Eyestylist

| Eyestylist October 17th 2022

IOKO Optika: a new space for independent design

The new architect-designed store in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia was created with “love and precision” as a space for independent design

IOKO Optika has opened a new state-of-the-art design boutique this summer, designed by the architect Alan Prekop. One of the key characteristics of the design is the use of architectural materials which relate to eyewear products, and especially natural materials such as clay, wood and steel. The clay, in the form of plaster, is used on the surfaces of the walls creating an organic look throughout while a clay table – produced with the ceramicist Zheni – acts as a display for the glasses.

IOKO Optika new interior: the store features materials like clay, wood and steel – the interior colours are neutral in a palette of soft sand tones (Photography by Welin Nagy)

IOKO Optika is run by Dana Prekopova, and was first opened in its previous location in 2005. Prekopova is an expert and specialist in small independent brands and has launched her own eyewear project IOKO & NA eyewear. The new store stocks exclusive labels such as VUE DC, Anne et Valentin and Kuboraum, as well as Prekopova’s own collection, IOKO & NA. To find out more about the store’s activities in recent years visit Eyestylist’s feature last feature at https://www.eyestylist.com/2019/05/dana-prekopova-ioko-bratislava/

Bernolakova 9, Bratislava, Slovakia. Photography by Welin Nagy provided by kind permission of IOKO Optika www.ioko.sk

| Eyestylist October 14th 2022

Lunettes ALF: brothers in optics

The French artisan label’s Autumn/Winter shapes in acetate extend this collection of modern classics – the entrepreneurial co-founders and brothers, Germain and Alexis Bouchara enthused about good times at Silmo 2022 as we took their portraits for our exclusive series.

Quintessential artisan eyewear created with a contemporary point of view was one of the niche areas of particular interest once again at the optical trade fair, Silmo, which takes place annually in Paris. Such frames – from small independent labels –  are produced with a keen eye, a developed understanding of the history of eyewear fused with modern influences from other areas such as art, architecture and product design. Home-grown label Lunettes ALF is one such example, with a particular lean towards timeless quality and longevity and less emphasis on seasonal trends and fashion, a direction that is picking up pace.

“It was great to meet people again at Silmo,” say Alexis and Germain Bouchara about the Silmo event when we spoke to them there. “It was a fair like we used to have before Covid …we have met many of our existing customers as well as new faces.” Eyestylist photographed the co-founders/brothers Alexis and Germain Bouchara during the event. Above: co-founders and brothers, Alexis and Germain Bouchara, Lunettes ALF – photographed  by Amanda Sellem at Silmo 2022 – all rights reserved
Alexis Bouchara, Lunettes ALF – photography by Amanda Sellem
Acetate byLunettes ALF: handmade with elegant lines and curves

Three new shapes are added in the Japanese acetate collection at Lunettes ALF, with the progression of the classic colour palette which currently includes more than three variations of tortoise/Havana, black, an olive-like green and crystal.

Germain Bouchara, Lunettes ALF – photography  by Amanda Sellem

All sun lenses at Lunettes ALF are photochromic mineral glass which is scratch resistant as well as providing excellent optical quality.

Lunettes ALF – one of their most individualistic tortoise colorations – deep and rich with a touch of reddish ochre

Lunettes ALF are poised to present their first metal collection, being produced in Japan, in 2023 – watch this space for their exclusive news. Eyestylist spoke to Lunettes ALF at Silmo 2022 (Paris). For more information about the French brand, visit the website at https://lunettes-alf.com  Portraits by Amanda Sellem exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.

| Eyestylist October 13th 2022

Kenmark’s new line, Elliot Ives launched at Silmo

Eyewear for every day, inspired by nature with a focus on “earth tones” and organic details

A brand new collection from the American company Kenmark explores natural details and colours, for mature customers who desire all-round comfortable eyewear with a “laid-back” style. In this collection, the designers drew inspiration from nature, with each style name featuring a nature-related theme.  The line was shown in Europe for the first time at Silmo (Paris) in September.  Above: models Kiwi and Banyan from the new Elliot Ives collection by Kenmark Eyewear

Model Kiwi in the Elliot Ives collection – the two-tone colour and pattern mimics desert-like hues

The entire palette explores Earth tones, incorporating organic design details to create 30 styles featuring thin metals, titanium and acetate. Tortoise ‘textures’, jewel tones and trendy matte finishes are found here alongside accents like stones, etching and metal inlays.

Moonglow in the Elliot Ives collection – one of the green tones featured in the collection which is for a mature customer

With a particular focus on comfort and fitting, the collection offers “AdaptaFit” styles with memory metal alloy which is flexible and comfortable to wear. There are also styles featured called “AmplFit” which cater to wider fits with extended headspace and flex hinges to accommodate a broader face. Eye-catching colorations include the ‘Mint Leaf’ green of Moonglow, the ‘Desert Tortoise’ of model Kiwi and the ‘Olive’ tone of Banyan, a selection of hues that perfectly represent the autumn palette which dominates in fashion this year. Find out more at www.kenmarkeyewear.com

| Eyestylist October 11th 2022

Blackfin titanium: bright and audacious for winter

Elegant proportions, bi-layers, for a play on thicknesses, and colourful accents characterise the new collection at the Italian brand

Produced in their core material Titanium, the Italian brand Blackfin reveals new designs with colourful attitude and technical detailing for their Autumn/Winter collection. The palette includes new colours such as mint green, lilac and shades of blue, from sky to turquoise – in sharp, simple shapes which evoke a timeless style. Above: Green Hill by Blackfin, a unisex panto shape

Blackfin: model Dana Point

Model Dana Point is a hexagonal shape enhanced by bright or contrasting gradient colorways. The frame is suited to men and women and is one of six styles in the collection, which also includes a regular rectangle (Westhampton) and a more edgy oval design with a gently squared off lower rim (Crystal Cove).

Crystal Cove by Blackfin

All the styles in the Blackfin One line are hypoallergenic, 100% bio-compatible and nickel-free – they come with Tilting nosepads in medical-grade PVC and adjustable, ergonomically designed Swordfish temple tips. For more information visit www.blackfin.eu

| Eyestylist October 8th 2022

Abundant green

Luxurious natural green tones offer a fresh mood for Autumn

Green has been a steadily rising tone in eyewear, as in fashion, with natural hues being the most prolific source of inspiration in the palette. Tones of olive, leaf, sage and mint are amongst the most popular for their subtle muted qualities, yet Kelly green, acidic tones and some jewel inspired emerald hues were also on show at the Silmo fair in September, suggesting that bright and brazen is an option for eyewear and can feel luxurious and modern paired with other tones, for a contemporary style. Above and below: the Ørgreen Acetate collection explores complex colour stories – carefully uniting shades and introducing original combinations, each acting as a fundamental design component for a specific style. Their tone of green is fresh and luxurious with enough intensity of colour to give warmth and a natural glow – www.orgreenoptics.com

Space Cowboy by Ørgreen Optics comes in a verdant green that’s close to Pantone’s ‘Abundant Green’

Abundant Green was a highlighted Pantone tone at London Fashion Week this season; the hue is part of a variety of tones that blend “timeless tones and artful brights” to embrace a mood of “serenity and stability and also energy and excitement”.  The lively Abundant Green was highlighted alongside trending tones of Molten Lava, Spicy Mustard, Lichen Blue, and Meadow Violet.

MAR by VUE DC – in translucent green – a rich “foresty” tone – www.vuedc.com

The most prestigious green hues vary considerable across the eyewear collections, with different translucencies in acetate, and different variations depending on seasons: for autumn, the most enticing tones have associations with forest colours, emerald tones, and ‘terre verte’ naturally occurring pigments.

Hoffmann Natural Eyewear – Ti-Line designs offer a lightweight feel in horn with titanium temples (T87010)

Natural materials are also proposed with natural colorations, through application of natural dyes, at Hoffmann Natural Eyewear. The colour is soft and enhances the natural lines of the horn material in model T87010. www.hoffmann-eyewear.com

Lunettes Alf: a delicate green translucency with timeless appeal

At Lunettes Alf, the green tone is vintage-inspired, translucent, and natural. The label’s unique red thread at the temple is just visible, contrasting with the acetate frame colour, a mark of handmade quality and artisan design. Find out more at  www.lunettes-alf.com