Eyestylist

Last minute inspiration to elevate your style

The sunny season is upon us, and UV protective sunglasses – with quality lenses – should be top of mind. For style and colour, the season is unconventional and eclectic, offering a broad spectrum of eyewear shapes and influences (in particular the 1990s- and 2000s-inspired), in alluring colours which offset classics and soft and soothing multi-colored combinations – tones of fuchsia, raspberry, and bright orange, alongside a broad palette of natural greens and sky and ocean blues which bring a boost of energy and stylish fun. Above: Night 2 by FACE A FACE – a charismatic matching of bright tones, www.faceaface-paris.com

In its collaboration collection with RSF (RetroSuperFuture) the model Cumulus Cloud captures the quirky essence of the Italian fashion brand. Inspired by pop culture, with its bold colours, streamlined shapes and shiny plastic materials, Cumulus Cloud is distinguished by an oversized silhouette and a rounded design with broad lenses encased within octagonal rings and set within a cool wraparound acetate structure. The style is pictured in a bright orange acetate with black detailing and purple ‘pop’ lenses. www.retrosuperfuture.com

‘Spiramint’ is a completely new colour added in the handcrafted summer collection at Erker’s 1879. The glam square shaped model Market is pictured in the tone, which is set off with a contrasting and elegant dark-toned lens. www.erkers1879.com

Model Keaton, in colour “sky” in the Paradigm collection is a smart example of the trendy ‘sea and sky’ tones available in eyewear for the season. This cool, easy rectangular design is a tribute to the actress, Diane Keaton. www.paradigmeyewear.com

A universal model from the French brand Izipizi, the fresh green colours are particularly sought after this season, especially with the trendy tone-on-tone effect that makes this look so modern. The colour ‘green bay’ is described by Izipizi as “a soft pastel green, refreshing like mint lemonade on a ver hot day”. www.izipizi.com – Written by Clodagh Norton – all rights reserved

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

“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

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

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.”

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/