Looking to the Future
21st April 2011 Potential budding young eyewear designers, students at London’s prestigious Royal College of Art – www.rca.ac.uk – were invited to submit their creations for the 2011 Optrafair, held in Birmingham this month. The participants let their imaginations flow, and used materials normally associated with eyewear, plus they experimented with the unusual – rice, twisted wire-work, silks, textured weaves and boiled wool. First prize winner Claire Zeng was inspired by a visit to London’s Gagosian Gallery to see a light exhibition. Zeng said that the architecture and colours of the Arizona dessert also tweaked her creativity. Her winning entry in acetate blends geometry and modernity, plus Zeng said she wanted some “playfulness”. UK frame manufacturers Premiere Optical Services, produced the prototypes. JG
Chic and oh so cool!
Children’s eyewear
17th April 2011 As the April edition of Eyestylist highlights children’s frames, we thought our readers would like to see how great kids look in their glasses. We’ve had lots of images sent to us that beautifully illustrate how comfortable, cool and chic the young set is wearing specs. Style aware kids already know the power of eyewear as a fashion accessory! Pictured above, boy wearing Zoobug Aviators (www.zoobug.com). JG
mmj096
Marc by Marc Jacobs
14th April 2011 Stripes are fashionably prevalent this season. In eyewear, Marc Jacobs introduces a new acetate sunglass collection with a jaunty, glamorous spirit. This 1980’s inspired multi-coloured design features vertical stripes on the temples. Available in a variety of chic colours, these frames possess both a modern and vintage feel. The striking colour combinations add distinct zing to spring outfits. Jacobs, who studied fashion in New York City at the renowned Parsons School of Design, is an award-winning designer whose clothing and accessories are sought after by an international following of style aware clients. JG www.marcjacobs.com
Solan
Julbo Eyewear
11th April 2011 The same family has run this distinctive French brand since 1888. Julbo Eyewear focuses on technical innovations, and their children’s collection of fine quality sunglasses takes into consideration the delicacy of young eyes. Double injection Polypropylene is soft and supple, and quality, shock resistant lenses and a wraparound shape insure perfect protection with Solan, shown above. Little adventurers will like the soft touch of the material against their skin, and parents will be delighted that the frames offer comfort, and stay put on little faces! www.julbo-eyewear.com JG
EK 5055
EK Emmanuelle Khanh Junior Collection
During the 1970’s, French designer Emmanuelle Khanh beamed into the fashion limelight with her superb ready-to-wear clothes, accessories and the most exciting, super-sized frames. Her devoted fans included Jane Birkin and Catherine Deneuve. Ms. Khanh has subsequently retired, but her tradition of glamorous, edgy frames lives on for adults, and luckily, now for children as well. The EK Junior Collection includes both optical and sun styles, with the model above inspired from frames beloved by Mum and Dad. Beautifully hand-crafted in France in silken acetate, this bold rimmed design is certain to be a favourite with young fashionistas. The frames can be purchased online at Little Fashion Gallery www.littlefashiongallery.com for more information: www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com JG