HOF Fair goes ahead in Zurich, Switzerland
Despite continuing travel disruptions and quarantine requirements with Coronavirus spikes in Europe, some small annual trade events which take special care to present independent labels – have managed to meet in their usual locations with strict safety measures and compulsory mask wearing. Hall of Frames, Zurich, an annual fair which takes place in a former paper factory in Zurich’s Sihlcity, went ahead on 14th and 15th September 2020 with over 40 brands exhibiting, a higher number than ever due to cancellations of other established larger shows.
The HOF organisers said that while visitor numbers were lower than usual, given the circumstances of the pandemic and new legislation brought in just before the fair making mask wearing mandatory, the fair was extremely well received by those who could be present as a means of orientation for the latest design trends, new collections and innovations to come. The team told us they look forward to welcoming friends, brands and visitors to the event in 2021 in a new venue called The Garden Rooms (new Zurich Convention Center), on 12 and 13th September 2021. Independent labels who exhibited at the fair included Lunettes ALF, Covrt Project, Falvin Eyewear from Denmark, YOUMAWO, Nirvan Javan, Didier Voirol, MYKITA, Feb31st and Parafina Eco-friendly Eyewear. For more information: www.hallofframes.ch
Highlighted brand: Reflect Eyewear, London
Thomas Farrow Tomson wrote to us about unique sunglasses brands for a younger age group, from around 16. There began a project to identify specific collections, more unusual and unique styles, and an opportunity to highlight those frames and their details and benefits to reach the 16-25 age group wishing for fashion with an ethos of style, comfort and originality.
Reflect Eyewear, from London combines a love for hand-finished Italian craftsmanship and distinctive gender-neutral shapes and colours made for all ages, without using conspicuous logos and leaving the design and overall look to speak for itself. Their appeal for the young wearer and this particular audience is the combination of design, quality and price – at £179 sterling (online) they are affordable and similarly priced to mass-produced “famous” fashion eyewear brands.
Above: Thomas wears AF11 Unique by Reflect Eyewear, an Italian acetate sunglass style with Carl Zeiss Vision sun lenses – “As many of my close friends know, I have strong feelings about being myself and showing who I am. You can do this even through the expression and style of your glasses….” Thomas Farrow Tomson – photography by @suede_baby
The AF13 by Reflect (above and below) has a thick Mazzucchelli (Italian made) acetate frame fitted with Carl Zeiss Vision sunlenses for high-quality UV protection. The squareish bold eye shape of the front mixes corners and curves which complement the contours of the face.
Model AF8 in clear pink has a downward curve in the top bar and matching crystal pink infused frame and lens, a look that is back with a vengeance for trans-seasonal wear.
About the brand – the London-based brand Reflect Eyewear was founded by Andrea Pisano and Francesco del Garda two years ago. Their aim was to create a high-quality line of glasses, produced in Italy with timeless yet innovative designs that could appeal to an audience who seeks a distinctive and unique style. The brand first launched its models at Sonar, the electronic music festival in Barcelona. Later in June 2019, to mark the launch of the ‘Colour’ collection Reflect Eyewear presented an installation with elements of wood and mirrors at the luxury designer store LABOUTIK during London Fashion Week.
Photography by @suede_baby. Model – Thomas Farrow Tomson @thomasfarrowtomson – for Eyestylist.com. Eyewear by Reflect Eyewear – www.reflect-eyewear.com – For enquiries about product placements and working with our UK-based team of photographers and models, please contact [email protected]
Virtual products highlight: Tyche + Iset Eyewear, Los Angeles
Virtual products showcase The Galápagos Collection is a metaphorical reflection of my journey within the eyewear industry as an emerging designer, says Morganne Leigh, founder and designer, Tyche + Iset Eyewear. She says this latest Collection has evolved into a lesson about persistence and adaptation in order to survive; such as the exotic flora and fauna of the famed islands in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured above: Las Islas in midnight marble
Bold, glamorous, with fine crafting and careful attention to materials, the line offers versatile shapes (find geometric, oval and oversized squareish forms), and a confident artistic design language.
The award-winning young label Tyche + Iset Eyewear is founded on the mythological aspects of life, telling stories through eclectic and alluring design.
Products: Galápagos collection Brand: Tyche + Iset Eyewear Website: www.tycheandiset.com Contact address: [email protected]
About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].
French chic at Volte Face Paris
Virtual products showcase Volte Face, from French design house JF Rey, is synonymous with a classic offbeat style. The label introduces new exciting silhouettes for the season, infused by a free and powerful femininity of spirit. Shapes and details alongside exclusive colorations come with patterned materials in unexpected transparencies and finely finished mix-and-match tones. Above: model OHM in the Volte Face line: the frame is inspired by the Art Deco movement
Innovative light effects, hidden details and sculpted volumes are characteristics of the new frames. Model Ofelie is representative of the combination styles in metal and acetate. A narrow metal bar in two colours defines the brow line and complements the acetate colorations.
The handmade classic shapes of Ola (above) and Onyx (below) are paired with a pretty textured-look acetate informed by the iconic technical folds of couture pieces by Issey Miyake. The material is delicately sculpted using a sharp milling technique giving the frames exceptional shine and artistic qualities playing with reflection.
The designs reflect a Parisian elegance, with creative, multi-colored proposals which give the line its wearable, modern aesthetic.
Product: Ola, Onyx, Ohm and Ofelie Brand: Volte Face at JF Rey Website: https://www.jfrey.fr/volte-face/ Contact address: [email protected]
About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].
Frame Chain: Vintage Disco is here!
The new arrivals at Europe’s favourite ‘eyecessorry’ label – for masks, specs and sunnies
Virtual products showcase The Frame Chain team are back with a new accessories collection, designed to bring edge and style to glasses and sunglasses – while offering a convenient way to hold a face mask.
“We can’t burn up the dance floor right now but we are keeping Disco alive, at home, in the office or at a socially distanced gathering,” say co-founders of Frame Chain Vanessa Harrington and Ann-Margret Kearney, who debuted their collections in 2014, at Liberty of London. “Now is the moment to add a little bit of optimistic charm to your everyday frames.” Above: model Donnie in yellow gold
The Vintage Disco collection features graphic or sensual links in 18ct yellow, white or rose gold plating. The styles are versatile, functional, stylish and fun: you can chain your frames with one style or layer them for added glamour. Each chain can also be worn as a necklace or choker.
Fashion and function have always been the raison d’etre at Frame Chain and their styles remain extremely versatile; they make a perfect solution for holding a mask – as well as glasses.
Frame Chain is a leader in the optical accessories arena, with worldwide stockists in both fashion and optics. The designs are inspired by diverse sources – vintage jewellery, everyday accessories and 90s streetwear, and feature a range of embellishments such as Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls.
Products: Vintage Disco collection Brand: Frame Chain Website: www.framechain.co.uk Contact address: [email protected]
About the Eyestylist virtual products showcase: the Eyestylist virtual products showcase offers a unique launchpad for new avantgarde, artisan or luxury eyewear and sunglass products – through Autumn 2020. The showcase is an initiative designed to connect Eyestylist readers and specialist designers in the absence of international trade fairs + launch events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For more details email [email protected].