clodagh Norton. All rights reserved.