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Iggy Pop for Cutler and Gross x The Great Frog

20th May 2022

A new collaboration of distinction / Iggy Pop in Jack Waterlot campaign

An exclusive eyewear edition by Cutler and Gross and British Rock ‘n’ Roll jewellers, The Great Frog, launches today online at www.cutlerandgross.com as Iggy Pop is revealed as the face of the campaign. Photographed by Jack Waterlot in Coral Gables – the musician is seen in close up wearing the sunglass models, TGF rings including the silver rose and skull rings and a thick silver chain. Above: Iggy Pop wears The Crossbones Sunglasses in olive

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Iggy Pop: “These shades say something.”* – The Reaper Sunglasses in a transparent blood-red Bordeaux

The Cutler and Gross x The Great Frog eyewear designs have been created in a complex process of production in Italy with special development of the iconic TGF 925 silver details which are hand cast and appear on fronts and/or temples; the Reaper, Crossbones and Dagger, symbols of The Great Frog. The collection launched comprises five unisex styles; three sunglasses and two opticals in a palette of colours which includes classic black, leaf green and a cool pewter grey. The colleciton is available in Cutler and Gross and The Great Frog stores as well as online. To find out more visit www.thegreatfroglondon.com and www.cutlerandgross.com / Written by Clodagh Norton www.eyestylist.com

Design + Inspiration

Gender-fluid frames at VAVA

12th May 2022

Preview opti 2022

Futuristic, monochromatic and built with sustainability at the forefront of their raison d’être, the latest collection from VAVA – which shows this weekend in the ‘opti’ trade fair – proposes gender-fluid sunglass styles with impressive shapes, presented in classical black or white and a calm yet striking fresh tone of aqua ‘haze’. The architectural shapes at VAVA often explore the elimination of superfluous compositional elements and work with minimalist concepts and simplicity with astute attention on technical precision. Above: The new campaign images for VAVA are the work of André Brito, a Porto-based fashion and nude photographer. Pictured, VAVA frame in white: WL0052

VAVA WL0049: a beautifully refined ‘structured’ shape for the face in the new collection – available in European and Asian fitting, sun and optical

The Spring/Summer collection was created in the context of the brand philosophy, – named VAVA THEOREM – which supports the intertwining of the needs of humans and Planet Earth.”It fuses our principles and actions in the pursuit of equilibrium that we are committed to follow. It’s about enhancement of people, protection of the environment, respect of ethical values and promotion of culture.”

VAVA WL0052 in the new colour ‘aqua haze matte’ – the aqua tone can represent balance and stability, as well as peace, growth and energy

VAVA frames are produced in Italy with a careful, modern, and wholly studied approach to sustainable manufacture. The VAVA ideology is to offer a high-quality product that embodies the experience, knowledge and art of the great masters of handmade eyewear. According to the brand, this knowledge is gradually being lost as we live in an era when mass-production flourishes and the use of low-quality materials dominates. VAVA seeks to foster a dialogue between craftsmanship and high-tech solutions.

The core concept of the brand is also closely linked to the “post-industrial” society in which we live. VAVA plays around with people’s imagination and “science fiction”. The creators are inspired by futuristic unisex characters, who have helped to create the minimal silhouette and monochromatic concepts. This unisex philosophy and minimalistic aesthetic – which VAVA believes is the future – are naturally interwoven into the brand DNA. VAVA will exhibit this weekend (13^th to 15^th May 2022) at the trade fair opti in Munich. Find out more at https://vavaeyewear.com

Reviews

Silent Noise by Fleye Copenhagen: an expressive journey of discovery

9th May 2022

14 new styles to show at opti munich

Fleye Copenhagen’s Silent Noise collection includes 4 acetate frames in stylish colours with links to Asta Nielsen and the movie posters in which she featured. Silent Noise is a line that pays homage to the silent movie actress, with an expressive and edgy style and a special “joie de vivre”. Additionally the line offers 7 new carbon/wood frames that take extravagance and coolness to a whole new level and three beta-titanium frames with subtle details and expressive colours. Above: the models Stella and Peter in the Silent Noise Collection

Model Stella is an almond shape with a modern appeal, created in a wonderful carbon wood combination enhanced by lightweight titanium temples. The deep blue wood coloration with shiny light blue temples has an air of lightness and summery chic while a classic black answers a desire for classical timeless design.

The man’s style Peter is made in the same carbon wood and titanium combination with dark blue wood front and a masculine matt dark blue temple tone. Other colours available include carbon pattern and black wood.

Fleye Copenhagen will exhibit at opti munich this weekend. Find details about the brand at www.fleyecopenhagen.com

Reviews

French nostalgia at Morel: 1880

6th May 2022

Pince-nez design Arsene – 60122M and the panto Valentin – 60144M – icons from Morel – recreated for the here and now

A line engaged with heritage and history, Morel’s 1880 collection remains a very striking focal point in a portfolio of brands that continues to evolve. The 1880 collection has become a reference for reinterpretations of classic designs for modern times, among them a panto called Valentin, which is newly released and offers a timeless look. Details of this elegant frame include a keyhole bridge, narrow metal temples and a matt or translucent acetate front. A double metal pin on either side of the front harks back to the traditional style of this design. (Above: model Valentin in classic colours)

The iconic pince-nez – Arsene – is based on an early design with a semi-rimless underwire. The frames, which were released in three shapes, and feature stainless steel wire temples, are immediately recgnisable for the letter M on the rims and are also distinguishable by a decorative engraving all around the rim, described as refinement “pushed to its peak”, using the emblematic Morel ‘tenon n°3’. The frame comes in gold or silver and also boasts end tips and nose pads in thermotube material for added comfort.

Pince Nez – Morel – a redesign of a classic Morel frame, built to be comfortable and stylish – for the 21st century

Asked to expand on the draw of French design and production in modern times, Amelie Morel told Eyestylist: “As part of its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach, but also faithful to its history and values, Maison Morel has invested in its site in Morbier for the production of acetate glasses. Since 1880, Morel has perpetuated the family tradition. Driven by the same entrepreneurial passion and more than ever, with respect for the environment, the company based in the Haut Jura dedicates its know-how to the creation and marketing of iconic glasses around the world.” Find out more at www.morel-france.com

City guides

Opti Munich: the May edition 2022

4th May 2022

The show in Munich takes place from 13th to 15th May 2022

opti 2022 looks forward to welcoming visitors and a host of exhibitors to their event in May, the first opti show to take place since January 2020 following the lengthy Covid disruptions. The fair will take place at its traditional venue – Messe Munich and promises a complete panorama of the whole of the optical industry, with areas for lens and contact lens companies, low vision, shop fitting and technology – as well as for eyewear in a variety of categories.

The 2022 edition will feature a “mixture of new and well-established elements” in the four-hall concept that visitors are used to. Halls C1 and C2 will contain the frame collections of licensed brands and manufacturer brands, the YES independent design area and the opti BOXES will present exciting start-ups and small independent labels. Hall C3 will feature a further choice of licensed brands and manufacturer brands in the frame area, as well as all other types of product for the optical stores. In Hall C4, focus will be on spectacle lenses, contact lenses and accessories, refraction and diagnostics, as well as IT and machinery.

Opti is always supportive of eyewear start-ups and new labels and this year, it will host a dozen young designers via the opti BOXES initiative. The labels will compete in the first opti BOX AWARDS, the criteria for which is design, sustainability, functionality, technology and marketing. Among those taking part is LEINZ Eyewear from Berlin – https://leinzeyewear.de. The awards ceremony for this event will take place live on site on Saturday 14th May at 12.30 pm in Hall C2 in the opti BOXES area. / Above: JF Rey from Marseille, France will return to opti for the May edition with their labels, JF Rey, BOZ and Volte Face – their stand is located in HALL C2.

Rolf Spectacles’ award-winning eyewear: evolved collection

Rolf Spectacles will exhibit a bold new collection with many distinctive elements: brand new frames for kids, the very first texture in the 3D printed plant-based line substance mount, and a refined handcrafted wood collection where different colours and textures are combined with an inventive, and totally unique style of design. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Rigards’ award-winning RG1911AG .925 Sterling Silver – edition with Royal Selangor

Rigards’ collection this year is bursting with innovation in materials and structures and their dazzling design works, all made by hand should not be missed at opti. The brand is a leading innovator in reinventing the traditional craft of handmade spectacle making with completely new ideas about material possibilities, architectural aesthetics and avantgarde shapes. www.rigards.com

Acetate style Claudius by Ørgreen Optics

Ørgreen Optics is a highlight at the opti fair each year, and for 2022 comes highly recommended for anyone who seeks a look at a diverse portfolio of Danish design collections in polyamide, stainless steel, titanium and acetate. Their expertise in colour thanks to resident colorist Sahra Lysell, remains a real highlight across these quality collections. www.orgreenoptics.com

LEINZ Eyewear will show in the opti BOXES – the frames “combine the old and the new”

Beate Leinz of LEINZ Eyewear combines state-of-the-art 3D printed material and acetate in her designs, which allows for a completely fresh aesthetic based on the subject of “contrasts and hybrids”. To read more about Beate Leinz visit our interview at https://www.eyestylist.com/2021/11/beate-leinz-my-brand-is-me/

Weareannu – panto design for 2022 – one of our favourite German labels

A particular highlight at opti will be the vast selection of smaller creative independent brands like Weareannu, producers of very light 3d-printed frames that prioritise maximum comfort with a minimalist feel. Find out more at https://weareannu.com

Opti takes place on Friday 13th May to Sunday 15th May 2022 at the Munich Messe (trade only). There are no longer any access restrictions following the pandemic and masks are not required but are highly recommended. To find out more details visit www.opti.de Eyestylist will have more tips and recommendations to share on opti in the coming days.