Reviews

“Familiar everyday forms inspired by daily architectural details, commonly expressed through wood and ceramic, translating the inspiration to the temples….” Julia Gogosha

Dimensional, textured, graphic, and tactile. A new super limited capsule by Julia Gogosha, owner of one of the most famous optical boutiques in the world, and eyewear label Baars, introduces frames inspired by ceramics, woodturning and glassworks. The frames have a new form of expression, with temples replicating wood turning and ceramic work or glass structures, and fitting to the front with a patented magnetic connection. Just 100 pieces have been produced, with the models photographed exclusively by Jimmy Marble.

The capsule collection presents four neutral colours, inspired by warm skin tones (coffee, hazel, dune) and a cool clay hue. The UV lenses are created in colours which harmonise with the frame tones also allowing the wearer the intimacy of eye contact during conversation.

Julia Gogosha told Eyestylist: “It’s a proud moment and a long time in the making. To contribute a design, an idea to be part of a larger conversation. To question how objects are made and what inspires us to make them in our image, referenced by other objects. Eyewear is art to be worn and every component, element and surface is an opportunity to explore a new way.” Find out more: www.gogosha.com  By Clodagh Norton All rights reserved.

When an architect, an investment analyst and a craftsman combine the result is apparently founding a quality-driven, on-trend and up-and-coming eyewear brand in the Big Apple: Lowercase NYC. Gerard Masci first realised his passion for eyewear as young as 13. Years later, he was connected with Brian Vallario and then with Ryan Langer – the three used their respective industry acquired skill sets to forge a team unmatched in artistry and individuality creating a collection of pieces that showcase exactly that.

The team’s passion for quality and style is obvious in each aspect of their small-batch product design and manufacturing; using an immersive approach they source high quality materials – such as Italian and Japanese acetate, Carl Zeiss sun lenses and German engineered hinges – and a mix of technology as well as handcrafting techniques to deliver each pair of glasses with their onerous stamp of approval. Aside from the physical materials and labour that play a part in the production of each piece, Lowercase maintain an intimate level of knowledge in each step of the journey – from design conception to send-off – a 30 step process to be exact, all done over the course of two weeks from the comfort of their amazing Brooklyn Army Terminal workshop.

The workshop itself is iconic and like no other – standing since 1919 it was once the largest US military supply base during the Second World War. Now, in Brooklyn – the most ambitiously creative and diverse district of NYC, it houses artists, designers and makers from all stretches of the industry – each working alongside one another and inspiring each-other to create – and yes, it is open to visit.

I have the McKenna frame (Ox blood colour) – a striking style with a subtle cat eye lens; the subtlety means they maintain the sharp finish and statement impact desired in a cat eye shape – but make it less intense and more rounded. These frames are versatile, there is no outfit that these won’t adapt to or improve. The quality is noticeable…Carl Zeiss sun lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection, and the barrel hinges and coated screws ensure long-lasting accident proof structure. In spite of their high-fashion, fun and delicate appearance these sunglasses block out UV rays and rest firmly and comfortably on the face; the levels of quality in each part of the design, manufacturing and production process can be seen and felt.

Lowercase have an engaging and immersive website which allows customers to experience every aspect of the brand and its collection including a step by step video on the production of the glasses within the Brooklyn Army Terminal – right up to them being delivered into the customers hands, as well some further information on some interesting initiatives the brand takes in their endeavour to be as sustainable as possible. For more information visit https://lowercasenyc.com and find the McKenna – in Ox Blood, Powder Blue or Gold Flake, at https://lowercasenyc.com/products/mckenna. A review by Victoria G. L Brunton.

Peoples from Barbados: sunglasses + glasses for beach, city or paradise holiday

The sea, the sun, and the sand….Peoples from Barbados is the first independent Caribbean eyewear label with a colour palette inspired by the natural elements of the beautiful island, the culture and the daily life.

Hartman’s joie de vivre and love for her homeland is translated into her designs with precision and passion, to create statement eyewear that is both stylish and different. The leading boutique optician on the island, she has taken careful note of what her customers love and translated those qualities into designs with a luxury feel and a lightweight build.

Part of the Substance collection announced in May 2020, the new frame designs in this modern, functional line are defined by refined contours, slim temples and strategically placed curves. The finish of the material has a natural surface texture and colours are paired down, with gentle hues that complement skin tones. Above: model wearing GILA (in stone grey).

The styles are made from a species of the Euphorbiaceae family and as a material it is both versatile and good-looking.

“The plants are grown in tropical climates without any kind of genetic engineering, they don’t compete with food crops, and they can grow very tall, very quickly: where aspruce or a beech will only grow a few centimeters taller every year, this remarkable plant will shoot up six metres in just four months, and it comes back every year,” explains company founder Roland Wolf. “This makes the material more sustainable and kinder to the environment than ever–and the perfect foundation upon which to build a new collection of glasses…meeting the current demand for more climate-considerate products.”

ROLF’s award-winning Flexlock hinge is a feature here: printed at the same time as the frame using 3D printing technology, ROLF artisans can make each of the parts all at once keep the number of external suppliers to a minimum. In addition to the high performance of the screwless and patent-pending Flexlock hinge, glasses wearers will also benefit from the flexible, natural, and skin-friendly properties of the plant-based frame.

ROLF Spectacles are available worldwide in specialist optical boutiques. The new unisex Substance collection is coming to stores soon: find out more at www.rolf-spectacles.com