Selima for June Ambrose
The black and white theme is a strong and long-lasting one in fashion. This sunglass design takes that monochrome look and presents it subtly in layers. It is a design from Selima, created in tandem with the celebrity stylist, June Ambrose. I like the classic easy-to-wear design and choice of punchy colour tones, which include this gorgeous black and blue or a spicy red and black. www.selimaoptique.com CN
Brooks 47
Garrett Leight
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
Introducing… Heidi London
25th April 2012 A few days ago we spoke to Heidi Chan, the designer behind Heidi London whose sunglasses caught my eye in Wolf and Badger in London (www.wolfandbadger.com). This is a collection that has an old-school vintage theme running through, brought up to date with modern details such as on-trend colour and pattern. In our interview, Heidi talked about her background and latest designs.
Can you outline the brand philosophy and your design intentions. The initial intention was to create a sunglasses wardrobe for sun lovers and snow bunnies, different silhouettes to suit different face shapes and complexions. Effortlessly wearable yet comtemporary, I wanted to see what would happen when my experience in womenswear design was applied to eyewear design. Now I am in my second season, I’m designing pieces that are simpler and more chic compared to the first collection, which was all about fun colours and patterns.
I love designing something that reflects the contemporary time and the current world. While the designs might change each season to reflect the now- one thing that never changes is that my ultimate goal is to bring happiness to people where I can, that’s the best thing; it’s the best feeling in the world when you see the sparks and excitment in other people’s eyes when they see what they love. I think that when people feel better, they look better, live better, and then they are happier. So my job is to make people feel good and look good. (more…)
MIDO Expressions
Creative Colourings, Original Shapes
15th March 2012 We returned from Milan enthused about the collections we saw – it’s all about superb colour and really great shapes. There is no such thing as too much colour this spring and summer (above, Dali from Framers) and hues are varied with different tone groupings. Combination frames are the next big trend, and the bold characteristics of frame shapes merge retro tendencies with thoroughly modern aspects.
Metal interpretations are a new choice in addition to retro acetates. Click and stay with Eyestylist for more updates. www.framers.de www.theo.be JG/CN
Uma
JPlus Vision
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