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Smart glasses: Even Realities and G1 Digital “Panto” Glasses

3rd July 2024

Eyestylist Exclusive – The G1 Digital Glasses are described as the first pair of everyday-wear smart glasses that “uncomplicate life”

Launched end of June 2024, the new G1 Digital Glasses by Even Realities – the first product by the new company – represents a new direction in wearable technology, integrating advanced digital features (viewed on a virtual display) into everyday eyewear, designed with a desire to create a much more sleek and style-oriented product than has been seen before in the category. Evolving beyond the current state of play and a smart glasses category that has tended to offer bulky and over-featured designs with AI companions that lack practical functionality for everyday use, the Even Realities team say that the G1 Digital Glasses can be seen as a new product nexus, prioritising wearability and usability.

“The G1 helps redefine the way people interact with technology,” said Will Wang, Founder of Even Realities. “Our vision is to enable users to see what matters in the merge of digital and physical realities, all while staying connected to the world around them.” Above: the new G1 Smart Glasses by Even Realities, launched just days ago

G1 Digital Glasses – a lightweight, state-of-the-art panto design with a suite of digital features viewed on a green monochrome display (above)

The G1 frame is lightweight, produced in premium materials such as magnesium alloys and a sandstone coating. Its adaptive temple support is made with hypoallergenic titanium alloys and silicone parts, offering a velvety feel. Available with either prescription or non-prescription lenses, the G1 can also be transformed into sunglasses with a clip-on, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

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The G1 Digital Glasses are powered by Even Realities’ own UI, Even OS. Its key features include the Translate for real-time spoken language translation, the Navigate for integrated turn-by-turn directions, and the Teleprompt for an AI-powered virtual teleprompter, aiding in speech and presentations. The QuickNotes and Reminder features can enhance productivity by allowing users to capture notes hands-free, and view instant messages and upcoming events without needing other smart devices. The G1 also works with LLMs like ChatGPT, further extending its functionality. A noteworthy feature is the rechargeable battery which provides, according to Even Realities, 2-3 days of battery life on a single charge.

The high-tech smart product has been designed by a team with a broad spectrum of expertise in optical display technology, optometry, design and manufacturing. They include Will Wang, CEO and Founder, who has a background in consumer electronics, Nikolaj Schnoor, Principal Strategy Officer and Philipp Haffmans, Principal Eyewear Designer. For more information visit: https://www.evenrealities.com/en-GB/company

This feature is an Eyestylist Exclusive published on 3rd July 2024 / Written by Clodagh Norton

Design + Inspiration

Swedish eyewear – EOE Eyewear: new photography released

27th June 2024

The company known for its stylish, high-quality, avantgarde sustainable glasses has shot a new portrait campaign with Pelle Lannefors

The campaign features shots of mother and son duo Ursula and Aaron Wångander wearing EOE frames – including the made-to-order Stone Collection by EOE Eyewear. Ursula Wångander is a stylist and model and is an iconic figure in the Swedish fashion scene.

Among the frames worn by the duo are pieces from EOE’s Stone Collection, one of particular interest and style, combining timeless frame styles with “nature’s raw jewellery” in the form of precious stones sourced in Swedish Lapland. The stones featured include stunning amethyst, smoke quartz, and pyrite – placed with jewellery techniques to embellish temples. Above: Ursula Wångander wears the cat eye style Ogjort by EOE Eyewear – Photography by Pelle Lannefors

Aaron Wångander wearing EOE Eyewear / Stone Collection – Photography by Pelle Lannefors

The summer campaign, which features a series of portraits, was shot by Pelle Lannefors and their wildposting campaign seen around Stockholm featured collages of the images made by Roeland Vanheesbeke.

Find out more at https://eoe-eyewear.com

Boutiques

UK eyewear brand Cutler and Gross: new Mercer St. store in NYC

23rd May 2024

After more than a decade at 110 Mercer Street, UK eyewear brand Cutler and Gross has announced the opening of a new larger NYC store, located in the same popular neighbourhood. Built in the early 1920s, the pre-war 2,400 square-foot space is located at 71 Mercer Street, and presents a ‘new look’ for the brand, due to be rolled out across the other five locations.

The Soho space was designed by brothers Chris Leong and Dominic Leong of Leong Leong – an internationally renowned New York-based architecture studio. “We envisioned the store somewhere between an informal social club and a minimalist contemporary gallery,” shares Chris Leong, “Customers can either lounge on one of the couches or wander around the space and explore the styles that line the walls.”

Sophisticated furniture and contemporary frame display in the new store on Mercer Street

Described by the company as a social, contemporary store with hardwearing fabrics and luxury accents – the interior has been conceived to simultaneously celebrate the Cutler and Gross’ British roots in 1960s London and ushers in a modern mood. The space will be populated with iconic props by London designers from the 60s and 70s, as well as emerging pioneers, including Axel and Mélissa Chay, and Philippe Malouin. Works by renowned designer Matthew Hilton, Verner Panton, and ceramicist Nicola Tassi will also feature.

Featuring wrapped granite shelving and a curved oak tambour wall, the space offers a refined lobby – a welcoming social zone with soft seating – as well as a bar, where customers can browse the collections. The space culminates in what is described as the “Lounge”, complete with eye examination room and exclusive bespoke area.

The new-look collection presentation at Cutler and Gross – NYC store

The UK eyewear brand Cutler and Gross began in 1969 as a bespoke spectacle maker, and the new SoHo store is also returning to this well-known aspect of its interesting heritage . 71 Mercer Street is to provide customers with the opportunity to create a truly unique frame: they will be able to choose from an array of acetates or specialist buffalo horn and personalize their frames with engraved messaging, pin detailing, and metal hardware.

To mark the opening of the store, Cutler and Gross partnered with Case Furniture, who worked closely with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation to rerelease the iconic Forum sofa. Exclusive to Cutler and Gross, the sofa has been reupholstered in a bespoke fabrication.

Cutler and Gross, 71 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012 / www.cutlerandgross.com

All images courtesy of Cutler and Gross

Design + Inspiration

Gigi Studios: colourful models, sculptural shapes

13th May 2024

The Spanish label has created a chic capsule collection in an innovative colour palette that is perfectly in tune with the 2024 Spring/Summer season of bold and bright hues

Inspired by exotic fruits and their wealth of colours and textures, the new ‘Odd Fruits Collection’ from Gigi Studios offers colours for all faces, balancing bright tones of melon, grapefruit, guava, dragon fruit, Buddha’s hand fruit and avocado, and a few classic tones of tortoise and black. The styles, which include three sunglasses and three optical frame shapes, play with the exciting tones through translucency and subtle laminations, to create flattering fashion statements with a striking feminine allure. Above: model Citrus, a large hexagonal design – available in rich fruit-inspired colours

Odd Fruits collection by Gigi Studios – model Tender comes in four colours including the bright yellow graduated colouration

The optical styles, named Tender (above), Fresh and Acid are presented in acidic and luminous colours with bold 70s and 80s inspired geometric and oversized shapes that frame the eyes.

Odd Fruits collection by Gigi Studios – sunglass style Lush – one of the three sunglasses in this collection

The rectangular sunglass style Lush (and sister model Bitter) feature laminations that add depth and new nuances to the designs. The design team explain that these constructions have been worked on to feature bevelling effects that add lightness and that the CR39 sun lenses have been developed in tones which match the acetate colours of the different frames. The visuals for the collection present the frames and their unique colours next to artistic still life compositions featuring the colourful exotic fruits and brightly coloured apparel against a stark minimal studio backdrop. Find out more at www.gigistudios.com

Reviews

TVR®504 8mm KURO (Black Edition) released

9th May 2024

Now available worldwide, the new Edition has been created in a collaboration with Aaron Chang – creator of IVY BOYS

A new Black Edition from the Japanese independent eyewear brand, TVR® has been created in a collaboration with Aaron Chang, the South Korean born creator of IVY BOYS – and launched initially via teaser campaign in Seoul. The frame, which features Sterling Silver spear rivets and introduces gunmetal on all metal parts of the eyewear is named “KURO” after the Japanese word for “black” and its spectrum of meanings across fashion and art as well as in Japanese culture.

Crafted from custom-made Japanese Zylonite in Grey Crystal, the TVR®504 8mm KURO features a 1mm black layer on the temple, adding depth and sophistication. The material used for the front is described as taking centre stage, crafted and layered with black hues, achieving a profound solid black tone with a unique finish and surprising light effect. Above + below: a handcrafted work of distinction – TVR®504 8mm KURO (Black Edition), merging craftsmanship and style with Sterling Silver rivets and gunmetal accents

TVR®504 8mm KURO: exclusive packaging and limited edition merchandise / gifts

Of particular interest to those who recognise craft and unique Japanese design work, the TVR® Sterling Silver Spear 3D Rivets (Enlarged Version), have been produced without coating in order that they will develop a dark patina over time. Breaking new ground, TVR®OPT has also introduced a gunmetal coating on the hinges and the metal core, a step which adds a luxurious touch, and further accentuated by gold-plated washers that make the hinges shine.

Designed and created in Sabae, Fukui, Japan, this new frame concept took 12-months to develop through production, to ensure the final qualities of stability and a luxurious finish. The team at TVR®OPT say that they dedicated their time in the subsequent year to the meticulous crafting of each piece, with every detail custom-crafted by their highly renowned artisans.

Available in sizes 46mm to 50mm, the larger 50mm design is recommended as the ideal choice for sunglasses. Find out more at www.instagram.com/TVROPT

About AARON CHANG: Chang is the visionary creator behind the IVY BOYS brand, and stands at the intersection of art, dreams, and fashion. Born in South Korea, his artistic journey began under the influence of his father, an art teacher, fostering a deep love for creativity from a young age. His childhood immersion in art laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion that eventually manifested in the fusion of Ivy League fashion and a whimsical sense of humour. Aaron’s journey into the world of fashion illustration was shaped by pivotal moments, notably the impact of street fashion photography during his university days and the inspiration drawn from luminaries like Scott Schuman, creator of The Sartorialist blog. The introduction to ‘Take Ivy,’ a book capturing the essence of Ivy League fashion, marked a turning point, leading to the birth of IVY BOYS.