Eyestylist

For those who love a throwback, the new wave of monochrome in fashion and home decor, with a nod to the 60s (and a hint of the 90s), comes with a modern flavour and directional elegance, whatever the context. In the accessory world, the trend is easy-to-wear and instantly on point, and designers – from specialists in eyewear to milliners and home furnishing creatives – are having fun with the mix, as a “fresh” redefined statement or classic combo. Above: AnifInChains, Athens, produce coloured chains including marble effects and black&white styles – for details: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnifInChains   

http://anifinchains.blogspot.com /

On the face, black and white or black and crystal provides a touch of drama and individuality, and an interesting alternative to all over black. Claire Goldsmith’s model Hathaway, a luxurious example, features a front in a thin black with crystal acetate, and a silhouette inspired by the cat eye with a deep, square form. More two-tone designs including Dalton (in Matte Slate & Storm) are featured in the CG line by the great-granddaughter of iconic designer Oliver Goldsmith: details at www.olivergoldsmith.com

Also combined on the front, the monochrome mix makes a statement in Vue DC’s CM 10, with the black along the brow and crystal outlining the eyes. The frame is handmade in France and stands out for its artisan finishing and artsy, charismatic silhouette. Find more inspiration at  www.vuedc.fr CN

Spring offers a fresh start and an opportune moment to update spectacles and sunglasses. On our radar for women are statement titanium and acetate designs with a clear identity and absolute precision in details, colours and flattering feminine shaping.

Falvin Eyewear’s model Orbit – from the Black Crystal Collection – exemplifies luxury sophistication in a Danish design concept where the handcrafted titanium frames come with precious platings of palladium, rose gold and 24 carat gold. Rendered in a subtle two-tone colour scheme, the frame is modern and fashion-forward and perfectly suited to everyday wear, with the kind of comfort and barely-there feel that ensures a pleasurable experience through long periods. www.falvineyewear.com

The sweet model Cosmos by Lafont Paris, an acetate design with a tri-colour combination, is a classical example of the cat’s eye shape with a playful femininity in pretty, fashionable pastels (colour way Cosmos 3100) of pink crystal and teal with bright blue temples. www.lafont.com

Delicate colours and a very narrow shaping create the feminine touch in model Bise by ic! berlin, part of the super fine silk collection – free from “unnecessary branding or ornament”. These designs have a new 3.5mm screwless hinge –  a progressive frame feature that offers excellent slimline aesthetics and long-lasting comfort. The two tone front is a fun new look in a season of bolder eyewear statements and colour. www.ic-berlin.de

Morganne Leigh initially began Tyche + Iset Eyewear as a portfolio piece in order to attain graphic design jobs after college. Always a sunglasses enthusiast, Morganne decided to try her hand at product design after studying jewelry design. In order to stand apart for her debut collection (Autumn 2014), she chose to utilize her handwritten signature of “Los Angeles” across the top of the frame, laser etched into the acetate and rubbed with gold oil. Another exclusive detail, which is her brand’s signature, is the gold music note charm on every model’s temple tip. Casablanca (pictured above), is available in an elegant acetate in chestnut (brown multi) with almond brown lenses, magenta (magenta ombré to clear) with grey lenses, and slate (black ombré to clear) with a blue-grey lens. Find out more about the designer at www.tycheandiset.com CN