Reviews

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.

Retro classic style: Fleye – Edward

Fusing modern materials together in one small spectacle design is an art, and one at which the finest of the independent labels excel. The modern style of the Edward frame by Fleye Copenhagen – one of Denmark’s leaders in fine frame creation – is an example of a combination in raw carbon fibre, colored wood and beta-titanium, where each material complements another, balancing lightness and comfort, alongside contemporary style and design. Above: model Edward by Fleye Copenhagen – a round eye shape with narrow beta titanium bridge and hinge detail

Close-up of model Edward by Fleye Copenhagen – 3 materials in one frame

“Each frame is the intersection of craft and art, representing our vision for modern designs, crafted to last.” Fleye Copenhagen

Part of the Elements of Art collection, a range designed as a tribute to the Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, achieved through a thorough and complex project of experimentation and creative research, this frame offers a shape suited to men and women, with exceptional refinement in the finish and the surface pattern of the wood and an interesting minimal colour palette, reproduced with skill and precision in different artistic combinations.

For more details about the Fleye Copenhagen collection “Elements of Art” click on the link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/09/fleye-copenhagen-elements-of-art-2/

Animal magic: a classic print from Lafont Paris

All focus on the animal print

The extraordinary versatility of a frame as an accessory, the possibility of wearing chic animal prints or exciting shapes on the face, unusual colour combinations and fashionable designs that are as graceful and decorative as they are bold in making a statement, this is a world we continue to study and admire, across trends and seasonal expressions – in the world of fine eyewear.

For animal-inspired prints, with an air of distinguished quality and Parisian know-how, with the special attention to detail and colour typical of a fine fabric, Lafont Paris remains a remarkable leader – bringing its history and heritage into the style, and reproducing it for the modern wearer. Often playfully incorporated as a trim, as in the recent Gauloise model (100), the leopard prints are always particularly spectacular, with a level of definition and colour precision in the material that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Gauloise by Lafont Paris – in chic black with leopard trim – the frame is also available in pink, beige, and tortoiseshell

Lafont Paris is an historic leader in French eyewear design, and all their frames are produced in the renowned spectacle-making region of the Jura. The boutiques in Paris – in Boulevard Raspail, Rue Vignon, and Rue de Sévigné represent the ongoing life and creative vitality of the Lafont collections alongside its rich archive, fully displayed at the original Rue Vignon shop, where the evolution of their exotic and chic prints can still be studied and admired today. Find out more about Lafont on Eyestylist at https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/10/lafont-paris/ Visit the Lafont Paris website at www.lafont.com

 

Eyeglass styles 2020: Paradigm

In homage to the scholarly, distinguished appeal of eyeglass styles of the 1950s, new model 20-22 by Paradigm, part of a grouping of frames from this independent label, offers eye-catching eyewear chic in interesting, contemporary colours. Above: model wears 20-22 by Paradigm. The frame is one of four new optical styles and four new sunglasses from the brand – designed to complement a wide range of faces

Paradigm 20-22, a winter launch at Kenmark Eyewear – pictured in “umber”

The smart shape of 20-22 uses a popular metal/acetate combination construction successfully incorporating vintage lines and modern colours of sky, grey, and umber.

Paradigm sunglasses 20-61

Paradigm’s focus on comfort, wearability, flattering shapes and predominantly light translucent colours is further enhanced in this series by delightful new detailing and something unexpected, particularly in the sunglass releases where playful tricks with acetate inserts and strong shapes are beautifully articulated. Our current favourite? This reimagined aviator (20-61) in the sunglasses series (it is also offered as an optical), a style which boasts a classically shaped lens enhanced by  unusual acetate edging for a special style-driven statement. Find out more about Paradigm at https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/09/paradigm-emerging-trends-vintage-inspo/ www.kenmarkeyewear.com

Winter Sun with Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses

Millinaire, an original shape from the OG archive, first launched in 1968

In 1968, when Millinaire was first launched designer Oliver Goldsmith was already dressing the stars and providing innovative statement eyewear for men and women with a taste for fashion and unique attention-grabbing style. They were appearing on magazine covers, were worn by the likes of Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers and Michael Caine, and famously popped up in movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s (on Audrey Hepburn in 1961).

Millinaire in classic black – the frame is also available in lilac or “anchor” grey

Today the Millinaire model has returned – reintroduced into the Icons Collection at OG as part of the brand’s unique Winter Sun edition for 2020/21.  The small oval shape – typical of the 1960s – is one of the classic shapes that remains integral to the evolution of the brand and its exciting history. The fine handcrafted detailing and design features such as the thick and elegant acetate temples and small subtle metal pins, on front and sides, are carefully reproduced as they were in their original form – and paired with state-of-the-art modern Zeiss sun lenses with especially light tints –  to suit the winter sun.

The original Millinaire model from 1968 is one of over 70 pairs of glasses and sunglasses held at the V&A Museum in London – find out more at https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-oliver-goldsmith-glasses-collection#slideshow=61993239512&slide=0 – To view the new Millinaire online visit https://www.olivergoldsmith.com/product/millinaire-ws/