Eyestylist

Erker’s 1879: summer modes

5th July 2022

Stylish STL Flag collection, by the heritage brand from Saint Louis

An impressive 21 new styles have been added to the Erker’s 1879 STL Flag range, in acetate and surgical stainless steel, with a multitude of colour combinations. The brand’s ability to reproduce a refined vintage aesthetic, in frames which are crafted for long-term use, comes through in striking design work and a leaning towards classical, minimal shapes. Above: the Paige sunglasses combine a barely-there lightweight construction with a high bridge and polarized lenses, created for everyday wear

Erker’s 1879: long-lasting, functional and flattering

Each frame goes through a 48-step manufacturing process involving handcrafting and hand polishing to create a smooth and silky finish. Fitted with authentic rivets and hinges, the styles also feature a gold emblem on the temple tips signifying the piece of history the frame was inspired by. Some frames have an engraving of “1879” on the inside of the right hinge, and all sunglasses include a light etching of the Erker’s 1879 brand name on the lens.

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Every detail counts: Erker’s 1879 select high-quality acetate materials, including the classical tone “Tokyo tortoise” and a soft and subtle “matte demi”

A family business since 1879, the Erkers take inspiration from the generations that came before, looking into the past to build the future. Building upon the actions of their ancestors, the family’s history remains at the forefront of each new design. With a heritage that dates back an incredible 143 years in St. Louis, Erker’s latest STL Flag collection represents a further tribute to the city that started its special world of optics. To see the new STL Flag styles, visit Erker’s 1879 at www.erkers1879.com For more about Erker’s 1879 at Eyestylist, visit https://www.eyestylist.com/2021/05/crystal-eyewear-classic-erkers-1879/

Arts + travel

Hot collab: Motel a Miio x Andy Wolf Capsule

3rd July 2022

Summery vibes in “Paraiso” sunglasses + ceramics edition – an unexpected creative ‘coming together’

The eyewear brand Andy Wolf and the tableware label Motel a Miio have joined forces to launch a new mini collection called Paraiso, which consists of two ceramic pieces paired with two sunglasses in matching colours.

The ceramics pieces by Motel a Miio have a very dynamic shape, resembling the sinuosity of waves and water. The design is minimalistic, with the shades of light blue, pink and white evoking the calming colours of sunny beaches and relaxing landscapes. The sunglasses – Adam and Alba – conceived with Andy Wolf, offer summery tonalities – pink, gold and sand brown – ideal for a tanned complexion gifted by the rays of summer days. The shapes echo those of the ceramics: one of the models is rounder, resembling again the movement of waves, while the other is more square.

Andy Wolf x Motel a Miio – the handmade ceramics brand from Portugal

Deliberately placed facets give the sunglasses depth and 3-dimensionality – Adam has a subtle, slightly slanted inner facet all around the lens, reminiscent of the edge of a tablet. The model Alba (pictured below), in contrast, has a deep facet and a material thickness of 10 mm acetate, making it the “ideal” partner of the deep ceramic vase.

Promotional videos for the pieces confirm the “nature-inspired’ vision, as two tanned models wander freely on an idyllic beach. The creations, given their minimalistic style and essential aesthetic, are very versatile: the plate and vase would fit with any setting and would immediately imbue a relaxing feeling in the surroundings, while the sunglasses are in tune with all genders and face shapes, in simple colours that feel luminous and modern. The sunglasses are produced in a limited edition of just 500 pieces per colour and style. Find out more at Motel a Miio – www.motelamiio.com and Andy Wolf – www.andy-wolf.com

Written by Alberto Massaro exclusively for Eyestylist.com

Design + Inspiration

Article One: heirloom eyewear

29th June 2022

Small batch acetate frames – made in Northern Italy

As acetate becomes increasingly scrutinised for quality and longevity in carefully crafted design, independent labels that treasure the most elegant materials and champion craftsmanship, with genuine focus, remain at the forefront of the eyewear world.

Article One – a small independent label based in Michigan (USA) – produces its collection in Italy, selecting its acetates from the best suppliers and focusing on organic tones that feel natural and timeless offering beautiful, hand-finished effects. Founder Wes Stoody told Eyestylist: “As a brand, we stick with timeless silhouettes, designing independently of mainstream trends. One way we are able to leave our mark and show off the handcrafted nature of our eyewear is through intricate and unique beveling…we want our frames to feel as if they are sculpted by artisans, which is accomplished by exposing the smaller details of the frame.” Above: from the current collection, the Joslin offers a ‘forever’ shape in subtle crystal tones

Cat’s eye model Joslin by Article One: a small, feminine design, with subtle angles

Asked to explain what it means to to work with a small batch family production in Italy, Stoody highlights the roots of the brand and his trust in old-fashioned values and human connections. “We work with small, family owned factories for the same reason we work with independently owned optical shops – we care about knowing the people we work with. Our relationships at every level of our business are truly what drives us.”

Article One: carefully selected acetate in classic colours and transparencies – with visible hardware

“Just like we care about the connections we make with our factories and retail partners, we believe our customers care just as much. We attempt to spotlight the hands that craft our frames because we want our customers to feel a sense of authentic connection with us as the Italian craftspeople producing their frames….” Wes Stoody, Article One

Murphy by Article One in ‘whiskey rose’ – the frame shape is wayfarer-esque

The newest styles in the collection, of which there are nine, offer lots of variety for different looks, with a common thread in terms of careful details and tasteful minimal colour choices which are predominantly natural, from tortoise, blue grey and cola to whiskey rose.

Shooting the frames on real people, the recent campaign illustrates the new designs and their natural colours and shapes. “The campaign is centered on the sustainable and regerneative farm known as Solarpunk Farms” explains Stoody. “This communal living space founded by Spencer Scott and Nick

Article One: the recent campaign was shot on location at Solarpunk Farms

Schwanz is an attempt to showcase how communities can live in harmony with nature in a sustainable and egalitarian world. The shoot resulted in more than beautiful and vulnerable photography, but also a story and lesson that inspired the entire Article One team.”

Sanford by Article One, in colour “cola”: bevelling along the rim and brow brings out the handcrafted feel of the frame which offers a universal fit

About the brand: Article One was founded by Wes Stoody in 2016. They are proponents of supporting independent optical retailers, giving back to the community, and thoughtful timeless design. “The care put into each frame, results in quality you can feel.”

Portrait photography by Allie Leepson and Jen McClary at Solar Punk Farms – For more information about the Article One Eyewear Collection visit https://articleoneeyewear.com –

ARTICLE ONE features on the front cover of the EYESTYLIST bulletin about fine acetate frames. Read the bulletin: https://www.eyestylist.com/trend-bulletin-issue-6/

Reviews

Summer-ready: effortless style for the season

29th June 2022

For a last minute statement accessory for Summer 2022, the world of independent eyewear offers drama, colour and evocative design…

A frame that will stand out at a special event. A new colour that will remain fresh in Fall. Or a must-have style to pep up a holiday wardrobe. If you’re trying on new styles for the season, take some notes on our tips on colours and shapes. The statement frames are expressive and bound to turn heads this season while classic shapes mix up glowing colours and fresh combinations, from candy hues and pretty brights to classic neutrals and monochrome tones. Above: model Silken Havana by Jisco Style – the two-tone front is designed so that the upper rim stands out – www.jiscoeyewear.com

MYKITA Acetate Renew – from Eastman: sustainable and recycled

With a direction that switches into sustainable innovation – made from Acetate Renew – a material made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified recycled content the model Ayan has a refreshing minimal shape and comes in the interesting colour called ‘pine honey’ which is transparent but also defining as a rich natural colour that is very flattering against the skin: – www.mykita.com

Cat’s eye chic: model Wisp by OGI Eyewear

The cat eye is a spectacular choice for all seasons. Its flirty, feminine design is glamorous for day and night, and particularly pretty when paired with florals and prints. Model Wisp at OGI Eyewear offers the classic shape and an injection of bright colour on elegant crystal! www.ogieyewear.com

Struktur’s appealing Made in Normandy collection includes the organic shape The Rumble, a sunglass design that combines oval and angular with a boldly bevelled or “sculpted” form. The frame possesses lots of character, and would be a stylish piece for a summer event or party. www.struktur-eyewear.fr

Summer-ready: bright tones of the Solana by Ørgreen Optics

The straight cut corners of Solana offer extra edge to this high-tech style that is produced from rolled-up sheet titanium. Colours are attractive and playful, incorporating metallic finishes, from Mat Metallic Ocean or purple, to this bright, memorable flattering red. www.orgreenoptics.com

Design + Inspiration

L.G.R x Maria de la Orden striking sunglasses

27th June 2022

Upbeat Limited Edition created with the Spanish designer

L.G.R has created a Capsule Collection of two brightly colored sunglasses in collaboration with Maria de la Orden, taking as a reference the L.G.R model Dalia: vibrant and rich and produced in fun contrasting colours, the sunglasses are perfect for the season as an eye-catching fashion piece.

In this collaboration, classicism and modernity embrace and coexist with good taste and elegance: the bold colours of the sunglasses are inspired by the exciting fabrics of Maria de la Orden’s clothing collection. With careful attention to the materials they are handcrafted in Italy from cellulose acetate – used for its inherent durability and flexibility allowing the frames to adapt to the wearer’s face over time. For this collaboration, L.G.R states that the cellulose acetate of the front and contrasting temples has been carefully hand polished to ensure a silky and shiny finish. The name of the collaboration “L.G.R x MDLO” is stamped inside the left temple.

L.G.R x Maria de la Orden sunglasses – beautifully bright colours including “bubble gum pink” -and super cute combinations

About Maria de la Orden : Returning from a family trip in Peru, Maria de la Orden decided to start her career in fashion. Inspired by the local crafts and fabrics, the young student returned to Madrid with her arms full of brightly colored fabrics, which inspired a small collection of jackets. On Instagram, the magic quickly worked. Maria, who has always embraced her artistic side, realized that her “recreational” passion was now growing. All that was missing was finding the right person to boost this young 100% digital house. Maria de la Orden’s wardrobe seduces women in search of chic pieces that they won’t find on their friends. Prints are invited as guest stars to challenge the everyday and play a free score where the creativity of each woman is freely asserted. Details from her childhood are rooted in the House’s DNA, a maxi Claudine collar here, smocks there and Liberty all over. While the daring cuts make the looks of top influencers, the beautiful pieces guarantee a timeless and fluid wardrobe. For further information visit www.lgrworld.com

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