One of the amazing aspects of colour is how the totally unexpected can work so effectively – such as pairing purple and turquoise. Natalia 109 is a vivid new colour mixture from Antwerp based Theo – glossy layered acetate features inlaid texture on the top of the fame and the temples. The effect is riveting – bold, bright and beautiful! www.theo.be JG
I can’t let Summer 2012 go by without reviewing the Lemtosh, a much spoken about sunglass from New York label, Moscot. The style is hugely popular with celebrities (Johnny Depp famously wears the optical version in tortoise), and is part of the Moscot Originals Collection, based on frames from the company’s archives from 1930 to 1970. The eyewear retains the authenticity of the original frame styles including real glass lenses in the sunglasses, traditional hardware, and lens colours that duplicate the true old school coulors first produced by the Company in the 1940s. The faithfully reproduced Collection is available as ophthalmic eyewear or sunglasses, with or without a prescription, in a variety of frame and lens tint combinations and sizes. Made from gorgeously smooth acetate, this retro frame has a diamond shaped rivet detailing, a key hole bridge and seven barrel hinge. The black is super, it has a shiny finish, but I also recommend the more unusual black/crystal combo which will be a winner in the cool stakes for later in the year – the dual-colour or “split-colour front” – this is what I am calling it, is one trend we expect to grow and grow. www.moscot.com CN
Grey is really a trendy shade at the moment…so if you are tired of black, this is a tone to try out. The example I’ve picked here is an acetate sunglass style by the ever-so-cool Californian label, Garrett Leight (GLCO). The grey is graduated, from dark at the top to crystal lower down, with the effect that the frame is light and easy in its coloration on the face. Retro 50s and 60s is a strong part of the collection and there are lots of great classics with updated colourings (from crystal to tortoise and espresso). Another favourite of mine for this season is the girl’s catseye, Lucille in ivory gradient, a delight! In the UK, you can find GLCO at Adam Simmonds (London) and Seen (Manchester) http://garrettleight.com/. CN
Pastels are spot on for spring and summer, and this cool, mint sorbet tone is a winner from KBL. The shape is gentle and flowing, expressing a graceful flourish in fine acetate. An open nosepiece provides an extra dimension of distinctive detail. KBL has a beautiful collection of sunglasses – check it out on www.kbleyewear.com. Available in London at Harvey Nichols, and in Paris at Le Bar D’Opta www.opta.createurs.net JG
As you know, we make it our business to seek out all the most exceptional up-and-coming labels. Here is one from Italy, JPlus, which features model Uma in its latest collection which I look forward to seeing in Milan soon. The frames are designed in a very cool work space in Padova and are made in Italy, so the aim is to ensure quality materials and manufacture. Each pair of glasses by JPlus belong to the worlds of Art, Music, Movies, or Design. Named after Uma Thurman, this model is part of their Movie Collection. The signature colour insert on the front is a fun, fresh detail featured on all the frames, using a wide palette of bright contrasting tones. A strong vintage direction runs through the range, with bold shapes and distinguished colour proposals seen throughout. A young team of Italians run the show, headed up by Alessandro Martire. Definitely on my Spring/Summer wishlist. CN