Reviews

NYC events, new stockists in Miami and a special tour of Jamaica. Just a few of the things that optician/designer Alicia Hartman has been busy with since we last caught up with her in April. And with that has come some glamorous new eyewear styles, as well as plenty of colourful sunnies.

We first met Alicia in 2018 (and before that we had been in touch via social media for some years). Now she is one of the most successful opticians to launch her own collection, which includes models suited to sun or ophthalmic lenses. The new model PFB 13 (above in red/tortoise effect), pictured on a girl at eyeQ Jamaica, offers a combination of glamorous elegance with the rich effect of the high-end acetate; it has a particularly individual look when glazed with optical lenses.

Unique screwless flat stainless-steel hinges and beveling techniques, along with signature end tips matching the fronts have the effect of deliberately complementing the matte finishes of these designs – a detail achieved by special lamination techniques and Japanese polishing – no corners are cut in this very chic detailing. The frames can be glazed as opticals or fitted with a subtle gradient mirror and flash lens, just right for beach wear and summer parties.

The brand is now available in some unique stores including Selima Optique (NYC) and Eye Q Optical  (Manor Park, Kingston, Jamaica). For more information about Peoples from Barbardos go to www.peoplesfrombarbados.com and visit Alicia’s store Eye Q at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre Holetown, Barbados. CN

Set the beaches sizzling when wearing elegantly sculpted Re-Belle by bespoke frame artisans Plein Les Mirettes. Crafted in Normandy in beautiful acetate with a lustrous sheen, Re-Belle is a symphony of sleek colours – navy silhouetted with accents of orange, white and sea foam, with a three-dimensional character. The unique colourations in Plein Les Mirettes are among the many specific and luxurious details infused in the frame creations by the independent label. Visit www.plein-les-mirettes.fr for more discoveries in distinctive eyewear designs. JG

Pearly items are the thing to wear this season  – according to British Vogue, who positively love this trend for earrings, bags, hairclips and the like. Trend-focused brand Frame Chain has been working the look for several months, and continue to reintroduce new pearl accented chain designs which immediately sell out! Favourites include Pearly Queen (above) featuring hand sourced fresh water pearls and the recent addition to the collection, Teenage Kicks, a necklace style chain with small Keshi pearl – the colour and texture of which are similar to sea shells.

The London brand – created by female design duo Vanessa Harrington and Ann-Magret Kearney, has successfully paved the way for a new style of accessory that perfectly enhances the coolest and most stylish eyewear designs available. Catch their summer designs (if you can!) at leading stockists such as London department store Liberty’s (https://www.libertylondon.com) or visit the Frame Chain website for the latest releases and special editions. www.framechain.co.uk CN

Eyewear art by ROLF Spectacles continues to reap awards. The latest accolade is the Muse Design Award 2019 for Rolf’s elegantly crafted model Lark in smoked larch and cherry wood. The independent Austrian label achieved the honour with the highest award – Platinum – in the Fashion Design category. Each ROLF frame is one hundred percent natural and handmade in their Tyrolean atelier. Lark is a unique mix of razor-thin sliced wood veneers that are carefully selected and combined with each other. The frame is flexible, screw less, and features ROLF’s Silmo d’Or award winning FLEXLOCK hinge. The impeccable detailing on the frame is visually appealing, as well as being a master class in ROLF’s ingenuity to create powerful and compelling eyewear. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG

Intense colour in a classic panto shape is an easy-to-wear option for men all of ages. Morel’s 1880 collection offers an array of time-honored shapes with modern, carefully finished details and highlights such as the small ‘M’ engraving on the temples – a touch that indicates the artisan finesse that defines this collection. Made in the Jura region of South East France, the frames are part of a tradition of spectacle-making that dates back to the 19th century, and everything about them continues to define that tradition while adding the latest technological benefits, for a light and comfortable eyewear experience. Discover more about this classic collection at www.morel-france.com CN