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Read On light reading glasses recognised for design excellence

read on light readers recognized by Wallpaper* Magazine 

The nifty, super lightweight read on light reading glasses have been awarded Highly Commended in the Most Wonderful Wearable category of the Wallpaper* Smart Space Awards. In a statement about the product by Wallpaper*, the judging body stated: “Beautifully packaged and presented, the glasses turn a hitherto overlooked object into something that’s highly desirable.”

The Wallpaper* Smart Space Awards celebrate those things that acknowledge the importance of longevity, simplicity and sustainability, as well as enduring quality, fitness for purpose, and good design. This accolade is designed to stand as distinguished recognition. It highlighs each brand’s dedication to delivering creativity of the highest calibre.

‘read on light’ is a new super light reading glasses concept by Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink. They are the co-founders of Sol Sol Ito, a Swiss independent eyewear label established in 2012. The readers have a bold colourful and contemporary design. They have been created according to the traditional principles of Swiss design: precision, perfection, zeitgeist + innovation. Read on launched their first product in 2021, a super thin design of handy, lightweight TR90 reading glasses which can be stored discreetly inside a smartphone case. Feedback from this first launch showed that the market lacked a super slim contemporary reading glasses product with its own convenient case.  Find out more: 

https://www.readon-mobile.com

FACE A FACE is sculpting colour

The French brand has launched a collection which fuses colour with bold interpretations

The collection includes several exciting shapes with inventive sculptural silhouettes and contemporary colour ideas. The model Glitch 1 is inspired by the aesthetic of digital screen glitches. The finely crafted frame has a three-step milled design with layers in the transparency. The frame blends charisma, individuality and a modern angular fashion-focused style that will make a great eyewear statement. Above: the Glitch model from FACE A FACE

Framed1 by FACE A FACE

Framed is another colourful example in the range, and a true signature concept of the brand. The style is quite surprising with its blend of angles and softer lines. The designers explain the concept: “inside a very organic shape – the faceted contour of the glasses – you will be able to see a very structured rectangular shape, which draws the inner shape of the eyes, like a cookie cutter….”

The new colour palette features interesting tones of candy pink, cerulean blue grey and transparent sky blue. By fusing these colours together, the frames feel fresh and inventive with a dreamy and digital aura that expresses something magical and new! Find out more at www.faceaface-paris.com

Kuboraum Mask E21

A new handcrafted mask in the Reisen series is released as an exclusive to Kuboraum stores (in Rome, Milan, Berlin and Mexico) and Dover Street Market Ginza and London

The E21 mask – announced this month – is a handcrafted bold wraparound design in acetate, defined by a striking front structure with meticulously ‘skived’ and bevelled edges surrounding the lenses, creating a sharp, refined finish. This design also showcases thick protruding temples with spring hinges for durability and comfort. A straight eyebrow ridge accentuates the assertive character of the design.

E21 in Black Shine – by Kuboraum
The E21 mask by Kuboraum in LTD edition orange – sleek and edgy – the frame is also available in 24h, matt black, black shine, crystal or tortoise

Kuboraum has produced the third journal “We travel To Know Our Own Geography” this season, a free fanzine available to all stores and retailers who stock the collection. The journal offers a comprehensive exploration of Kuboraum’s project and its broader, multifaceted narrative bridging between eyewear, art and music. Find out more at www.kuboraum.com

Eyewear trends: layer up!

Layering up is not just for winter apparel…layered effects in eyewear are popular again….

Layer upon layer of design details and fine materials, worked in beautiful ways! One of the most eye-catching trends of the moment in eyewear involves exceptional know-how and craft finesse, to create depth and unique twists in the structure of the frame. At Silmo in September, a variety of fine independent eyewear collections featured a particular example of such detailing, in different materials with all kinds of interesting and sometimes dramatic effects. Playing with layers for the exciting structures that can be explored, or using them to create a special mood or character in the frame, the effect of this design work on the face will reveal individuality and a nuanced expression, calling attention to the wearer’s unique personality and individual traits. Above: Layer 2 by FACE A FACE is one of the new highlights in the French collection this season. Two shapes are layered on top of one another, hence the name, Layer. The playful way in which this is achieved is further explored through the combination of the two colours which, layered together, reveal a third. The finely sculpted details of the wings add a further touch of subtle sophistication. www.faceaface-paris.com

PRIS by Veronika Wildgruber: a brand new release at Silmo last month

At Veronika Wildgruber, structure and architectural influences are a common thread from one collection to the next. The new model Pris has an aluminium bar running across the top as a defining structural element, reminiscent of the stark, functional lines characteristic of Brutalist architecture. The smooth acetate surface contrasts sharply with the rigid aluminium layer on top, emphasising the striking character of these glasses. The round lenses and horizontal bar mirror the Brutalist principles of exposed materials and structural elements. www.veronikawildgruber.com

Andy Wolf 4820

The “shape in shape in shape” concept has fascinated the design team at Andy Wolf for some time. Model 4820 is a medium-sized feminine combination frame combining three different shapes in a wonderfully layered design using acetate in clear and patterned tones with a fine metal wire. www.andy-wolf.com

Lonzo by l.a.Eyeworks

Model Lonzo by l.a.Eyeworks exemplifies a contemporary frame aesthetic that offers over-sized proportions refined by precise bevels that reveal layers of colour – the technical virtuosity permits a beautiful colour contrast with interesting light effects. www.laeyeworks.com

{REWIND} – ‘Happy Birthday Strass’

REWIND’s Happy Birthday style with diamanté is particular in its shaping at the upper rim where a transparent blue section appears to overlap a darker blue with a very pretty, feminine lightness. In this way, the diamanté crystals are highlighted in the top section where they have been meticulously hand-set to add a luxurious sparkle. www.rewindeyewear.com

Jenny by Morel – made in France

The audacious new Jenny optical style at the French eyewear compan yMorel features a layered effect – in a light transparent acetate – over the top rim of the frame front. By using a transparent material with a tiny dotted pattern over the intensely coloured red, the design takes on a more individualistic and artsy feel and the play of light around the design is elevated to create something eye-catching and different for the eyes. www.morel-france.com

Bastian by Jisco Eyewear

The acetate style Bastian by Spanish eyewear company Jisco explores a particularly popular look where the acetate layers are built up in different colours. In this green/black variation, both the front and the temples feature the layered look for a bold statement structure that is notably influenced by vintage icons of the past. www.jiscoeyewear.com

Organisme 3 by Parasite Eyewear

The layering effects are also observed in some metal collections. The designers at Parasite Eyewear have release some creative examples in their Organisme models which have steel structures decorated with a layer of colour in a bright organic formation across the front and the sides of the designs – appearing as if painted on the metal by hand. www.parasite-eyewear.com

Hall of Frames 2024, Lucerne, Switzerland

An eyewear event that always has a fresh and informal buzz, Hall of Frames took place in September in Lucerne – over 50 brands exhibited, welcoming a professional audience at the elegant venue, the Swiss Museum of Transport

Hall of Frames (HOF), the Swiss eyewear event which took place in September for the third year in a row, welcomed interested opticians to see an impressive array of eyewear from different countries in Europe and beyond, showcasing the latest trends and innovations by designers and leading manufacturers. The event highlighted a continued focus on eyewear trends, bold colour and the quality of refined natural materials. Above: Hall of Frames eyewear shoot, Lucerne – September 2024 – photography by Studio Kronsbjerg – frame, Gigi Barcelona

Stone glasses by eyewear innovators, ROLF – the model comes from the Evolved collection – natural materials continue to be extremely desirable in Switzerland and other countries in Europe such as Austria and Germany

The organisers of the event have made a statement that revealed that the majority of participants are positive about the Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne as the venue and wish to return there in future. They said: – “Hall of Frames 2024 has once again shown that Lucerne is not only a popular venue, but also a successful one – a meeting place for creative minds, innovations and sustainable design that inspires
the industry and provides forward-looking impetus…”

Hall of Frames (HOF) 2024 – a showcase for independents

Hall of Frames (HOF) has been promoting independent opticians and eyewear designers for the past 15 years. HOF offers a comprehensive insight into the latest trends and innovations in the industry and represents an important meeting place for professionals in the Swiss eyewear market. New dates for 2025 will be announced on Eyestylist.com. Find out more about the event at www.hallofframes.ch

Photography by kind permission: Studio Krosnbjerg.