The fragility of coral reefs is the inspiration for Culcita – a Limited Edition design, and a project dedicated to reef conservation. With its well-proportioned shape and stylish character, Culcita was created as a “product with a cause” – sunglasses with a name and a mission to raise awareness about the rapidly vanishing coral reefs. For more information on Whiteout & Glare designs, and their project, visit www.whiteout-glare.com JG
This designer sunglass collection is an elegant addition to Ms. Beckham’s fashion collections, and, produced by Cutler and Gross, it seems there is no compromise on quality or style. Metal Charles is possibly the top shape of the collection and will be an editor’s favourite, but we have looked closely at the whole line and love the 1970s theme and crisp white or washed out hues and pastel tones in the collection. Metal Charles combines gold and black metal frames with mink, honey, black and white lenses and are fashionably lightweight and easy-to-wear. Handcrafted in Italy, the collection is made with fine techniques and materials. Each piece reflects the modern considered aesthetic of the Beckham fashion range, and, as we viewed the sunglasses next to the S/S ready-to-wear, we can see that in context the sunglasses add a fresh and effortless elegance to the overall collection. For really lightweight sunnies try the Fine Metal Style, an exercise in featherlight construction, which Victoria has devised to overcome the red marks on the nose, often produced with a heavier or ill-fitting sunglass style. www.victoriabeckham.com CN
Sunglasses are not just for summer – winter sun can create harsh glare. Eye protection, as well as style chic, is achieved with these dashing sunglasses from Götti Switzerland. The technology is masterful too, as Sven Götti has structured the frames out of one-piece stainless steel. A special epoxy plastic is applied to the temples, and the imaginative “spin ‘n stow” folding system adds to the technical triumph of the design. Available in sunny yellow (above), a real perk up colour for winter – plus smooth silver and black. www.gotti.ch JG
French designers Face à Face have a great take on animal print…launched in 2010, their Safari Collection features this much-loved pattern teamed with colour. This gives a new edge to the very glamorous styles such as Blush 2 (above) and Garbo 4 which is distinguished by a very pretty metal detail on the upper corners of the front. With its elegant bevelled front, a signature of the Paris-based eyewear company, Blush 2 and its sister styles in the Safari collection are excellent examples of perfectly well balanced styling for this winter season in a palette that is on-trend but also classic…..a staple to bridge the seasons and likely to be a favourite for years to come. CN
Mae West was a gutsy gal who always exhibited brash vitality and enthusiasm for life. She would certainly be enthusiastic about these Silmo d’Or nominated sunglasses from Face à Face. West’s emboldened spirit motivated many, including fan Salvador Dali, and he created the well-known Mae West Lips Sofa, the inspiration for these flirty, feminine frames. The artistically crafted, sculptured shape is accented with just a hint of “red lipstick” on the sides to highlight their impertinence. Mae West would approve! www.faceaface-paris.com JG