Eyestylist

Spring exclusive: RES/REI Pearls collection

24th March 2021

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

Model Pearl by RES/REI; this frame is offered in 4 artistic combinations of grey (pictured), pink, and red or brown havana

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.

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Model Oyster by RES/REI pictured in a rich purple tone – cat eye

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

Thomas Lafont | Eyestylist 20th March 2021

Design + Inspiration

Behind the scenes with Thomas Lafont: SS2021 collection

20th March 2021

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.”

New designs for SS2021: Harmonie by Lafont Paris – a fusion of stunning colours and patterns and a modern interpretation of Lafont’s signature ‘lace effect’ with flowers etched in metal – an innovative decoration that was dear to Thomas’ mother Laurence Lafont : Thomas looks for new ways to use it to express the classic charm and elegance of the signature style

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.”

Work in progress with new colours and new styles / Lafont Paris

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.”

Harriet by Lafont Paris: total elegance in a feather effect acetate

Heritiere by Lafont Paris: the model showcases the new ‘terrazzo’ pattern in the collection

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

Reviews

On our wishlist: TOL Eyewear new-season sunnies, by Linda Tol

18th March 2021

TOL eyewear by Linda Tol is an Amsterdam based design studio creating frames that take inspiration from beautiful things in life: these retro inspired styles are on our wishlist for the season!

From architecture to fine art, fashion (of course!) and the wonderfully ambiguous and inspiring concept of emotion. Each TOL eyewear collection and each single design is ignited by an innate desire to ‘create a new emotion’.

For Spring/Summer, highlights include style ‘Upside Down’, a frame that is representative of this spirit, with a shape that caught our eye. Constructed with temples which rest low on the lenses as though the frame was built ‘upside-down’, the colours are distinctive and typical of the line in nude, burgundy and noir – solid, strong yet neutral options which somewhat offset the unusual structure of the style. Produced in Italian Mazzucchelli acetate – as are all these styles, the design has the added benefit of high-quality, dark tinted ‘Carl Zeiss’ lenses for 100% UV protection. Above: Upside Down in nude by TOL Eyewear – inspired by Linda Tol, retails at 250 euros – the nude tone is special and has a strong fashion feel in this collection

On our wishlist! Oversized statement sunglasses are a a key piece for SS21 wardrobes : model Alpine by TOL Eyewear – inspired by Linda Tol

Without doubt, the Alpine sunglasses are also a statement design in this line – and so perfect for now! This frame is bold, chic, and dramatic – but equally versatile and wearable. Oversized sunglasses have been in style since the 1960’s and this modern style harks back to some vintage favourites in a choice of four distinctive colourways of white, noir, clay and nude.

About TOL Eyewear: Linda Tol – an influencer and a fashion icon renowned for her ‘androgynous / chic style’, co-founded TOL eyewear after years of success across the fashion industry. Linda has left no stone unturned in her regard to her features across fashion media outlets stretching from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar. Linda set up the brand with fellow creative Marieke Meulendijks and created in TOL a reflection of Linda’s individual aesthetic as well as the duo’s love and appreciation of the arts and the finer things in life. Read our interview with Linda Tol: https://www.eyestylist.com/2020/05/interview-linda-tol-founder-of-tol-eyewear/ www.toleyewear.com VB

Reviews

Jean-François Rey design: colour boost in acetate

16th March 2021

Jean-François Rey’s JF 1497, glowing colour effects inspired by silk fibers and textured threads

Eyewear designer Jean-François Rey’s design acetate concepts explore the patterns and textured effects of fibers and threads. The husband and wife design team have pioneered creative concepts in metal and acetate since the 1990s. They continue to play with colour and design possibilities in eyewear, inspired by the arts, and everything else they love! For their recent models in acetate, a personal passion for fabrics and textiles has translated into studies in pairing colours, transparencies and linear details. The frames come in elegant shapes such as hexagons and ovals and capture a chic and glowing tonal effect and sheen. This adds Spring-infused radiance and style. Above: the JF 1497 is available in a range of delicate combination colours including the light brown with blue pairing (pictured above).

Jean-François Rey design – JF 1497 in light brown with blue (above) and gradient pink with brown lace (below)

Jean-François Rey JF 1497 comes from a series of acetates with elaborate colour schemes and patterned effects. The Jean-François Rey designs for women feature delicate colours with rich graduated effect. A leaning towards soft, pastel or powdery tones is evident here. The finishing touches such as the shaping of the temples and the metal flex hinge ensure sophistication and comfort for everyday wear. Find more of the Jean-François Rey design styles at the website: www.jfrey.fr

Design + Inspiration

Statement style – BLACKFIN turns up the volume

15th March 2021

Bold interpretations in titanium at the Italian independent label

Large proportions, graphic styling, statement style, colours which express energy, strength and personality. The Italian label Blackfin has a range of new styles in its Aura, One and Razor lines. Produced in Blackfin’s signature titanium, the material that forms the basis of the Blackfin design aesthetic, the graphic forms express the season’s focus on confident, oversized constructions inspired by iconic shapes and redefined with modern lines and attention to technical practicalities such as lightweight comfort and ease of wear. Above: the new sunglasses and optical frames were shot on location in the Venice lagoon, Northern Italy

Statement style – Saint Lazar by Blackfin: a combination frame with large circular shape – striking for angular/square face shapes

The statement Saint Lazar frame in the Aura range offers a fine ultra-flexible beta titanium structure defined by the addition of acetate rims which line the upper section – the distinctive mark of the Aura collection. The frame is available in white with crystal acetate (above) as well as bright multi colored variations which include pink with a gradient burgundy and red with transparent purple.

Satement style – Multi-sided frames continue to appear in eyewear collections in 2021: Danzica by Blackfin in pure titanium

For something different in pure titanium, the hexagonal Danzica frame is the type of design that will flatter round or oval faces – it’s an exciting shape to wear. In this case, the colour palette unites tones of many varieties, from the more classically oriented brown and gold to blue and pink or red/magenta. See all the magnificent colour combinations available by visiting the Blackfin website at www.blackfin.eu

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