Eyestylist

Vasco by Orgreen Optics

6th September 2017

Explorers and their adventurous spirit inspire Orgreen’s expressive frames that celebrate great navigators. Among those honoured is Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea. The Vasco frame combines modern and vintage elements with square lenses and a low nose bridge. The colours are luxurious – deep blue matte (above), pale green and warm tortoise – all echoing textures and colours of foreign forests and seas – plus exotic spices like pepper and cinnamon. Explore more visual horizons by Orgreen at www.orgreenoptics.com JG

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Design + Inspiration

Seeoo Monaleon: tradition and technology

5th September 2017

Striking new creations with design inspiration infused with the contemporary, technical excellence of IC! Berlin, will be presented at SILMO Paris in October. Experience and capture the imagination of individualistic and passionate frame wearers with minimalistic styling; durability; comfort; and special characteristics. The beauty of durable, stainless steel – in which the frames are crafted – is further enhanced with a patented, screwless spring hinge. Top image: Left Mona sun; right Leon sun

Luxurious crafting in teak and rose gold

Family history plays an important role in the creation of SEEOO. Gerald Lasnik, founder and CEO, discovered hidden treasures in his Austrian grandfather’s attic, including a pair of reading glasses. Lasnik was so delighted with this vintage find, he wanted to bring this eyewear back to life…with a modern, reinterpretation of a distinctly unique – and legendary classic.

Left: Mona optical: Right: Leon optical by SEEOO MONALEON

The result is SEEOO MONALEON – a progressive and harmonising concept – complimented by traditional and evocative styling. Expressed with modern flair and avant-garde high tech innovation, the collaboration with Ic! Berlin and the sleek SEEOO MONALEON designs will be treasured by many creative and enthusiastic eyewear consumers. www.seeoo.at JG

Reviews

Joy by Volte Face

31st August 2017

Striking new designs in the Volte Face Collection by the designer Jean-François Rey will be launched at SILMO Paris in October. Joy is a delicate, streamlined silhouette in Emerald Green acetate and marbled tortoiseshell, further distinguished with colour play on both sides of the top. The feminine, sophisticated frame enhances autumn chic in women’s fashions. Discover more F/W frame news at www.volteface.com JG

Boutiques

RockOptika, UK launches ‘Racing Club’ sunglasses

29th August 2017

Tom Herrington’s enthusiasm for handmade eyewear has led to the addition of new RockOptika Sports designs in 2017, dedicated to the needs of the road cyclist, and balancing traditional craftsmanship, vintage-inspired design ‘with style’, and subtly integrated technical attributes – an ambitious project. The collection has launched at RockOptika HQ in St Leonards (UK), a vintage-inspired store presenting the brand’s full collection of opticals, sunglasses and limited edition sunglasses as well as a few hand-picked designs from other British eyewear designers.

Careful research and detailed conversations with ex pros and amateur cyclists led to the production in France of two models, Jet-Pac and Allez. “Our goal was to design the most stylish glasses on the road. They also had to be totally fit for purpose,” explains the designer, who is also a cycling enthusiast.

Each model is produced in bespoke Italian acetate alongside classic tortoiseshells with a vintage feel – quite different from an average sports frame. A high-quality back coated anti-reflective lens and leather temple grips ensure the frame offers UV protection, comfort, and a stable and snug fit on the face – factors that contribute to enhancing the experience of the cyclist (and their style) in variable weather conditions.

RockOptika frames are designed in the UK, and made in France, in the traditional spectacle-making region of the Jura. The frames are available from selected opticians and the flagship RockOptika store in St Leonards (UK), as well as online at www.rockoptika.com CN

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear individuality for back to school

28th August 2017

School checklist: backpack; pens and pencils; notebooks and binders; and most importantly – eyewear with punch and personality! From tiny tots to teenagers, this season’s selections abound with appealing frames in sturdy materials, beautiful colours and streamlined shapes, ideal for little faces. Ophus (above) by LINDBERG is crafted in hypoallergenic titanium that is lightweight, strong and flexible, with superb fit and comfort. www.lindberg.com

Sophisticated colourations highlight Merci by Lafont Paris. The charming butterfly shape is ideal for young girls from 4-7 years old, and the frame features Lafont’s exclusive spring hinge. www.lafont.com

Summer holidays may be over, but Indian Summer weekends can be a delightful time for outdoor adventures – and strong sunshine. Protect vulnerable eyes with chic sun specs from Olivier Goldsmith Mini Icons. Lord was originally created for Michael Caine; the Mini Lord is a faithful replica for children in Fresh Mint. www.oliviergoldsmith.com

Children respond positively to colour, and will find Papillon by JF Rey an enchanting design with its melange of different acetates in rich hues. A delightful detail is the little butterfly that is inserted in the temples. www.jfrey.fr

Trendy, hip styling is the hallmark of The Mungarutal Jr by Original Penguin Junior. A retro mood is embraced with the round shape in crystal acetate.http://www.kenmarkeyewear.com

Lafont Paris has just launched their first sunglasses for youngsters – fun styles infused with Lafont’s long history of quality, fit, superb colours and shapes in frames for children. Aloha shown in vivd red – autumn’s hottest colour – is also available in Ocean Blue and Tortoiseshell. www.lafont.com JG

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