Eyestylist

SALT. + AETHER

29th May 2017

High performance, exceptional and distinctive technical engineering – along with fit and comfort – merge stylishly in Limited Edition sunglasses by SALT. Optics + AETHER. The two companies are based in Southern California, and they fully understand the focused passion – and benefits – of experiencing the outdoor life and sporting activities. Top image: The Explorer

The sunglass designs were created with the motorcycle rider in mind – but are so fashionable that they can be worn by anyone. The Scout and Explorer are crafted in beta-titanium, and feature perforated air vents; titanium nose pads; and polarised photochromic or mirror lenses. The frames also fit comfortably and easily under a helmet. The colours are striking – Black Sand, Brushed Honey Gold and Tempest.

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Sleek and lightweight: The SCOUT by SALT. + AETHER

The foundation for SALT. Optics is the effortless beauty of nature, and the carefree California lifestyle. AETHER was created with the concept that contemporary, specialised accessories need to work as well in urban environments, as they do in the great outdoors. SALT. + AETHER believe in premium quality united with the finest materials. The results are two exciting frame silhouettes that provide style, comfort, and optical clarity for their enthusiastic wearers. www.saltoptics.com www.aetherapparel.com JG

Reviews

Berenford Sunglasses – worn by Sir Elton John

26th May 2017

A style that boutique label Berenford is becoming known for, London is a unisex sunglass model that has regularly been spotted on celebrities, including, most recently, Sir Elton John.

During a stay in England, founders Christian and Elizabeth say they were inspired by the harmonious blend of sophistication and modern vibes of London and they worked to implement these characteristics into an artistic, 70’s influenced style; the classic metal frame mixes old world glam with postmodern details, and combines with three different vibrant lens colours (pictured in bright blue), one of the leading sunglass trends of the season – and an ideal choice for the summer festivals. Berenford sunglasses are made entirely in northern Italy and are produced in limited editions, with a story that is influenced by a sweet nostalgia for the past. www.berenford.com CN

Design + Inspiration

Acetate designs: a playful blend of hues

25th May 2017

Acetate may be a traditional frame material but the latest proposals in this classic in eyewear open a new phase of colour refinement with a contemporary outlook. From revamped tortoise creations to prints with grain effects inspired by natural stone or fabric – these wonderfully playful designs provide the wearer with a personal and effortless statement in modern dressing.

Jono Hennessy, one of a handful of independent Australian labels releases innovative colours and patterns season after season. Model BLAST 8408 represents an example of the mix of lush tortoise colorations (blue and red infused tortoise) that continue to trend alongside the classic tortoise colours. The designer was inspired by the sails of the Sydney Opera House for the angular shapes. Find more inspiration from designer Jono at www.jonohennessy.com

The small Italian label Dabrach – from Piemonte, Italy – has explored (among several classic colours) some intensely bright and patterned materials – including rare acetates – since it first launched in 2015. Their combination of angular handmade shapes and unusual colour effects make a delightful and distinctive spectacle. Further details: www.dabrach.com

Behind Woow Eyewear – a label that has grown out of a heritage of colour and style innovation – is a love of bright, impactful shapes. Model Make It 2 is on point in the context of playful tones, bringing a strong translucent aqua together with multicoloured, mottled-effect temples. www.wooweyewear.com

French artisan label Plein Les Mirettes specialises in women’s designs with quirky yet wearable shapes. Colours range from brights to highly decorative and multicoloured: the very pretty asymmetrical DIVA VIII is part of a limited series produced in some fresh and unconventional coloured acetates. For more details: www.plein-les-mirettes.fr CN

Creative spirits

Nicola del Din, Blackfin

23rd May 2017

The CEO of Italy’s fast-growing independent titanium brand Blackfin, Nicola del Din, talked to Eyestylist about eyewear heritage and his passion for life outside optics.

Tell us about you as a “creative”. Your training, biggest influences in terms of aesthetics/details/colours and your interests such as photography. I have a deep interest in technology, graphics and imagery. I have had this interest since I was at school. At that time, we didn’t have anything like the technological opportunities of today. But I was still very much into computers and I remember my first pcs…a Commodor 16, then the 64 and the Commodor Amiga which I used with a camera to make videos at school! I also love digital photography and the opportunities we have now to modify imagery via apps and special programs.

Music is also one of my great interests, particularly with the multimedia aspects: video represents the perfect synthesis of all my passions: IT, graphics and music, all in one! My work is to produce excellent eyewear and my passions can therefore become a function of my work. I couldn’t ask for more. I am very lucky for that – my job has become a life focus which I can develop and grow thanks to the contributions of many people around me.

Blackfin is a young fast-growing company. What is the ingredient that been most important in allowing it to develop so successfully? Incredibly, the crisis. At the time and through the 1990s we were reflecting on our future, and what we were wanting to achieve. We realised that technical capabilities were not enough and that is was essential to have a strong communications strategy for the brand. So we started again. We are like a start-up but we are 47 years old! It’s a contradiction in terms but that’s what has happened: we combined our experience in production with a new fresh enthusiasm to start out on a new adventure.

Blackfin has its own design team, but you are clearly a creative “driving force” when it comes to campaigns and marketing? Blackfin today is the ideal realisation of the potential I could see 10 years ago. And this vision is not just about the product, but rather a precise image and method of communication. The amazing thing is it just keeps running: my head is firmly looking forward into the future.

Tell us about your collaborations which are far from ordinary? Our collaborations can be out of the ordinary and unexpected. This is because we go beyond the product to find shared social, geographic, moral and cultural values. This is the case with Cipriani: what we have in common is the constant research dedicated to offering excellence in Italian products. Excellence understood as authentic luxury which, as Arrigo Cipriani reminds us, is the expression of a complex simplicity.

We found a similar synergy with Andrea Bocelli. Andrea is a great artist, and an Italian man of great integrity. Our collaboration with him and his Foundation represents sharing a vision towards Italian excellence and authenticity. (more…)

Design + Inspiration

Roland-Garros x Lafont Paris

21st May 2017

Roland-Garros – the prestigious Parisian tennis tournament – celebrates its 30th anniversary in collaboration with Lafont Paris – with two Limited Edition sunglass designs. Lafont’s Parisian eyewear chic captures the heritage and performance of Roland-Garros with striking designs, inspired by two tennis legends – Suzanne Lenglen and Marcel Bernard. Lenglen dominated women’s tennis from 1914 to 1926 – winning The French Open (Roland-Garros) twice – and Wimbledon six times.

Tennis legend Suzanne Lenglen in action on the tennis court

The Suzanne frame (top image) expresses retro-chic spirit in dark tortoiseshell, a softly sculptured shape in high tech materials, beautifully crafted in the Jura region of France.

Marcel – Limited Edition by Roland-Garros x Lafont Paris

Marcel Bernard brought glory to France when he won the French Championships in 1946; later he was President of the French Tennis Federation. The sunglasses that bear his name are distinguished with their contemporary shape and a “Mousquetaires stripe” inside layer displaying the tournament’s colours.

Marcel Bernard – French Open Champion 1946

Suzanne and Marcel feature anti-reflective brown lenses, and a laser engraved Roland-Garros logo. The Limited Edition of 150 models are numbered and certified “French Origin Guaranteed.” The sunglasses are available in Lafont’s Paris boutiques – visit www.lafont.com for details – and also at Roland-Garros stadium when play commences 22nd May. Designs that are a perfect “ace!” JG

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