Bold, intense colours characterise interior designs by Matali Crasset, and she extends her prodigious talents and gorgeous colourations to eyewear with a theo collaboration. Electric blue metal and contrasting acetate temples distinguish Délicat, with its strong brow line and voluminous shape. An exciting statement frame for summer fashions. www.theo.be JG
Produced for the exclusive Yacht Club in Capri, Italy, the dapper limited Edition Pearson (BF730) by Blackfin delivers all the attributes of a hand-finished technical titanium frame in an exciting new colour way: an exterior in opaque charcoal grey and interior in ‘Serendipity’ blue, the official colour of the anchor in the Yacht Club’s logo.
Created ahead of the Rolex Capri International Regatta last month in a run of just 50 styles, each of the styles was customised with the wording, “Yacht Club Capri 2016”. Blackfin frames are exclusively produced in Agordino, Belluno, Italy, in line with a specific ethos referred to as “neomadeinitaly” – a term that is designed to underline authenticity, Italian provenance and commitment to its local team and environment. www.blackfin.eu CN
I have only twice had the chance to view the Kuboraum collection – once when they launched back in 2012, and once briefly this February at the Milan eyewear fair, by invitation. Dark and mystical, their handmade artisan ‘masks’ – like wearable works of art – have stirred up amazement and excitement in optics and fashion, and continue to do so. Highlights have included frames produced from blow-torched acetate, creating scorched surfaces which are then embellished in silver and 18k or 24k gold chains (mask B2).
The Ceremony Capsule Collection is a new chapter, honing in on an elegant hand-painting of the frames with exotic florals by designer Livio Graziottin. The collection, described as an expression of “decadent ceremonial grandeur” contains eight sun masks with different motifs of bright blossoms, hibiscus, palm fronds and rose petals, and, like a painting or piece of art, each model, with its striking painted appearance, is signed by the designer.
It’s a different, very intimate mood from the previous collections (gold and silver work) transforming the solid, bulky structure of the mask, with a surprisingly gentle mood, bringing to our attention the dedication and workmanship of the painter – in every delicate brushstroke and nuance of colour of the tiny details of petals and leaves.
Based in Berlin and handmade in Italy, Kuboraum frames are produced by the artist/designer Livio Graziottin and anthropologist, and marketing/communications director, Sergio Eusebi. The Ceremony Capsule was first shown at the Milan eyewear fair (Mido) in Spring 2016. More information is available at www.kuboraum.com CN
In readiness for Rio 2016, a treat is in store from the Belgian creators theo: the Games collection comprises luxury designs made of gold or palladium with a superb, unusual finish – an eye-catching combination of matte and shiny surfaces.
The overall focus is on the round shape, with five slightly different circular versions – some rounder than others – referencing the iconic Olympic rings and the sought after medals as well as founder Wim Somer’s love of the classical round spectacle shape – the one he is always seen in himself.
Luxury is the keynote in this series, with palladium models in 3 μm palladium, and golden models made of 3 μm palladium with a 4 μm layer of gold. The golden frames have a hallmark on the temple, certifying the genuine 24 carat gold.
And theo’s thought of everything: for those who require a brightly coloured every day style, the same models are available in titanium in bright sparkling single colours – from fluo red to electric blue and named Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and America. Ideal for all prescriptions! For more information on this new line, visit www.theo.be CN
Stunning Coral Red acetate illuminates this chic frame by Paola Costantini at Pollipo’. The stainless steel bridge is achieved with a delicate hand procedure, whereby the bridge is inserted into the back of the frame, ploughing the eye-rims, then merging the nose-wings. The clean, fresh contemporary look has no screws or pins used to sustain the bridge. More beautiful frames from the Rome designer at www.pollipocchiali.it JG