The Colours line from Vanni Occhiali, Turin’s independent eyewear label, presents beautiful, vibrant candy-inspired colour. The marbling effect and white flecks in each of the bright tones recall the depth of colour and pattern in moire silk. The slight lift on this pretty oval shape gives a very desirable vintage edge. A frame that is both confident and flattering. Red is beautiful on blondes. www.vanniocchiali.com CN
Agitaty is a super example of the intense coloured vintage acetate in the Harry Lary’s collection, designed in France by Thierry Lasry. A typically bold retro-futuristic shape, with interesting volumes, it’s a classic in this collection of acetate eye gems for luxury connoisseurs. The Harry Lary’s eyewear label was first created by Thierry Lasry’s father, Harry, and has been under Thierry’s artistic direction since 2002. www.harrylarys.com CN
28th June 2014 Bruno Chaussignand is a trained optician, owner of O Mil’Yeux – www.omilyeux.com, an independent optical store in Montpellier, France and designer of the eponymous eyewear collection, produced in France in the traditional spectacle making region of the Jura. Already available in NYC, L.A. (Gogosha Optique / www.gogosha.com) Japan and across Europe, at leading optical stores and concept stores, Chaussignand says his label is growing fast – he has a team of reps in France and an agent in New York – but he is clear about his personal desires when it comes to style and design, and his love for well crafted hand finished frames.
“The collection is moving forward. At first, I was more geared towards men,” he explained to Eyestylist.com this week, on the eve of PFW, “but now I am bringing in more women’s designs and we have at least 7 or 8 new styles to show in Paris in September too (www.silmo.fr). My focus is on the balance of each design, originality, so that people have something different to wear, but also the pleasure, comfort and genuine quality of the frames we make in the Jura.”
Details such as the density, the bold sculptural bevelling or “carving out” of the frame, created through use of deep acetate sheets, and work on the temples have become a part of Chaussignand’s signature, as have his paired down metal shapes that reinvent classic aesthetics, with touches of luxurious comfort and subtle refinement.
Bruno Chaussignand shows this week at the Showroom Next Door, Paris Fashion Week (until Thursday 3rd July 2014) and in September at Silmo, Paris. The Showroom Next Door, 108 Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3eme / www.brunochaussignand.com CN
13th June 2014 Young designer/entrepeneur Cantemir Gheorghiu’s second generation Papp UV sunglasses are pretty unconventional as sunnies go. Made from a mix of recycled wood and cardboard with polarized anti-scratch lenses on the outside of the frame, these are the ideal spare pair of shades – stylish but practical and easy to have ready in a pocket, book or bag; lightweight, flexible and waterproof, with UV protection (UV 400 anti-scratch lenses), the minimal design is enhanced by bold colour and clever details such as flexible reinforced hinges and aluminium end tips. Shapes include an aviator, a round, or a classic wayfarer look.
Want to try one? Eyestylist.com has three pairs of Papp UV sunglasses to give to readers – for a chance to win, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/eyestylistcom/173114572746764 CN www.cantemirgheorghiu.com
1st June 2014 Darkroom is one of London’s finest concept stores, with a chic black exterior that would fit as easily into one of the design hot spots in Milan; located on Lamb’s Conduit Street, the shop represents the heart of this sophisticated destination for independent shops, menswear specialists and good food.
The interior offers a gallery like display of hard-to-find design and fashion products, textiles, jewellery and items from other parts of the world, including Africa and the Balkans, curated by owners Rhonda Drakeford and Lulu Roper-Caldbeck.
The latest addition is an eyewear collaboration with London’s Larke Optics, a series that marries this emerging British eyewear label’s handcrafted approach and detailed finishing with Darkroom’s singularly bold, graphic aesthetic, perfectly reflected through handpicked vintage acetates.
Larke’s founder, Laura Nicholson explains: “A strict monochrome palette has been chosen to emphasise Darkroom’s fascination with materials, surfaces and finishes used in architecture and furniture design.
The Italian acetates have been hand-selected to mimic the look of marble, terrazzo, mosaic and resin. These materials are playfully reappropriated and condensed into two signature shapes: Veda, a bold circular frame, and Gill, a thick-rimmed frame with a distinctive keyhole detail.”
All frames by Larke are handmade in the UK in one of the last remaining family workshops. Prices from £295.00. CN
Darkroom, 52 Lamb’s Conduit Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3LL
See the full collection online at: www.darkroomlondon.com/shop/designers/larke / Larke Optics www.larkeoptics.com