Reviews

Bold and shimmering with luminosity, Amanda sun specs by Kirk & Kirk are exemplary with style and substance. Handmade in France, the attributes of Italian acrylic include its transparent beauty, comfort, and durability – an avant-garde material that is also extremely lightweight. Amanda is elegantly sculpted with graphic angles for a distinctive contemporary attitude. The sunglasses gleam in Earth (above); there are seven other gorgeous colourations also available. Visit www.kirkandkirk.com for more details on the stunning acrylic designs. JG

The restrained elegance of the Delirious collection from Italy is well represented in the subtle shaping of their new model Explorer, one of the most beautiful horn designs shown at the eyewear trade fairs this season.

Wearing a horn frame is akin to wearing a tailored suit or elegant silk dress. The natural material has a soft and tactile surface, making it pleasant to wear, comfortable on the skin and completely hypoallergenic. In the sculptured artisan shape of Explorer, hints of the geometric trend are achieved while retaining the comfort of rounded rims in the lower section. Delirious focuses on time-honored traditions for its buffalo horn collection. The company founder Marco Lanero has been recognised by  Vogue Italia in Who’s on next? (2018) – an award scheme by AltaRoma (www.altaroma.it) for excellence and innovation in the production of Italian-made fashion products. The label is stocked exclusively by renowned opticians and concept stores around the world. For more details visit www.deliriouseyewear.com CN

Modern, refined and contemporary: FICTION – the debut collection of prescription eyewear frames –  has been launched by l.a. Eyeworks. The FICTION collection features twenty different frame styles constructed from quality acetates and stainless steel, often in combinations with customised colourations. The California brand also offers a sunglass selection in FICTION. Designers Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds bring a multitude of experience as opticians and retailers – plus their celebrated originality – to the latest eyewear project at l.a. Eyeworks. “Fiction expands l.a. Eyeworks trailblazing legacy of creating innovative, desirable eyewear that emboldens the work of independent opticians,” observes l.a. Eyeworks President Rob Rich. Featured above from the top: CHANT in tortoiseshell acetate, SAIL in stainless steel with a curved double-bridge, and BEAM is a combo of acetate and stainless steel, all positioned on a FICTION cleaning cloth.

Giving Back and contributing to society is an ongoing passion for l.a. Eyeworks. Based on the belief in the written word as a pathway to positive self-expression and growth, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each FICTION frame benefits 826LA, a Los Angeles based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting students with their creative and expository writing skills, and to help teachers inspire the value of the written word in their students. Discover more sleek FICTION prescription frames at www.fictionframes.com JG

Expect the unexpected with luxurious frames from Anna-Karin Karlsson. Exuberance, individuality, and an eclectic tempo characterise her eyewear. The latest optical designs by the Swedish independent eyewear and jewellery designer combine elegant materials, unique shapes and abundant creativity. Her award winning glamorous creations bring stylish chic to spring wardrobes. Crystal Nest makes a distinctive fashion statement – modern and compelling. Rose Gold Japanese titanium unites with shimmering crystals, and a sleek take on a pilot shape with graphic elements accentuates the lenses. Anna-Karin Karlsson designs are available in fine optical shops and at Neiman-Marcus in the United States. Explore more of Anna-Karin’s artistic, edgy designs at www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG

Award-winning Fleye Copenhagen welcomes the spring/summer season with elegant boxed sets featuring Signature styles. The Limited Edition of eight different stunning sets includes an optical and sunglass design in a beautifully appointed lined box. Fleye Copenhagen Signature frames express a graphic attitude, in superior materials with inspired shapes. In the box featured above – optical design Valmue is aesthetically streamlined with soft nuances. Utopia sunglasses radiate a hint of a delicate graphic cat-eye. Fleye Copenhagen eyewear is handcrafted with dedication to beauty, details, fit, and performance. For more details about the Fleye Copenhagen Signature Sets explore www.fleye.dk JG