Eyestylist

Design & Inspiration

Summer sunglass serenade: Blackfin

21st May 2019

Seaside pleasures, silky sand, blue skies and the sea inspire the latest elegant sunglass designs by Blackfin. The Italian label combines stylish design, impeccable crafting, superb materials and rich colours into each frame. Blackfin’s theme centres on Natural Awareness – a journey of discovery and rediscovery, culminating in new realisations. Minimalism accentuates the frames in the material par excellence – Titanium –  celebrated for its characteristics of strength, durability, and featherweight properties. A plus for summer – titanium is resistant to corrosion in seawater and does not tarnish. Among the exquisite designs (above) is Cape May, a tribute to the Victorian charm of the summer resort in New Jersey on America’s east coast.

Contemporary form: Ventura Blackfin Natural Awareness

Titanium technical brilliance shines expressively in Ventura with a contemporary form, and distinctive detailing on the frame front and a double bridge. Innovative titanium production processes ensure the frames are extremely flexible, yet lightweight and strong.

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Dramatic silhouette: Coral Cove by Blackfin

A dramatic silhouette reminiscent with hints of retro, Coral Cove is generously shaped and trimmed with white on the frame front. Coral Cove is also available in other striking contrasting palettes. Click on www.blackfin.eu for more Blackfin designs with beauty and technical superiority. JG   Photos: Giovanni De Sandre All Rights Reserved

Boutiques

Coterie: eyewear + jewellery

18th May 2019

Coterie, the luxury eyewear retailer in China, has branched into jewellery in its latest department store concept. “This is our attempt to move further along the road of accessorizing eyewear,” David Leung told Eyestylist. “By adding “real” jewellery to our assortment, our consumers can mix and match more freely.”

Coterie: display of earrings and necklaces

The brands featured alongside the sun and eyewear collections currently include the Italian luxury collection by Cynthia K Sakai, Vita Fede (also producing Limited Edition sunglasses handcrafted in Japan) and  YvMin Jewellery by Zhang Xiaoyu  and Li Min, based in Beijing. The selection of high-end eyewear labels include international brands such as Balenciaga, and Gucci, as well as the Korean brands Fixxative by art director Veronica Kang, and Irresistor.

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Coterie: Vita Fede displayed alongside sunglasses

Coterie has opened concessions in Galeries Lafayette Shanghai and MIXC HangZhou and the performance is described as “very encouraging”.  “We may plan to open more in the near future,” says Leung, whose vision for optical retail continues to lead the way in the region. Find out more on Instagram @coterie_store and at www.coterie.cn CN

Reviews

Morel 1880 – model 60042

17th May 2019

Intense colour in a classic panto shape is an easy-to-wear option for men all of ages. Morel’s 1880 collection offers an array of time-honored shapes with modern, carefully finished details and highlights such as the small ‘M’ engraving on the temples – a touch that indicates the artisan finesse that defines this collection. Made in the Jura region of South East France, the frames are part of a tradition of spectacle-making that dates back to the 19th century, and everything about them continues to define that tradition while adding the latest technological benefits, for a light and comfortable eyewear experience. Discover more about this classic collection at www.morel-france.com CN

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Arts & travel

The Contemporary Indigenous

15th May 2019

Solo Show by Athena Anastasiou, London

At the Royal Opera Arcade Gallery in London this week, a new exhibition by Athena Anastasiou offers personal insights into the true face of South America, exploring how indigenous culture and global diversity has influenced the people of today. Through interviews and portraits of many nationalities along the journey, she culminates her own visual interpretation, uniting contemporary people with their native indigenous history.

Above: The artist pictured with ‘Bringing the Past to New Horizons – Oil Wool and Acrylic Yarn on Linen’

The Heart of Cuba Oil on Circular Birch Plywood 2019

In a journey of discovery, she found vibrant people and societies far richer, more diverse, energetic and eclectic spectrum of influence than she ever imagined.

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The Modern Muisca (2019)

The portraits in this series offer a vibrant expression of colour, pattern, form and texture with bold use of interwoven fabric and multicolored yarns, referencing the artisan crafts and traditions of the Latin American cultures which live on today. www.roa-galleria.com / www.athenaanastasiou.com

The Royal Opera Arcade Gallery, 1-2 Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, London (until 18th May 2019).

Design & Inspiration

Sol Sol Ito: Captivating sun styles that sizzle

13th May 2019

Alluring, bold and distinctive sunglasses adhere to the edit of Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink, the founders of Sol Sol Ito. They believe that frames should capture the personality of the wearer, plus ensuring beautiful craftsmanship, comfort and durability. Sol Sol Ito sunglass creations are individualistic with dash and dare, as seen in style 020S (above) with its splendid voluminous shape in acetate and metal.

Stunning sun specs by Sol Sol Ito

Voluptuous shaping highlights glamorous Sol Sol Ito Original style 039 in luminous acetate and quality metal. Precision production and intricate technical advances are ingrained in each pair of stunning frames created by the independent Swiss brand.

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Bold and beautiful sunglasses by Swiss label Sol Sol Ito

Prodigious shaping and eye-catching design radiate strong, confident impressions in Sandra and Monika’s latest sunglass design – Sol Sol Ito Original 043DC. Black-gold highlights the acetate front, with jade side pieces and golden metal temples. Discover more fascinating Sol Sol Ito designs at www.solsolito.com JG Photos: Nina Maria Glahe All Rights Reserved