Eyestylist

The eighth edition of 100% Optical London

19th April 2022

23rd to 25th April 2022 – ExCel London – extended opening times, from 9am

The long-awaited London fair , 100% Optical will take place this coming weekend at its usual venue, ExCel London after being postponed from dates earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The fair promises a lively come-back for Spring, with a wide variety of new product categories, both fashion and technology, highlights in the sustainable and independent eyewear segments, the return of the Love Eyewear Awards, and the colourful 100% catwalk shows, sponsored this year by Transitions.

In the independent eyewear category, Eyestylist presents s selection of collections to help visitors navigate some of the best and most unique labels and creative ranges showing from around the world at this event. Above: TREE Spectacles from Italy will be represented at the London fair for the first time – this independent brand produces their frames exclusively in Italy and Japan; the frames are minimal, refined in their details, and propose a mix of bright, pastel and natural colours. www.treespectacles.com

ERKER’s 1879, St Louis, Missouri, USA – Erker’s 1879 will be represented in London by the Erker’s family, Jack, John and their father – the heritage brand from St Louis has an exciting history and is proud of its consistent approach to high-quality and timeless design. The collections this year propose a diverse and multi-colored collection with many elegant nature-inspired and patterned acetates alongside the classic Erker’s metal frames which are slim, lightweight, and contemporary in form. https://erkers1879.com

Kirk & Kirk: colour and unique acrylic for eyewear

KIRK AND KIRK, UK – The bold shapes and colours at the UK independent label Kirk & Kirk are always a big attraction at the London show. Jason Kirk will be present to show Kaleidoscope and the vibrant Centiles, which combine two colours and a chunky “out-there” statement style. The frames are all made in custom acrylic, described as recyclable and custom made in France. www.kirkandkirk.com

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Sustainable eyewear trends: the new Mikonos by Sea2see – the frame is made from 100% marine waste

SEA2SEE – Sea2see is a pioneer in the creation of circular “seastainable” eyewear, producing stylish designs in Italy in 100% marine plastic collected by Sea2see through communities in Africa. A winner of the Optician Award in the UK for its Positano frame in 2020, Sea2see is already an established name in British optical stores, exhibiting that recycled, sustainable materials are key for the future – and can rival other materials in terms of their functionality and fashion style. Founder Francois Van Den Abeele will be at the fair in person. www.sea2see.org

Bird Eyewear from the UK – a new trendy olive tone for model Tawny – which features triple ply wooden temples and a bio-acetate front

BIRD EYEWEAR, UK – For 100% Optical, creator Ed Bird will be launching a new competitively priced bio-acetate range with “ultra-low carbon frames available in a number of classic styles and colours”. The brand has also added a number of vibrant new colourways in the Clarity collection, and will be showcasing their new Birdies range – plant based eyewear and sunglasses for kids, made from Castor seeds. www.findyourbirds.com

The Sunrise by Struktur – an iconic characterful design from the French brand

STRUKTUR, Normandy, France – A recent preview of the Struktur collection from Normandy in France – revealed wonderful developments in the colour palette which – using distinctive matt and shiny finishes – proposes statement neons in red, green, lilac and yellow. The bold architectural fronts are combined with sculpted temples in matching and contrasting tones. The whole collection by Struktur offers an interesting exploration of French eyewear made in traditional ways and according to highly-skilled artisan traditions. For further details visit www.struktur-eyewear.fr

ANY DI from Germany – using repurposed leather materials from past collections – Suncover Ocean Diamonds

ANY-DI, Germany – Any-Di is a German accessories label with a signature case design that has become well-known in optical circles. Their most recent collection is made entirely from recycled leather from previous ANY DI releases. Velour and nappa leather are set in an alternating patchwork pattern that creates the effect of waves. Find out more about the collection at https://any-di.com

100% Optical will take place on 23rd, 24th and 25th April with a new opening time of 9am across the three days. A ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am on Saturday 23rd April will take place to welcome all exhibitors and visitors. 100% Optical’s Love Awards will be announced on 23rd April 2022. The shortlist can be viewed on the 100% website. The organisers have announced this week that the 100% Optical fair will take place from 25th to 27th February in 2023. For more information about attending the 100% Optical event, visit the site at www.100percentoptical.com

Design + Inspiration

Glasses trends: larger and bolder

14th April 2022

A 1970s makeover in women’s eyewear brings back the XXL statement styles

Larger frames, thicker rims and an overall bold appearance, with geometric, playful details are in for 2022, as designers enjoy a celebration of eye-catching eyewear that draws attention to, and “frames” the face. For women, the styles are based on the large oval or geometric multi-sided vintage designs with exciting structures. Above: a new campaign from JF Rey, featuring the JF1514, a frame with a strong 70s vibe, that illustrates the look that’s back in vogue

JF Rey 1514 – large and eye-catching in graduated colours

The model JF 1514 shows the way in which these graphic styles can now feel modern. An oversized and angular front is combined with chunky acetate temples in contrasting thicknesses. Rich graduated colours and transparencies, also inspired by the 70s, are featured with the occasional flash or glow of ultra modern neon (see top image). JF Rey is a French eyewear design company, with a wide selection of on-trend styles and colourful acetate frames. Find out more at www.jfrey.fr

Design + Inspiration

Limited Edition preview: EOE X Cake get creative

12th April 2022

The sustainable eyewear brand from Swedish Lapland collabs with Cake – the frames will be available from EOE online in May 2022

A fresh collaborative sunglasses collection is launching, created by the independent brand EOE, with the high tech electrified motorbike brand Cake. The announcement of the sunglasses edition has been timed to coincide with the launch of Cake’s off-road Makka Prism in the USA. The two brands are aligning their passion for nature and manifesto for change: CAKE was born from a passion for high performing vehicles and a mission to erase negative impact on planet earth while EOE has long focused on sustainable production with sustainable raw materials from Swedish Lapland. The edition of eyewear is represented by two bold sunglasses, Han and Svetsa, with intriguing shapes and powerful yet natural colour-enhanced statements. The frames are being produced in a very limited run of 100 per style – and dropping end of May. Above: Han sunglasses in bright ‘Coltsfoot’ yellow – the frame is also being issued in Thunder Cloud, a stunning crystal grey/blue and Moss, a tone which is a signature of the EOE brand, inspired by the natural colours of the local terrain

“The fact that EOE meets CAKE in this design process feels very natural and we’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. It’s simply about two companies disrupting two equally conservative industries in a pursuit of doing good” Erik Lindmark, co-founder, EOE Eyewear

Svetsa is characterised by a visor design, and will be available in snow cloud, blackberry or Northern black. The dramatic visor lens has a subtle gradient coloration effect.

Talking about colour, EOE Eyewear Creative Director Camilla Lindberg said: “What we noticed first when studying the design for the new CAKE bike was the colour scheme on the wind deflectors. It’s an eye-catching detail that was inspiring to develop a sunglass style from. We also developed a thinner model with a slim silhouette. Both are tone-on-tone for a modern monochrome look”. The acetate used in all EOE frames is friendly, meaning it is made from a mix of wood and cotton material. In contrast to the acetate most often used in production of glasses, the biodegradable acetate used for EOE frames is completely free from petroleum or phthalates – substances considered to be toxic. To follow the launch of the collection visit https://eoe-eyewear.com/

Reviews

TVR® 2022 editions for 9th anniversary

6th April 2022

TVR® 529 and 530: an expression of heritage style, handcrafted in Japan

The handmade Japanese label, TVR®, introduces new icons in Zylonite Acetate material as part of the TVR® OPT 9th Anniversary Edition. Combining aviator and Panto, the shape of the 529 is retro-influenced, thick around the embossed lenses, and prominently highlighting a classic single high bridge – a feature of the aviator design of the 1950s and 1960s. Above: the TVR® 529 has been modernised from the classic looks with rounded and geometric forms – the strong, bold, masculine design is inspired by the frame worn by American playwright Arthur Miller

TVR® 530, a nod to a European classic with clean lines, simple curves and protruding hinge design – colours include olive, emerald and Tokyo Tortoise

Old-style French overtones are the inspiration behind the 530 round panto, another entry in 8mm Zylonite acetate, inspired by 1950s frames. Panto-shaped eye frames are versatile, genderless, and statement pieces with nuanced European influences. Back in the heyday, most French eyeglasses were made using 8mm and 10mm celluloid materials — here, the thick front and sides in zylonite acetate create a sleek and edgy frame.

The new model has a ‘mountain bridge design’ typical of the 50s, and also features two dot rivets on the keyhole bridge for a balanced aesthetic but also to ensure that the glasses are robust. Inspired by glasses worn by Andy Warhol, Dave Brubeck, Paul Robeson, and Dizzy Gillespie, the frame pays homage to the era and the many jazz musicians and artists who made this unique eyeglasses a signature style in the 50s and 60s. To find out more about handmade frames by TVR, visit www.tvropt.eu.

City guides

Susie Stone x Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses

31st March 2022

Celebrating art, eyewear and women

Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses have presented a collection of their unique sunglass designs, alongside works by Susie Stone, the award-winning designer, couturier and artist at a special evening event in London on 31st March. Many of the sunglasses featured at the event at the Eames Fine Art Gallery are portrayed in the artist’s work. Susie and Goldsmith have a mutual affection for personal style and wanted to remind women of how remarkable they are – in a unique way.

Art work by Susie Stone featuring Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses

‘How my subjects put clothes and accessories together sets the mood of the painting. I want people to question their own sense of style and individuality; what you wear every day not only affects how the world views you but is also an incredibly powerful tool for how you feel about yourself.’ Susie Stone

Art works by Susie Stone: shown at Eames Fine Art Gallery

Stone’s exhibition of new paintings and silkscreen prints entitled ‘Ensemble’ is on show at Eames Gallery, Bermondsey (London, UK) until 17th April 2022.

About Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses – Established in 1926, Oliver Goldsmith describes the iconic brand as the originator of fashion eyewear; they have produced some of the most famous eyewear in the world, dressing the faces of style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace, Michael Caine and many more.

About Susie Stone – After receiving a 1st class honours for a degree in Fine Art at Leeds University, Susie’s love of fashion led her into a career as a designer. She opened her first atelier on Bermondsey Street in 2010 making bespoke clothes but after seven years designing and making one-off luxury garments, she decided to pursue her love of fashion illustration. The creative freedom of this process reignited her passion for creating art and informs the content and style of her work today.

Susie’s background in fashion and design has a huge influence on her work. The strength, individuality and style of women is also a constant source of inspiration, and she strives to find the line between fashion and art, seeing how the clothes we wear everyday can be elevated into something more powerful, emotional or abstract. Colour and accessories play a crucial part in this process and devising interesting colour combinations are one of the most distinctive features of her work.

For more information about the Exhibition, visit https://www.eamesfineart.com/artists/121-susie-stone/works/ and www.olivergoldsmith.com

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