Eyestylist

Titanium eyewear: Blackfin One style Simos

5th October 2021

Statement titanium design with a lightweight build

Large round rims are set to be a staple shape this season. The innovation that goes into creating some of these designs and their unique constructions distinguishes the fine ones from the mass produced, with colorations and colour pairings that are wonderfully creative.

For their new styles in titanium sheet, the Italian company Blackfin explores how the technical characteristics of a frame can merge with an artistic aesthetic that is bold yet refined incorporating trendy shapes and details with a distinctive style. The Blackfin One line features frames where an interplay between the top rim’s bold 2.5 mm thick sheet and 2.00 mm rims forge a 3-D structure with modern proportions on the fronts. The look is accentuated by contrasting bright and pastel colours with matte or polished finishes for a sophisticated edge.

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Model Simos by Blackfin One: a trendy large round frame style for Autumn/Winter

The large round rims of style Simos express a contemporary spirit and a clear architectural influence. Sections are cut from the lenses where the colour on the front changes, creating a special look that emphasizes the two-tone concept which looks bold and beautiful as it frames the face.

About Blackfin: Blackfin is an independent eyewear company with a special focus on titanium and advanced design. The frames are made following 53 production steps, the expression of industrial precision merged with artisan excellence. Find out more at www.blackfin.eu

Design + Inspiration

Silmo 2021: an Eyestylist Exclusive

4th October 2021

EYESTYLIST : “A memorable, intimate showcase – with plenty of fresh products and innovative design brands” Written by Clodagh Norton

Last week’s Silmo 2021 welcomed exhibitors and visitors to their traditional venue in Paris with a particular atmosphere after the COVID hiatus and a period which until this point had remained difficult through most of 2021, particularly for business colleagues to come together. The show offered an intimate, meaningful experience for many people who we met, and a long awaited chance to engage with visitors and designers and view their innovations and new collections. The fair saw a good representation of brands from different countries including specialist collections from Italy (highlights included Delirious and L.G.R), Spain (Nina Mur and Sea2see), Austria (Rolf Spectacles), UK (Covrt Project) and Germany (Mykita and Leinz). France was well represented. Above: a new collection with elegant thick uniquely styled acetate shapes and exciting colour launched by VUE DC, the French artisan eyewear company, a longstanding exhibitor at the SILMO event

Timeless style: Lewis by SALT. Optics (USA) in matt smoke grey

A mix of bold and striking design trends alongside classic timeless collections with a love for minimalist details were the two overriding key directions throughout the fair. The colour palette was in sync with these two directions, either strong and surprising with new and innovative combination tones and exciting neons, or on the other hand based on a nature-inspired palette with many intriguing finishes and patterns. Inspiration was extensive and ingenious, and designers we spoke to often cited nature, natural phenomena such as a sunset or a sunrise, and art and architecture as their most important influences in the last months.

FACE A FACE Witty1: a collection bursting with stunning neon tones

Creative acetate collections were particularly colourful and explored new combinations and graduated colorations, while the strong presence of minimalist metal and 3d printed proposals showed that this is a time where there is room for all extremes – big and small proportions, very fine or very thick structures, cool and warm colour and smooth and rough details.

Handmade in Normandy – “The Sunrise” by Struktur – references to the sun and playful details inspired by the sun rising or setting were noted by *Eyestylist* at the SILMO fair

Sustainable design was talked about with frequency and many existing brands and new sustainable ones are taking some kind of steps to be more eco-conscious in how they work or produce products. Designers are paying attention to processes, materials and production to move away from the fast fashion culture and into an era where there is greater respect for lasting quality and frames created as design pieces “to be kept for life”.

From the UK: Covrt Project – model AS3: a strong, innovative, high quality approach to sunglass design

Now that an international fair has been possible in Europe in 2021, the industry looks forward to further exchanges and in person events in the months to come. SILMO 2022 dates are confirmed for 23rd to 26th September 2022 (Paris Nord Villepinte). To find out more about SILMO, visit www.silmoparis.com

Eyestylist.com will report on more of the new innovations and trends in detail in the weeks and months ahead. This article was written by Eyestylist.com. Please seek permission if you wish to reprint our articles and viewpoints.

Boutiques

Eyewear by Olga

1st October 2021

‘Eyewear By Olga’ is a luxury eyewear retailer, or – as the owner likes to call it – an ‘EYE PAD’ founded in 2011 by optician, designer and fashion enthusiast Olga Trentin. The ‘PAD’ is located in the centre of Mississauga, Canada in the neighbourhood of Port Credit. The interior of the store itself is a feast for the eyes; packed with colour, exploding with textiles and featuring artisanal furnishings throughout. The shop first appeared on Eyestylist in October 2011.

We would love it if you could give us a short synopsis of the story / journey behind ‘Eyewear by Olga’…It’s such a funny story actually; I went to visit a friend in an optical store that I frequently shopped at, but my friend was busy serving a client. So, I picked up a frame that caught my eye and handed it to her client swiftly leaving the store afterwards so that I wouldn’t be intruding. Later, my friend told me that her client had purchased the frame I picked for her – and so, I was offered a job at her company as a frame stylist. I loved this job so much that I eventually became an optician and later on, a manager. I was able to learn a lot about the business and realized how much more I had to offer the optical industry. That’s when I decided to go on my own by opening my very own ‘EYE PAD’.

I took a pen and paper and started sketching the ‘PAD’; ribbons on the ceilings was the first idea that came to mind – ribbons are known to fill a space with lots of cheer – I felt that I had to add them to the design. I didn’t want a typical retail look, but something different and yet, timeless. I also didn’t want a cold and clinical office feel, so the ribbons also added that soft element to the design. I then mainly picked warm colours but added a pop of colour with our back wall and chairs. I felt that the chairs in particular had to be unique and so – after doing some research – we found the perfect choice: ‘The Eye Chair’ by Jackie Choi – it was originally a college project of hers that was presented all over Britain from BBC to Harrods and so it became one of my favourite elements to the ‘PAD’. The design feature was a low backrest to support runback for ergonomic reasons but as well as that it makes a strong visual statement; it looks like a hollow eye when viewed head on, they are quite the conversation starter. Our display cases feature a light coloured onyx to bring a certain warmth and a natural feel we wanted to implement, this is also why you won’t find any bright lights in our ‘PAD’ – we want our clients to have a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

The EYE PAD is a unique experience for eyewear enthusiasts

What have been the biggest struggles you and your store have faced through COVID-19? The element of the unknown regarding COVID-19 really frightened us; we closed our store for about three months in order to keep everyone safe. We quickly realized that our industry really was essential because clients were still in need of our services and so we had to find a way to make it work for everyone while being as safe as possible. It was a little bit of a struggle at first, but we managed to make it work; we would order contact lenses online and have them directly delivered to our clients, we would pre-order eyeglass lenses online and have clients do a door drop off with their frames to prevent any contact. When we finally started to open our doors for appointments, we took one client at a time, each customer had a mandatory COVID-19 questionnaire to be filled out, and temperatures were taken at the door. We also disinfected each frame that was tried/touched and disinfected all surfaces between appointments, floors were washed daily as well. Then of course masks were mandatory for everyone and our staff were double masked with shields worn on top too. I think most people understood why we did all of this and felt safe coming in to see us. We all had to work together and we continue to do so to make this strange and scary environment feel as safe as possible for us all.

What are your favourite frames from your current collection and why are they your favourite? Oh wow, so many to choose from! If I had to choose one, I’d say my favourite frame in my current collection is the ‘Dita – Revoir’. It was originally released as a sunglass and is now offered as an ophthalmic. It is such an elegant bridgeless cat-eye and as the ‘Dita’ website describes it “spans the brow to resemble wings extended in flight”. I love the space between the wing point and the lens as it gives it some edge while keeping its elegance overall. (more…)

Design + Inspiration

Japanese eyewear – Sculpt: Masahiromaruyama at Silmo

27th September 2021

Studies in imperfection – inspired by the sculptural process

A new line by Japanese design brand Masahiromaruyama – which previewed for the first time at Silmo 2021 – takes inspiration from sculpture, and the process of making a three dimensional art work. From the tool marks of a chisel on stone, to the wire framework built for the process, the frames in the collection have required detailed craftsmanship and expertise to create the exquisite artisan finish with texture and sculptural definition of the materials and surfaces.

Masahiromaruyama: the new collection features nine models in titanium and acetate – handmade in Japan

The titanium designs underwent a carefully developed special step of chiselling on the surfaces to replicate the effects of a sculpted work of art. The metal structures are designed without the usual focus on symmetry and with the particular signature style of the designer whose attention to detail never faulters. For the acetate frames, a scraping technique was used to create the intriguing finish of the designs.

Masahiromaruyama – handcrafted in titanium

With nine models in the collection, the titanium styles come in a colour palette of four tones – black, white and two new bronze colours – the colours should be expected to change over time. “We encourage wearers to embrace the changes happening on the frame as part of the process,” explains the designer. The acetate designs include MM-0066 and 0069 in delicate tones of black, white or clear, charcoal, brown and grey. There is also a style included in beige havana that is made from a Mazzucchelli’s M49 bioplastic and this design is created as a limited edition of 200 pieces with part of the sales being donated to the Japanese Red Cross. The new collection will be in specialist stores this season. To find out more visit http://masahiromaruyama.com

Design + Inspiration

Paris rendez-vous: SILMO 2021

23rd September 2021

Silmo 2021 takes place this weekend after much anticipation and planning for all those involved. The international event will bring together the European optical industry for the first time since the start of the global pandemic – and promises an “ultra-positive” experience with upbeat energy, emotion and atmosphere as colleagues meet again after a long period of uncertainty and difficulties to meet with friends and clients as they once would. Well over 500 brands from 32 countries have booked to exhibit from 24th to 27th September, and the venue of the Parc des Expositions – Paris Nord Villepinte – will be fully prepared in compliance with the regulations in force in France to make the event safe (face coverings and provision of a health pass will be required.) Above: The French design label JF REY from Marseille will bring its colorful and creative high-end frames to Paris this week. www.jfrey.fr

High-tech, sustainable 3d printing : Rolf Substance – model Amur 02 is a featured frame in the Silmo D’Or nominations – ‘Technological Innovation in Eyewear’ category

From Austria, Rolf Spectacles will show the impressive 3d-printed plant-based line SUBSTANCE at Silmo 2021, with the model Amur 02 nominated for a prestigious Silmo D’Or Award in the Technological Innovations category. The frames and patented hinge in this line are produced in the plant-based material that is flexible, natural and skin friendly. The line has already been successfully received by the market and is a multiple award-winning collection already, with a European Green Award and IDA design award achieved so far to date. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Model Lou by VUE DC in crystal light grey and champagne

French artisan collections are a highlight of the fair at the annual event. This year, they include the creative label, VUE DC who will present a series of enchanting designs in acetate in the exclusive RENEW FW2021 collection. The geometric model Lou is a strong signature piece in the line with rough cut angles and new colours of light grey and champagne. VUE DC is known for its French handmade quality and artistic design style. Founders Chris Mascre and Yoma (Yolande de Clercq) devote particular attention to the excellence of the materials and the traditional realisation of the frames in their partners’ factory in Oyonnax. www.vuedc.com

TARIAN: Smiley and Ice Cream – resolutely positive in a bright, rainbow palette

Parisian designer Jeremy Tarian shares previews of his new collection showing at Silmo this weekend. Among the several ‘thematic’ series are the fun models Smiley and Ice Cream in the Play collection, a joyful, surprising line with a very creative and striking look. For each model, the acetate section of the frames is laser cut to reveal a contrast in colour and a new take on the traditional eyewear ‘aesthetic’ code.

Eyestylist looks forward to attending this long-awaited international reunion in Paris and we wish all our Eyestylist friends and sponsors as well as visitors to the fair a very successful and inspiring weekend! For more details: www.silmoparis.com

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Eyestylist

Titanium eyewear: Blackfin One style Simos

Silmo 2021: an Eyestylist Exclusive

Eyewear by Olga

Japanese eyewear – Sculpt: Masahiromaruyama at Silmo

Paris rendez-vous: SILMO 2021