Virtual products showcase Fans of the Californian-designed SALT. Optics collections have something new to look forward to for the season. The highlights include models Andy and Henderson, two frames for those who love classic style, a Japanese handcrafted finish and the wonderfully subtle, nature-inspired colorations typical of the label. Pictured above: model Andy by SALT. Optics.
The acetate frame Andy has a substantial frame, with a rounded panto inspired unisex shape – it’s a totally versatile classic.The technical spec is typical of a SALT. frame with details such as rivet hinges, polarized glass and CR-39 lenses and a finish with a high lustre.
The Henderson titanium style (available in optical and sun) sees the addition of two brand new colours: Black Sand/Honey Gold and Copper/Antique Gold.
Products: Henderson and Andy Brand: SALT. Optics Website: www.saltoptics.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].
Rolf Spectacles: natural focus
Virtual products showcase A classic car – the Vauxhall Velox – informed the design of the new walnut Velox style in Rolf Spectacles’ Evolved collection. The car, which was in production from 1948 to 1965 was a large family car with a design that mirrored North American styling trends of the time with tail fins, swathes of chrome, and wrap-around front screen.
With its subtle curves, the distinctive Rolf style is available in four different wood combinations. These highly researched natural and sustainable woof materials offer a wealth of benefits including comfort and durability and the designs feature a unique wooden hinge free from screws and metal parts.
The Rolf Spectacles’ Evolved collection is known for exclusive design, natural materials including wood and stone and a detailed precision in handcrafting to produce timeless, one-of-a-kind designs which are made to last. The label has been awarded numerous design awards including most recently the Muse award for its smoked larch and cherry frame called “Lark”.
Product: Velox in the Evolved collection Brand: Rolf Spectacles Website:www.rolf-spectacles.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].
S. R. Gopal Rao Opticians, Bangalore, India
A boutique independent retail chain with 85 years in optics
An optician with an impressive heritage, S. R. Gopal Rao is a family business founded in 1936 and passed down through generations. Since 1982, the business, which remains in the same location on N.R.Road since it was opened in 1936, is directed by Hemanth and Uma Manay and focuses on an ever expanding range of high class and luxury eyewear collections, always presented in respect of the original philosophy of the family, with strict principles of trust and care.
“Dedication to accuracy, focus on customer needs and a holistic approach to the purchase of prescription spectacles, lenses, sunglasses and other eye-wear accessories…”
Today the stores in the chain sell a wide range of eyewear collections which include independent collections from Cutler and Gross, LINDBERG, Silhouette and Maui Jim.
“India is a large country with people from all walks of life, varied personalities and levels of exposure,” stated Hemanth Manay- CEO, S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians & Optometrists, when we asked about the desirability of independent collections in India. “Some prefer sleek, minimalist frames like LINDBERG, others choose thick, statement eyepieces like Cutler and Gross. There are many who believe in buying eyewear with a purpose and that’s where brands like Modo eyewear come in. While LINDBERG is well known in India since it has had its presence in the country for over 15 years, other brands are yet to make a mark.”
Asked about their experiences in the pandemic at the present time, the team told us that they have adapted their stores to meet safety/hygiene requirements and increased phone and online communications to ensure those who cannot visit are well served from the comfort of their home.
The S. R. Gopal Rao Opticians flagship store is located on N.R.Road. A second store is open on Jayanagar & Residency Road and a third in Jayanagar (Bangalore). Find out more: https://www.srgopalrao.co/
Erker’s 1879
An historic label with an evolving modern style
Virtual products showcase The US heritage brand Erker’s unveils its new models in the Trumpet collection, a much anticipated frame series which upholds the distinctive style and handcrafted finish of this family-owned brand, born in Saint Louis, Missouri. With its range of materials which include stainless steel and high density acetate, a wide palette of colours, and shapes that evoke a respect for tradition and craftsmanship, the technical precision of these products has been refined to maximum effect for a well-balanced and comfortable fit. Above: Model wears model Busch by Erker’s in crystal – a style which is described as “fitting like a glove”. The model combines an acetate front and stainless steel temples
Among the noteworthy products here for the new season is model Convy in the Trumpet collection; the style has a thin, metal, modified square shape with a bold, acetate brow line and is part of this line dedicated to a classical yet revolutionary design aesthetic inspired by Miles Davis and his extraordinary virtuosity in music. According to the Erker’s family, this completely fresh, one-of-a-kind expression has been an underlying inspiration for the company, and its “trumpet logo” defines this spirit, a reminder of the brand’s geographic location in Saint Louis, birthplace of Miles Davis and home to some of the world’s most outstanding jazz and blues, since the early 1900s.
Cedric: A larger rectangle with a key hole bridge, the Cedric frame is created is a strong material to achieve a thinner yet noticeable fit; this hand polished frame features Erkers’ traditional hallmark rivets on the temples.
Model Davis, from the Trumpet collection, with its pared-down stainless steel rim, has an interesting shape that fits a wide range of faces and is very flattering on the wearer.
Family owned Erker’s Eyewear began in 1879 and grew into a global eyewear design and manufacturing house at the forefront of innovative optical design and craftsmanship. The company describes itself as “the oldest optical company in the United States” and is still owned by descendants of founding father, A.P. Erker and brother, August. The label has recently become available in fine eyewear boutiques in Europe.
Products: Busch, Convy, Cedric, Davis Brand: Erker’s 1879 Website: https://erkers1879.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].
Blackfin: titanium edge
Virtual products showcase Titanium models Hoover, Greenport and Crosby are among a selection of products announced this month at the Italian label Blackfin. The frames represent a new offer for the Autumn/Winter 20/21 season comprising 10 styles – seven in the Blackfin One line and three featured shapes in the Razor line. Above: Blackfin’s Timeless Memories campaign in 2020, shot on location at The Great Cretto, in Southern Italy
Model Hoover features large rims, and a lively colour palette of bold, fresh colour combinations. Find the frame in dark blue/Venetian red, metallic bright blue/matte black, blue/glossy silver (above) and a smart classic black with gunmetal grey/glossy silver.
A squared frame in matte or metal pastel colours (they include gunmetal grey + metallic bright blue/matte black) Greenport is part of the Razor collection of streamlined 1mm thick titanium designs. The shapes are informed by distinctive retro traits.
In the Blackfin One line, model Crosby is a large round panto with a thick front rim. The colour choices are typical of Blackfin’s Italian styling. The expressive combinations of gunmetal grey/metallic bright blue, dark graphite blue/matte red and army green/mauve green are particularly eye-catching.
Products: Crosby, Hoover, Greenport Brand: Blackfin Website: www.blackfin.eu 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].