Viveur’s S/S collection expands with new and stylish everyday frames, made in Italy
The independent brand Viveur Eyewear, known for its Italian made metal glasses and sunglasses has extended its collection with new Mazzucchelli acetate sunglasses – characterised by a style-driven, vintage inspired elegance. Viveur’s commitment to well designed product and refined manufacture comes through in these designs, which are ideal for everyday wear, while delivering on quality at a well-judged accessible price. Above: Montecarlo by Viveur Eyewear – featured this month in the Eyestylist TREND feature – https://www.eyestylist.com/eyestylist-trend-bulletin-issue-3/
The Montecarlo style by Viveur is one of several chic styles in this line – fitted with category 2 anti-glare sun lenses. Frames which offer the same lens and frame tint represent a sophisticated trend in sunwear which is inspired by the past – often playing with transparency and crystal colorations. The Montecarlo is offered in three colours including beige with the matching lens tone (pictured), black with black lenses and dark havana with a contrasting light green lens. The style also features a retro-inspired metal temple core, a detail which is visible in the colour variation above.
One of our recommended styles for Spring/Summer, the Nizza has a fresh, youthful appeal in colours that are timeless and easy to wear. Choose from black with a blue graduated lens tone, dark havana with brown lenses and a very chic rose with pink flash lens.
www.eyestylist.com/2019/03/trends-metal-rim-tinted-lens/Visit Viveur Eyewear and shop online at https://en.viveureyewear.com
Sunglasses trends SS21 on our radar
Eyestylist TREND bulletin cover frame: a white retro beauty by LAPIMA, Brazil
Sunglasses trends are always inspiring and this year our imaginations have been caught by the most luxurious design direction and exciting new bright colours that lift the spirits. Highlighted in the sunglasses TREND bulletin several different directions in the independent collections were a focal point in a season that offers a wide choice of cool styles, immaculate design details and pick-me-up colours with which to fall in love. In 2021, the most striking hues are bright, bold and beautifully flattering for the face, not forgetting a palette of pretty pastel shades – for lenses as well as frames they might match. While the oversized shapes are stealing the space in the press, vintage-inspired designs are totally on trend, whatever the dimensions, with refreshed versions of cat eyes and narrow frames, as well as eccentric shapes or asymmetrics adding to the creative mix. Above: model Nina in natural white vintage – off white acetate with yellow lenses – www.lapima.com
To see what’s new, we’re delighted to extend our sunglasses content through Issuu…click on the thumbnail to read our insights and forecasts for what’s hot for the season of 2021 and beyond : www.eyestylist.com/eyestylist-trend-bulletin-issue-3/
Colour trends: Tricks with colour
Observations in colour: graduated colour effects add a tiny touch of magic / blue & green tints and shades are varied and sophisticated for 2021 / high saturation colours and very light crystals are dramatic in combination
As the colour palette diversifies dramatically and nuances of tones are widely explored in independent eyewear with undeniable sophistication and precision, so too are we seeing frames with new intensities of colour, unexpected complementary shades and contrasts in transparencies that are modern and flattering, designed to enhance the natural tones of the skin. Graduated, ‘ombre’ or gradient effects in high-quality acetates such as those by Mazzucchelli have long been a feature of high level independent collections but today there has been a greater rethinking in how colours can be combined to produce a statement or individual style and design that looks beautiful and unique when worn on the face. Above: minimal design, gentle graduation in one of the most trendy colours of the SS21 season: the Milla by Gotti Switzerland in an organic forest green which fades to a luminous crystal – www.gotti.ch
The Bocca Pixel4 has several variations featuring gradient colour, deeper at the top with an aqueous and fluid finish in the lower section. This frame is produced by the French company FACE A FACE and comes from an iconic line called BOCCA inspired by the arts and – in the case of Pixel4 – the shape is based on the graphic signature style of the artist M. C. Escher. www.faceaface-paris.com
From the SS21 Lafont Paris collection, model Hybride is an example of an acetate frame created through a collage of different translucent tones and patterns creating a dramatic and eye-catching finish. The fade effect has a chic and glamorous look that subtly references a vintage-like quality typical of the most feminine luxury frame styles of the 1960s and early 70s. To see more frames by Lafont Paris visit www.lafont.com
Spring exclusive: RES/REI Pearls collection
Unique pearl decoration – an icon of style and elegance – on every frame
In their latest release for Spring, Italian label RES/REI is inspired by the timeless elegance of the pearl necklace, a much-loved accessory evoking femininity and charm. Admired for its aesthetic value and its delicate spherical shape, the pearl decoration is the main influence in this tasteful feminine glasses line, appearing on the temples of the light and delicate styles.
Like little sculptures, the four models are characterized by surprising shapes and volumes, and a complex, highly studied colour selection: the colour of the frame front contrasts with the sophisticated chromatic combinations of the elements which make up the temple while the decorative details provide further tonal variation and delicate finesse. Above: RES/REI Pearls Collection launched for Spring 2021
The diaphanous Pearl model in the line has a soft, graceful shape with an organic feel, fusing with a touch of colour in each of the four variations, combining exquisite Mazzucchelli acetates with the dainty jewellery detail.
A classic and timeless cat eye shape, model Oyster is a versatile shape with a sculpted look. The frame is available in four exciting and glamorous combinations of purple, brown, blue or green havana.
About RES/REI: The Italian company is a specialist in handmade glasses and sunglasses, with an artisan philosophy, dedication to research and innovation, as well as a passion for specialist materials and authentic Italian craftsmanship. Founded in 2011 by Oliviero Zanon, the label has become one of Italy’s most prestigious independent eyewear makers committed to handmade production and ultra-fine design. Find out more by visiting the website at www.resrei.com
Behind the scenes with Thomas Lafont: SS2021 collection
The creative director/designer says that the 2021 Lafont Paris collection was crafted under extraordinary circumstances which prompted him to explore new perspectives.
Thomas Lafont, chief creative director and designer of the eponymous Parisian family-owned eyewear house, has taken his creative path into new realms in the last 12 months, as lockdowns and disruption required brand new ways to work and develop ideas. The designer told us that while it had been difficult to navigate this new environment initially, particularly when it came to introducing the collection to opticians, he had learnt to develop new ways to preserve the rhythm of his creative style.
“I am lucky that I was able to continue to work from my Paris studio even if I was by myself,” Thomas Lafont told Eyestylist. “In fact with no travel during this period, and not even the usual disturbances of everyday life that we encounter in more normal circumstances, I actually had more time to work on the collection. For me it represented an opportunity to do something different. Looking back it was quite a delicate and precise design concept – partly influenced by new forms of communication online and the inevitability of less feedback from outside in this unusual time – but in a way I experienced more freedom. It was very helpful for us through these last months that we have such a strong relationship and understanding with our manufacturing partner in the Jura here in France. We are also lucky that with lockdown our team adapted from one day to the next, this was impressive.”
The lack of trade fairs or any opportunity to provide an intimate ‘window’ on the image and mood of the Lafont world also prompted something new. Thomas explains: “Since last April, I have used social media, and particularly Instagram, to express myself. Everything I used to do in terms of creative expression for the shows is now something I have developed through digital. This is interesting. It’s like a new tool of expression for who we are. It has definitely opened my mind. It’s very cool and I’ve found it surprisingly creative.”
For SS21, the resulting frames are characterised by intriguing colorations and delicate shapes, and styles that are accessible, easy-to-wear with beautiful quality and bright and colorful design features. “I have worked on the shapes, always playing with colour,” says Thomas. “People want artistic design products from Lafont that are easy to fall in love with and a little bit different – unique style and passion are important too.”
Highlights in the line include an outstanding feather effect acetate and a ‘terrazzo’ pattern across several models, two details we asked Thomas to tell us more about. “What I like is the balance between the material and the way we see it. The ‘terrazzo’ has a natural look, and quite a special irregularity, and what was nice was to play on the shiny effects contrasting with the opaque. The light tones such as light pink are still really working together with a touch of black, it’s like the best natural tortoiseshell where you can have small black details next to little spots of brown. With the feather effect I was looking for sophistication and a really impressive 3d effect. The superimposed colour has an artistic feel. As a designer I don’t like to be limited in what I do! Not at all! I am always looking for a way to go out and away from limitations and constraints.”
The new collection is now available to view online at www.lafont.com – for more details about the company in Paris read about our visit to Lafont HQ at https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/10/lafont-paris/ Clodagh Norton spoke to Matthieu and Thomas Lafont on Zoom in early 2021. All rights reserved