Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 4th March 2021

The spirit of Barbados: Peoples from Barbados sunglass chic

Peoples from Barbados PFB-08: a Caribbean inspired cat’s eye

With Bajan soul and upbeat energy, Peoples from Barbados style PFB-08 is edgy and free-spirited, crafted with unique bevelling and intriguing laminations, distinctive hand-finished traits of the Caribbean label. The cat’s eye design was inspired by Hartman’s closest girl friends in her community as a complement to their relaxed, and colorful sense of style. Above: Caribbean style: Hartman’s friend Niki wears PFB-08

Niki wears PFB-08: inspired by the Bajan lifestyle and the colours of the island

The PFB-08 sunglasses are now available in four colorways inspired by the natural landscape and local delights such as fresh coffee and rum of the island. All PFB frames can also be glazed as optical glasses with Blue Block AR anti fatigue prescription lenses. Appreciated by a wide-range of customers both for their style and comfort, PFB models are produced in premium materials and feature technically advanced screwless flat hinges and end tips in acetate coordinated with the coloration of the frame front. Available at HQ in Barbados – EYE Q Barbados, and at selected optical retailers including Specstacular Opticians in London and Selima Optique, NYC. For more details: www.peoplesfrombarbados.com and www.eyeqstylistopticians.com

| Eyestylist 3rd March 2021

Sustainable glasses – Sea2see for Spring/Summer

Recycled ‘seastainable’ frames in fresh Spring-infused colours

The sustainable brand Sea2see continues in its plight to assist in reducing marine plastic pollution whilst creating eyewear with a stylish design, and an increasingly bold and beautiful palette of colours – to step into Spring. With over 250 individual frames in its collection and several new entries such as Volta and Verona, the Barcelona-based independent eyewear brand is shining the spotlight on the climate crisis like no other in optics. The frames are now available across the world in optical stores – and as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada and the sunglasses are also available in their online boutique at www.sea2see.org. Above: Anastasia Schevchenko wears model Volta, photographed by Ivan Caster in a new campaign by the sustainable eyewear makers, Sea2see

Volta 27 by Sea2see: a new level of colour in recycled marine plastic

Exceptional in the way they are created and stylish to wear, Sea2see’s latest sustainable frames offer extensive choice in shape and size for all faces, including new “petite” fit designs. Lightweight and detail-oriented to provide comfort and balanced design, the frames are characterized by timeless yet contemporary colour combinations and graduated and nature-inspired ‘ripple effect’ tones.

Verona 08 by Sea2see: a sophisticated ripple effect in recycled marine plastic

About Sea2see: Sea2see frames are made in Italy exclusively from 100% marine plastic waste collected by Sea2see. This waste is up-cycled into a reusable raw material in the form of pellets called UPSEA PLAST. The material is Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified and represents a first major sustainable development in ‘recycled” marine plastic eyewear, combining a quality finish with durability, lightness and ease of wear.  The company is led by “sustainable” entrepreneur and nature lover, Francois van den Abeele.  Find out more  at www.sea2see.org Sea2see is now available globally through leading opticians. In the UK, the award-winning frames are available in selected independent opticians including Henry Smith + Hamylton Opticians – www.smithandhamylton.co.uk

| Eyestylist 1st March 2021

Colour trend: upbeat with artistic combinations

FACE A FACE : surprising colours to prompt radiance and joy

Fresh eyewear proposals are here for Spring, and colour plays a leading role. Mood-lifting tones and special combinations with energetic, rich tonal flourishes bring an artful upbeat direction to the season’s new frames.

The French design label FACE A FACE has directed their attention on spirited colour throughout their new collection, with  geometric, structured forms and exciting vibrant colour details, ideal for moving out of winter tones and long months of ‘dressing down’.  Above: model Bocca Tweet is brand new! The frame has a cubic construction – the front and the side appear to have been carved from a single 3D block. The oversized, squarish eye shape is a perfectly ideal choice for women wanting the latest looks

Blue, enlivened by touches of red on front and end tips: the new FACE A FACE Bocca Tweet 1 comes in some very tempting colour combos with the distinctive ‘pixelated’ details of the Bocca concept

Lively colour combinations are increasingly sought after for variety and a spark of fun. With several variations available, the FACE A FACE Bocca Tweet 1 in blue paired with transparent red (above) is bold and creatively fused – a nice choice to wear right now. Sophisticated in effect, frames with this level of colour are instantly eye-catching and easy to dress both up and down.

FACE A FACE Masha 1: teal is a universally flattering colour and highlights most skin tones – the colour pairs well with neutrals and many other classic colours

With features in bronze and aluminium tones, iconic cat’s eye shape Masha – a lightweight metal frame – is classical and feminine. The two versions – round or rectangular – play with transparent and fluorescent effects and tones such as teal (above) or coral pink with transparent temples, and terracotta enhanced by safari print.

All FACE A FACE frames are created to reveal the individual’s unique personality and the details of the frames such as the colours and artistic concepts make these pieces creative, independent ‘objects of design’. Find your frame for Spring! Visit www.faceaface-paris.com

| Eyestylist 25th February 2021

Men’s glasses: statement design at l.a. eyeworks

In the final highlight in our close-up study of some of the most unique and classy specs for men we found some bold styles at l.a. eyeworks

A substantial frame, one that is worn to get noticed, is a fitting style focus for the last post in our menswear series this month. Nerd fashion? Geek chic? We prefer to call the thicker rimmed frames a statement of individuality and personality, a defining accessory with bold nuances of colour and design. Gone are the days of the big black so-called Clark Kent specs being the only option here as a more colourful approach and desire for variety in shape changes the perspective – let’s hope for ever more!

As bigger and bolder becomes a mantra for 2021 in eyewear, three new styles at l.a. eyeworks caught our attention for men. These styles are hand-finished, with “tailored” edges, smart distinctive shapes and a completely different colour palette from any other.  Above: Kola by l.a. eyeworks in colour Rock Pool – the shape is classical and the edges are refined – the Rock Pool coloration is a twist on a tortoise pattern, distinctive in its multi-colored pattern which features an uplifting mix of tones in blue and brown

Trout by l.a. eyeworks: the way to wear a keyhole bridge

Similarly, model Trout presents a strong thick-rimmed traditional shape with the keyhole bridge detail. The fun comes in the colour palette, which offers tones such as ‘Blue Jay’, an impressive striated pattern in elegant blues which turns the look from classic to elegantly adventurous, or quite different tones like ‘Dirty Martini’, an ever so popular light crystal that seems to be consistently popular as we head into Spring.

Frankly by l.a. eyeworks – the matt black is definitely bold, the shape is cool and modern

For those who simply must have a statement in black, our tip is to choose an intriguing matt or shiny finish which gives the look a modern edge. A style like Frankly is made from a sturdy titanium material from Japan and offers different finishes and colours of black, BIC blue and shiny silver, all stylistically intense and in true l.a. eyeworks style, totally exciting to wear! To see more of the latest frames in this new collection by the Los Angeles label, visit www.laeyeworks.com

| Eyestylist 23rd February 2021

Gilna Opticians, Clontarf, Dublin

Located in a North Dublin suburb by the sea, newly opened Gilna Opticians is modern, stylish and on-trend

Every aspect of the store from bottom to top is modern, clean and trendy. Features include the herringbone flooring, a large banana leaf plant in the waiting area, exposed brick walls boasting a selection of stunningly displayed frames and a ‘centrepiece’ of glass display boxes running from the front to the back of the room. High class brands such as DITA, Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford are just a few of the featured collections that had an initial impact on our overall reception of the space.

Sunglass wall with exposed brick at GILNA Opticians

An impressive, unique characteristic of this store – and of the GILNA group – is hidden in its origins. The first GILNA store was opened up by John F. Gilna in The Liberties; an area of Dublin that is widely regarded as the true root of the city, in 1951 on Thomas Street. Kevin Prendergast – the current owner of GILNA Opticians – told Eyestylist that staff from the nearby Guinness Brewery, as well as tradespeople from the surrounding area were amongst the many Dubliners to frequent the opticians back then. Kevin and his business partner Terence Scully took over the business in 2004 and their branch in The Liberties continues to welcome, as they put it, “a wonderful array of loyal, local and diverse clientele” to date. The pair followed with the opening of another GILNA Opticians in the IFSC and could not wait to get their hands on the unit on Vernon Avenue, Clontarf once it became available. After a visit to the store and in seeing what they have done with the place first hand, it is clear to see why.

Details are a focus at this new contemporary eyewear store

Kevin outlined his intentions for the Clontarf store as “something that looked like it had always been there”. This underlined another unique aspect of this boutique’s design – its heritage. Across the store you can find original features of the building: exposed brickwork dating back to 1902, original patterns of brick that were once window arches and door frames as well as portraits of John F. Gilna and of The Liberties – dating back to the founding of the GILNA group in 1951 as mentioned. These splashes of authenticity combined with the stores immaculate interior design, the showcasing of the beautiful frames – lit up and displayed as though they were pieces of art in a museum – are some of the features that make GILNA a must visit boutique for any eyewear connoisseur, or history fanatic alike. For more information visit www.gilnaopticians.ie – GILNA Opticians, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin

By Victoria G. L. Brunton