Eyestylist

Jonathan Hennessy Sceats – known in the eyewear world as Jono Hennessy – has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, at the National Gallery of Victoria. Jono’s father was an optician, so he grew up watching his dad perform eye tests and fitting fashion bespoke optical designs for his clients. Like father, like son…Jono developed a love for artisan eyewear and inherited the same devotion to quality and workmanship.

In the 1980’s, Jono began designing under his own label, and was a creative innovator, and soon the frames became the number one brand in Australia. A combination of an eccentric flair for life, passion for his country – which often inspire his designs – and always supporting the collaboration between independent designers and independent optometrists around the world, Hennessy has made significant contributions to Australian and international design.

The induction into the Australia Hall of Fame is a celebration of his achievements and dedication to his stellar career and creative innovation. Jono Hennessy will present their latest collections this weekend at Sydney SILMO 20-22 July. www.jonohennessy.com JG

Vintage influences always arise in the new collections, often with a subtlety that points to a particularly innovative direction or careful study of a timeless look from the past. The half moon, the monocle, the pince nez and classic reading glasses designs of the early 1900s – all of these specialist vintage designs have come into play in recent collections, influencing details and shapes with elegant, traditional and timeless overtones.

The award-winning Seeoo Classic reading glass design, described as a contemporary revisiting of the everlasting historical glasses, “pince-nez” comes from one of just a few specialist Austrian producers of eyewear. Connecting manufacturing tradition and contemporary technology, the Seeoo collection is made with Mazzucchelli® acetate and each design comes with a designer case, created for protection as well as ease of carrying. The mobile phone case is particularly practical. More designs are available at www.seeooshop.eu

The Parisian brand Lafont has a huge collection of perfectly formed antique-inspired designs including model Colette, also reminiscent of the classical shape of the pince-nez. The ever popular round eye shape paired with a high nose bridge is distinctive and refined, and the coloration – among them this gold and subtle tortoise combination – adds old-fashioned distinction and individuality. www.lafont.com

The Italian brand L.G.R is similarly in tune with the most iconic vintage designs which in the present day reemerge with refinement and love for authentic Italian artisan craftsmanship. Sunglass style model Tuareg – combines an ultra thin metal frame, high narrow brow bar and classical blue coloured oversized round zero base lens in a design that perfectly balances design of the past with sought after modern practicalities such as high-class UV protection and comfort and fit. For more classic inspired design by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, the Founder of L.G.R, visit www.lgrworld.com CN