Eyestylist

The Mimetic Collection by L.G.R

16th March 2017

World War II history has a role in the latest L.G.R frames – The Mimetic Collection – by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. Luca discovered material in his grandfather’s old warehouse that was used in uniforms worn by Italian soldiers during the war. Inspired by the original fabric, Luca then found an artisan workshop in Italy that could reproduce the material in 100% cotton, using a stone wash technique for a distinctive effect. The Mimetic Collection features the material used as flaps (above) or wrapped around the frames on the acetate and metal version. Explore the L.G.R eyewear universe at www.lgrworld.com JG

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Design + Inspiration

Design curiosities

13th March 2017

Eyewear experiences continue to expand beyond the everyday. Innovative brands take new risks with clever techniques to bring new technological scope to new collections. 3D printed frames are a fast expanding eyewear choice, increasing the opportunity in personalisation as well as comfort and practicality. The Danish label MONOQOOL shows fast-paced innovation in this arena, with the launch of super thin frame structures in its new Slider Series. The frames, which weigh just 4 grams, have an ultra thin front design combined with cool horizontal temples and a clever hinge system. www.monoqool.com

Siens Eye Code: Eye Code 16 in shiny silver

Siens Eye Code from Milan presented their first Creatures collection in 2016 with a concept that boasts three patents for hinge, lens assembly and packaging “integrated to the glasses”. The idea is to unite art and technology, vision and science, to blend each element in one high-tech product produced using traditional expertise in the Veneto. The brand has exciting new entries coming for Autumn 2017 that we have been able to preview ahead of the Autumn fairs. More details at www.sienseyecode.com

Italian lifestyle brand Bob Sdrunk is creating a buzz with its 100% made in Italy designs from a team of expert opticians – attentive to design, modern quality and the all important fit. The round model Uranus is typical of the unconventional shapes in the collection. The very narrow metal construction of the style (pictured in gold) with cross bar balanced over the classic round shape brings a chic contemporary look that is immediately appealing. www.bobsdrunk.com CN

Design + Inspiration

In Memoriam – Philippe Lafont

9th March 2017

Lafont Paris has sadly announced the recent passing of Philippe Lafont, president of Lafont Paris, and a passionate advocate of eyewear. Lafont was also president of SILMO, and contributed his outstanding talents and professional expertise to GIFO.

In additional to Lafont’s numerous roles in the optical community, he was enthusiastic about opera; always polite, kind and courteous. Thomas and Matthieu Lafont will continue to support their father’s dedication to the family legacy as a pioneer and innovator of luxury eyewear made in France, upholding the company’s core values of integrity, craftsmanship and elegance.

Eyestylist extends our deepest sympathy and condolences to Thomas, Matthieu, family, friends and the Lafont team. JG

Design + Inspiration

Colour and design at Copenhagen Specs

8th March 2017

Energetic colour and new chic designs with consistent attention to the small details: the mood at Copenhagen Specs this weekend was upbeat and friendly as designers from Scandinavia and further afield brought new ideas for 2017. The fair showed its commitment to independent labels, and attracted more than 80 companies and a wide range of frame styles from Scandinavian innovators through to small start-ups from Italy (Viveur), Poland (Love Belford), Spain (Paper & Paper) and France (Plein Les Mirettes /PLM).

The Italian titanium specialists Blackfin showed their new collection featured in the 2017 campaign: Sky’s The Limit. The brand currently offers an eclectic mix of titanium styles including trend-focused thicker rims such as model Montego Bay (above). Further details: www.blackfin.eu

Plein Les Mirettes showed their colourful acetate range for women for the first time in Denmark. The uniquely crafted glamorous shapes have a bright energetic elegance and are made in Normandy in a prestigious traditional eyewear factory. Model Diva brings the camouflage trend into eyewear in a playful and elegant interpretation for the face. www.plein-les-mirettes.fr.

Italian start-up Viveur Sunglasses by Carlo Opice showed a metal collection produced in the Veneto. The frames revisit vintage styling but bring a modern “street style” to the look, creating a line that is youthful and wearable. Very narrow proportions and the variety of nice classic lens colours in the metal sunglasses line are on trend for the SS17 season. More details at www.viveursunglasses.com

Alongside bright primary colours, neutral eyewear tones are evolving in new ways. Model Nia by Salt. Optics has a thin profiled shape, the narrowest of temples and custom detailing. Nia comes in a super Oyster Grey / Black Sand combination with “Lovers Soul” gradient lenses. More details on the new entries presented by Salt. Optics at www.saltoptics.com

Lightness, technical know-how and an innovative take on materials are instantly noticeable in the Fleye collection, presented to us by co-founder Hanne Andersen at the show. Once again, the trend for extremely narrow proportions is beautifully played out in special ways with the addition of touches of colour and finely textured finishes in high-tech carbon fibre. www.fleye.dk

Copenhagen Specs returns to the same venue in 2018 from 3-4th March: for more details about the fair visit www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Boutiques

L.G.R Pop up boutique in Milan

7th March 2017

Family, friends and devoted fans of gorgeous L.G.R. eyewear celebrated the opening of the charming boutique in Milan (top image – a jubilant Luca Gnecchi Ruscone). The pop-up store displays the wonderful variety of L.G.R designs, along with his latest collections – the elegant Capri; history inspired Mimetic frames; and the supremely luxurious L.G.R Gold Edition. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone’s dedication to artisan eyewear is evident in the exceptional craftsmanship and precise detailing in each frame.

Luca Gnecchi Ruscone with his mother Emma Bini, at L.G.R pop up boutique opening in Milan

Located on Milan’s trendy Corso Garibaldi, the cosy boutique features both optical and sunglass designs created by the Rome-based designer. The boutique is open through 25th April. www.lgrworld.com JG

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Eyestylist

The Mimetic Collection by L.G.R

Design curiosities

In Memoriam – Philippe Lafont

Colour and design at Copenhagen Specs

L.G.R Pop up boutique in Milan