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3D printed + steel: Gotti Switzerland Dimension LITE

7th October 2020

Combining materials with expertise

Gotti Switzerland’s economy of style and focus on the minimal aesthetic takes a new leap forward in the Dimension LITE collection and the combination of two outstanding materials, 3D printed Polyamide and filigree stainless steel. Above: Pasha – one of the three styles (the others are Pata and Pine) which make up the new Gotti Dimension series combining Sandvik stainless steel with a 3D printed Polyamide front – made in Switzerland.

Pata by Gotti Switzerland in colour ‘stone’ – a modern hexagon shape

The frame designs in the LITE line, such as Pata above, use a screwless hinge which attaches to the polyamide element with a click and offers stability and strength in a design that comes in a wide selection of interesting organic tones, from natural elemental colours such as stone (above) and slate, to fruit or plant-inspired hues of berry or moss.

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Gotti’s Dimension collection is a tour de force of 3D printed design and performance, with a highly studied approach to comfort as well as finish and details such as matte surfaces with a distinctive velvety look. For more details about the stylish and sleek Dimension LITE collection, visit www.gotti.ch

Design + Inspiration

Highlighted brand: Reflect Eyewear, London

1st October 2020

Thomas Farrow Tomson wrote to us about unique sunglasses brands for a younger age group, from around 16. There began a project to identify specific collections, more unusual and unique styles, and an opportunity to highlight those frames and their details and benefits to reach the 16-25 age group wishing for fashion with an ethos of style, comfort and originality.

Reflect Eyewear, from London combines a love for hand-finished Italian craftsmanship and distinctive gender-neutral shapes and colours made for all ages, without using conspicuous logos and leaving the design and overall look to speak for itself. Their appeal for the young wearer and this particular audience is the combination of design, quality and price – at £179 sterling (online) they are affordable and similarly priced to mass-produced “famous” fashion eyewear brands.

Above: Thomas wears AF11 Unique by Reflect Eyewear, an Italian acetate sunglass style with Carl Zeiss Vision sun lenses – “As many of my close friends know, I have strong feelings about being myself and showing who I am. You can do this even through the expression and style of your glasses….” Thomas Farrow Tomson – photography by @suede_baby

The AF13 by Reflect (above and below) has a thick Mazzucchelli (Italian made) acetate frame fitted with Carl Zeiss Vision sunlenses for high-quality UV protection. The squareish bold eye shape of the front mixes corners and curves which complement the contours of the face.

Model AF8 in clear pink has a downward curve in the top bar and matching crystal pink infused frame and lens, a look that is back with a vengeance for trans-seasonal wear.

About the brand – the London-based brand Reflect Eyewear was founded by Andrea Pisano and Francesco del Garda two years ago. Their aim was to create a high-quality line of glasses, produced in Italy with timeless yet innovative designs that could appeal to an audience who seeks a distinctive and unique style. The brand first launched its models at Sonar, the electronic music festival in Barcelona. Later in June 2019, to mark the launch of the ‘Colour’ collection Reflect Eyewear presented an installation with elements of wood and mirrors at the luxury designer store LABOUTIK during London Fashion Week.

Photography by @suede_baby. Model – Thomas Farrow Tomson @thomasfarrowtomson – for Eyestylist.com. Eyewear by Reflect Eyewear – www.reflect-eyewear.com – For enquiries about product placements and working with our UK-based team of photographers and models, please contact [email protected]

Design + Inspiration

French chic at Volte Face Paris

29th September 2020

Virtual products showcase Volte Face, from French design house JF Rey, is synonymous with a classic offbeat style. The label introduces new exciting silhouettes for the season, infused by a free and powerful femininity of spirit. Shapes and details alongside exclusive colorations come with patterned materials in unexpected transparencies and finely finished mix-and-match tones. Above: model OHM in the Volte Face line: the frame is inspired by the Art Deco movement

Innovative light effects, hidden details and sculpted volumes are characteristics of the new frames. Model Ofelie is representative of the combination styles in metal and acetate. A narrow metal bar in two colours defines the brow line and complements the acetate colorations.

The handmade classic shapes of Ola (above) and Onyx (below) are paired with a pretty textured-look acetate informed by the iconic technical folds of couture pieces by Issey Miyake. The material is delicately sculpted using a sharp milling technique giving the frames exceptional shine and artistic qualities playing with reflection.

The designs reflect a Parisian elegance, with creative, multi-colored proposals which give the line its wearable, modern aesthetic.

Product: Ola, Onyx, Ohm and Ofelie Brand: Volte Face at JF Rey Website: https://www.jfrey.fr/volte-face/ Contact address: [email protected]

About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].

Boutiques

S. R. Gopal Rao Opticians, Bangalore, India

23rd September 2020

A boutique independent retail chain with 85 years in optics

An optician with an impressive heritage, S. R. Gopal Rao is a family business founded in 1936 and passed down through generations. Since 1982, the business, which remains in the same location on N.R.Road since it was opened in 1936, is directed by Hemanth and Uma Manay and focuses on an ever expanding range of high class and luxury eyewear collections, always presented in respect of the original philosophy of the family, with strict principles of trust and care.

“Dedication to accuracy, focus on customer needs and a holistic approach to the purchase of prescription spectacles, lenses, sunglasses and other eye-wear accessories…”

Waiting area at the famous Bangalore store: the history of S. R. Gopal Rao is outlined for visitors and clients to read

Today the stores in the chain sell a wide range of eyewear collections which include independent collections from Cutler and Gross, LINDBERG, Silhouette and Maui Jim.

“India is a large country with people from all walks of life, varied personalities and levels of exposure,” stated Hemanth Manay- CEO, S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians & Optometrists, when we asked about the desirability of independent collections in India. “Some prefer sleek, minimalist frames like LINDBERG, others choose thick, statement eyepieces like Cutler and Gross. There are many who believe in buying eyewear with a purpose and that’s where brands like Modo eyewear come in. While LINDBERG is well known in India since it has had its presence in the country for over 15 years, other brands are yet to make a mark.”

Asked about their experiences in the pandemic at the present time, the team told us that they have adapted their stores to meet safety/hygiene requirements and increased phone and online communications to ensure those who cannot visit are well served from the comfort of their home.

The S. R. Gopal Rao Opticians flagship store is located on N.R.Road. A second store is open on Jayanagar & Residency Road and a third in Jayanagar (Bangalore). Find out more: https://www.srgopalrao.co/

Design + Inspiration

Blackfin: titanium edge

21st September 2020

Virtual products showcase Titanium models Hoover, Greenport and Crosby are among a selection of products announced this month at the Italian label Blackfin. The frames represent a new offer for the Autumn/Winter 20/21 season comprising 10 styles – seven in the Blackfin One line and three featured shapes in the Razor line. Above: Blackfin’s Timeless Memories campaign in 2020, shot on location at The Great Cretto, in Southern Italy

Model Hoover by Blackfin – distinguished titanium design

Model Hoover features large rims, and a lively colour palette of bold, fresh colour combinations. Find the frame in dark blue/Venetian red, metallic bright blue/matte black, blue/glossy silver (above) and a smart classic black with gunmetal grey/glossy silver.

Model Greenport by Blackfin: for those who love a minimal metal style

A squared frame in matte or metal pastel colours (they include gunmetal grey + metallic bright blue/matte black) Greenport is part of the Razor collection of streamlined 1mm thick titanium designs. The shapes are informed by distinctive retro traits.

Model Crosby by Blackfin: statement style

In the Blackfin One line, model Crosby is a large round panto with a thick front rim. The colour choices are typical of Blackfin’s Italian styling. The expressive combinations of gunmetal grey/metallic bright blue, dark graphite blue/matte red and army green/mauve green are particularly eye-catching.

Products: Crosby, Hoover, Greenport Brand: Blackfin Website: www.blackfin.eu Contact address: [email protected]