Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 30th August 2018

Farah by Vera Wang

There is still time to enjoy last minute summer fun and adventure before the season is over…plus beautiful autumn weekends often provide delightful opportunities to enjoy outdoor sunshine and events. No matter what the season, fabulous sunglasses enhance you – and your fashion attire. Vera Wang, who is synonymous with chic, glamour and elegance, has a new selection of sun designs that includes Farah – a frame that expresses all these characteristics. The voluminous, uplifting square shape and luxurious linear metal setting, are the perfect backdrops for little shimmering Swarovski crystals on the front and temple tips. Featured above in tangy Mint, the frame is also available in Apricot and Ebony. Farah is among the latest Vera Wang Sun Styles that include a variety of beautifully inspired shapes and colours. Explore more at www.kenmarkeyewear.com JG

| Eyestylist 27th August 2018

Fleye: chic flower power!

“The language of flowers is non-negotiable” Vanessa Diffenbaugh The Language of Flowers

Flowers speak a beautiful, global language, and the latest FLEYE Copenhagen eyewear campaign Flowers of Denmark  is meticulously aligned with flowering inspiration from the iconic Flora Danica – a collection of 18th century plants in the Danish kingdom. A Winter mood sets the elegant scene with flowers frozen in ice blocks. Annette Esto, Head of Design noted: “Our idea was to emphasise the plants and illustrate their intrinsic qualities, just like the iconic flora Danica illustrations from the 1700’s, only doing so from a very new perspective. In these still-life images taken by photographer Ida Emilie Risager, lies the inspiration for the rich and dense frame colours, as well as the structure and layering in our newest eyewear.” Top image: Ida Emilie Risager All Rights Reserved

Left: Kastanje Beta-Titanium in Matt Dark Red Right: Kvark acetate in Toffee Havana FLEYE Flowers of Denmark

The frames are superbly crafted in three categories: Carbon/Wood, Acetate and Beta-Titanium. The melting ice cubes with the cracked surface and layered edges in the photos is a reference to a new-layered bottom line of acetate frames with a bold, yet light shape.

Tuja in dark orchid/shiny rose gold : FLEYE Flowers of Denmark

The FLEYE Copenhagen Flowers of Denmark collection for men and women will be launched – and flourishing – at SILMO Paris 28 September-1st October with beautiful streamlined shapes in a gorgeous colour range. More details on award-winning FLEYE designs at www.fleye.dkJG Campaign photos: Josephine Svane All Rights Reserved

| Eyestylist 27th August 2018

Celebrating photographer Bill Cunningham

On the streets of Manhattan, he was a familiar sight, his slim, lithe figure gliding skilfully amidst the raucous city traffic on his battered bike; trusty Nikon camera dangling from his neck. Bill Cunningham was an amazingly influential style authority and trend-spotter in the late 20th century. He was a beloved figure on the city’s streets, and in 2009, Cunningham was designated a New York living landmark. He captured the fashion icons of the day; attended museum openings and benefit dinners, in order to document the latest craze. When Bill Cunningham noted an item of fashion interest, headlines followed. (Photo above: Bill Cunningham on his bike – photographing Tziporah Salamon, 2011 Photo courtesy Antonio Alvarez)

Toni “Suzette” Cimino in New York City, 1974 New York HIstorical Society Library, Melanie Tinnelly Collection of Photographs of or by Bill Cunningham and Toni “Suzette” Cimino

Celebrating Bill Cunningham at the New York Historical Society is a wonderful tribute to his eclectic creativity, with a selection of objects, personal correspondence, photographs and ephemera that reflect his life and work. His career began as a milliner with stylish “Willian J” hats, as he described his label. On display at the museum is a beach hat – which even Cunningham described as “a bit outrageous.” His photography stint started in the 1960’s and for fifty years, he photographed and catalogued what New Yorkers wore on the streets. His favourite vantage point was 57th Street and Fifth Avenue – where gilded fashion emporiums Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany and Bonwit Teller (until the latter was demolished) were certain to attract the “fashionistas” of the era, and Bill could capture the moment with his Nikon.

Ciel Bicycles New York City retailer, Biria Germany est. 1976 manufacturer Bicycle used by Bill Cunningham, ca. 2002 New York Historical Society, Gift of Louise Doktor,

The New York Historical Society has acquired his iconic Nikon camera; the French workers jacket that Cunningham adored for its numerous pockets; and one of his many bicycles. It is estimated that he owned at least thirty bikes over the years; frequently the bikes were stolen.

French workers Jacket worn by Bill Cunningham 2000s Cotton New York
Historical Society

A transplanted Bostonian, Cunningham evolved into the quintessential New Yorker, who was passionate about the city, art and politics. This touching tribute to Cunningham is a reminder of what a revolutionary he was at the time…and how much he is missed. Celebrating Bill Cunningham New York Historical Society Museum & Library through 9th September. www.nyhistory.org JG

| Eyestylist 23rd August 2018

SoHo by JF Rey

Urban cool is reflected in the latest optical metal designs – SoHo by JF Rey – that are enriched by the architectural, cultural and bohemian atmosphere of SoHo neighbourhoods. The frames are graphic, slim and very lightweight, and include sixteen different concepts in vivid colourations that draw on pop palates that enhance the contemporary design of the frames. Certain styles are also available in metal and acetate combinations in unexpected colourations. SH2005 (above) is superbly sleek in vibrant red with thin graphic lines. Visit www.jfrey.fr and discover more exciting styles from the Marseille brand. JG

| Eyestylist 21st August 2018

Fashion, fun & fab: Children’s eyewear!

Encouraging youngsters to value the importance of eye care and the benefits of quality frames can set the stage – and cultivates – a lifelong appreciation of fine eyewear. Artisan eyewear designers encourage this educational process by creating frames that children – and their parents – will approve. Most importantly – that kids will love to wear! With Back-to-School underway, there are impressive and “eye-inspiring” frames to kick-start the academic year.

A dynamic new launch is the beautiful collection by Sven Götti – Generation Next – featuring superbly-crafted 3D creations. Said the Swiss designer: “Creating a collection for children has been on my wish list for a long time. But I know that just doing a smaller version of existing frames is not enough. Selling eyewear to children has a lot to do with respect and responsibility, and it is so important that this will be a good experience. Plus comfortable fit and a cool look, so children have confidence wearing glasses.” Generation Next ticks all the right boxes with designs that combine fashion, fit, quality, and durability. Featured above: DUMU – a sleek little round shape mirroring a silhouette which both kids and parents love to wear. www.gotti.ch

Cowboy by Lafont Paris

The enduring beauty of tortoiseshell is stylishly interpreted by Lafont Paris in Cowboy – a contemporary form in acetate with trendy nuances. Designed for youngsters 7-12 years old, Cowboy is ideal for pre-teens and small faces. Lafont also has super selections for babies to three-year-olds, and children 4-7 years old. www.lafont.com

Children participate in creative workshops at JF Rey to create frames for youngsters.

In Marseille, headquarters of JF Rey, children gather to participate in creative workshops (above) organised by designers, when they are creating frame designs for kids. The children are able to chose from diverse colours in acetate that brighten little faces, create their own motifs, and select shapes they like the best. www.jfrey.fr

LINDBERG Kid air titanium rim Lucas

Stylish, flexible, lightweight, adaptable, comfortable fit and fashion cred – LINDBERG titanium wire is the magical material for children’s frames by the Danish brand. LINDBERG Kid air titanium rim Lucas (above) is also hypoallergenic, perfect for young, sensitive skins. www.lindberg.com

ZB1027 by Zoobug

Zoobug has a superb collection of lively, colourful designs that captivates children’s interest. These opticals were created by eye surgeon Dr Julie Le, who fully understands the importance of quality frames for children. ZB1027 features a timeless shape in acetate, for 7-12 year olds, with print sides for additional style pizzazz. Shown above in Raspberry, the frame is also available in dynamic blue or subtle candy floss pink. www.zoobug.com

Têtes à Lunettes by Caroline Abram

Parisian Caroline Abram designs fun frames  – Tetes à Lunettes – in a marvellous array of colours and shapes for youngsters 3-12 years old. Solid and two-tone colourations provide intriguing choices for young spectacle wearers. Explore more at www.carolineabram.com

Colourful Cats eyes by mini be

Sabine B launched a charming collection of eyewear for kids with her innovative designs for mini be – frames with playful shapes including mini be cat’s (above) plus a gipsy theme frame, and round and rectangular shapes in neon tones. www.sabinebe.fr

Crystal acetate by Very French Gangsters

Children frequently like to emulate what their parents are wearing, and clear crystal acetate designs are a perfect example by Very French Gangsters. www.veryfrenchgangsters.com JG