Reviews

We have touched on this adventurous concept already in an interview with Henrik Ørgreen earlier this year, but it deserves further mention. As the Ørgreen team explain, their fascination for the patina effect on metal – be it on motorbike parts, cars or tools – led them to experiment with patina and metal treatments in their beloved eyewear material: titanium. And the result is something quite different.

It wasn’t an easy mission, they say. Compared with other metals like steel, brass and copper, titanium is such a hard material that very few techniques could be used to create the desired patina effects. But the result is eye-catching and fascinating in the creative process as well as the colour and finish. Using a special firing technique iridescent flame colours are printed or “burnt” onto the titanium surface, with flecks of purple/blue and red/yellow. The result is a limited series – three spectacle designs and three sunglasses  – where each frame is a one off and will slightly change with time and wear.

Above, example of one of the sunglasses styles in the new innovative edition: The Fiery Capote. For more information on the series of new 2017 releases, a tribute to the Danish brand’s 20th anniversary – visit www.orgreenoptics.com Find our 2017 interview with Henrik Ørgreen at http://www.eyestylist.com/2017/04/orgreen-optics-20-years-tribute-future/ CN

Glamour, exquisite detailing, and cutting-edge innovation harmonise luxuriously in XL2097 from the Dolce collection by Line Art Charmant. The frame possesses an aura of jewellery, with brilliantly cut Swarovski stones that adorn the temples. The Dolce signature look is a twisted double-filament temple held together by a decorative dot to create graceful curves. Excellence Titan ensures perfect fit and comfort. Available in chic matt bronze (above) plus purple, rose gold, and white gold. Discover more at www.charmant.com JG

In a gorgeous shade of Jade that expresses summer vitality, Sonia by Zac Posen is a chic, voluminous design for maximum style statement. The American fashion designer merges his timeless concepts for women’s clothing into feminine and graceful eyewear designs. The latest collection of optical styles includes wonderful variety in shape, colours, and materials. Discover more at www.kenmarkoptical.com JG

It is always a pleasure to introduce a new quality eyewear label. Belgian brand Komorebi has caught our interest with its clean designs produced in Japanese titanium and carefully selected Mazzucchelli acetate. Each of the models is inspired by transparency, light and reflection, based on ‘komorebi’, the Japanese word for “sunlight shining through the leaves”.

Komorebi eyewear works closely with small creative workshops in Belgium and Europe to create its frames and eyewear cases. Model Velma, a unisex sandblasted titanium frame has a gentle aesthetic that is clean, minimal and delicate but appealingly different.

The frame is hand-polished on the outer surface to create a bright shiny finish. The end tips on all the designs are based on stylised leaves – a signature of the brand. Komorebi was launched in Spring 2017. The brand will be present at the Paris optics fair Silmo in October. www.komorebi.be CN

Among l.a. Eyework’s latest – and striking – collection is the voluminous, fun and graphic design – Dublin. Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds always pioneer the unexpected in eyewear with demonstrative shapes, lovely materials, and elite colours. Crafted in acetate in Italy, the combination of Tea Sparkle Tile with Tiger Eye colourations ensure this is a memorable design. Visit www.laeyeworks.com for an adventure in creative eyewear. JG