This French label has many iconic shapes – unique to them – and Kis is a highlight. In black the style exudes classical elegance and a touch of extravagance. Handmade in France, the proportions will appeal to those used to statement sunglasses – however, instead of the more typical upswept cat-eye shaping, model Kis explores the extra dynamic of a downward accent on the upper brow. Intriguing to wear, and always made to the highest artisan spec. A super find! www.vuedc.com CN
The British designer and style icon Victoria Beckham who has made her mark at the top of the competitive echelons of international fashion, brings a new line of versatile sunglasses and spectacles for AW16 – designed to fit into the everyday and yet luxurious in terms of craftsmanship and materials. An interesting mix of one-off shapes and colours, some brights but a predominance of classical naturals, dark amber and glossy greens, add to a line that has become known for its timelessly elegant silhouettes that fit perfectly into the VB wardrobe.
The uniting theme amongst the materials used in both the sun and optical ranges this season is texture. Creamy, marble-like surfaces, perforated leather brow bars, and acetate that mimics scales all feature, bringing a tonal and tactile complexity to the collection. Heavily influenced by the interior of the brand’s flagship Dover Street store and its colour palette, multiple layers of rich acetate are combined on fun styles such as the Layered Cat and Layered Kitten, creating vivid slices of contrasting colours.
In response to the popularity of the mirrored lenses, the classic Supra Round style has been given a shot of shimmering colour with a selection of mirrors (by Zeiss) previously seen on the aviators – Desert Rose, Sky, and Dune amongst them.
Unlike many fashion brands, Beckham produces her own collection independently without any licensing agreement, taking control herself of overseeing the designs, and adhering to strict guidelines for quality production and cutting edge technology – producing exclusively in Italy. In a statement for Eyestylist.com, Beckham said:
“During the six years since we launched the eyewear collection, I think we’ve managed to create a very desirable and distinctive brand. In line with this growth, I felt that the natural next step was to bring the manufacturing process in house – working with a number of specialised local workshops in Italy. As of last spring, this move means we now have even more control over all aspects of the development process, and can source our own exclusive materials. Producing the collection in house also means we can take full advantage of the expertise of the studios we work with in the Valdobbiadene region – nurturing the artisanal techniques they use to make the glasses. For me it’s important to keep that connection to craftsmanship alive, and to have a truly handmade product. That’s what makes it special for me.”
Victoria Beckham, 36 Dover Street, London W1 www.victoriabeckham.com CN
With great personal flair and style, plus fashion forward vision – meet David Duralde. Eyestylist speaks with the Chief Creative Officer at Kenmark Optical.
Please tell us about your professional career. “Raised in Southern California, an Orange County boy, I embraced the spirit of optimism, adventure and innovation that is key to the sunshine state. California has a tradition of creating trends that question convention – setting fashion on its ear with things like surf wear, sports and workout clothes to the boardroom, jeans at a formal dinner – nothing was sacred or precious in LA. From a town that lets a person make his own history, this was a fertile brewing ground for my creative start. Then moving to Los Angeles to study at UCLA, I was immersed in the looking good culture. So it was this strange mix living in a place and time when young ideas bucking the establishment were the norm, and people wanting to completely transform themselves through fashion, design and fitness – this became a major driver that convinced me I could make people look and feel better, and pay the rent. As I was fortunate enough to work under Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi from l.a.Eyeworks, I got an early taste of the importance of design reaching out to many disciplines in culture – fashion, architecture, music, photography, food, literature and fine art. In other words, I developed a huge desire to make the world more beautiful by expressing myself through design.”
What sparked your passion in eyewear? “From the minute I started as a product manager, developing eyewear under the tutelage of great spirited eyewear designers, I knew this was for me. It was incredible that I could be part of a team that opens people’s eyes to their own radiance and beauty. I learned so much about the craft and technology of making eyewear. It was incredible to me in the early 90’s that you could take machinery and techniques from other industries, and experiment with them for the first time in our industry. Most importantly I became so passionate about eyewear because it seemed you could do so many things from a design perspective to make eyewer unique, yet everyone thought it was just two circles, or rectangles and a bridge with temples.”
Why and what do you think is the most original, spirited time period in fashion, that influences today’s eyewear industry? “I believe eyewear has the freedom to include many points of inspiration from many time periods. It’s a multitude of influences and influencers. The 70’s and 80’s glam story is timeless and elevating, while the chunky, funky 50’s nerd theme always makes people feel smart and edgy. I particularly like the attention to detail from the 30’s and 40’s that infuses an old English wallflower sexiness to the product.”
Please name three women and three men whom you think have profoundly influenced fashion? “Diana Vreeland; Miuccia Prada; Anna Wintour; Halston; Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein.”
Nowadays, what and whom do you feel are the most important motivators in fashion? “Looking good and creating a unique persona that communicates who you are is the key motivator to embrace fashion.”
Where are your favourite travel destinations – and why? “Paris – love the 24-hour energy and the fairy tale feeling every time you walk up and down the historical streets. Of course, exquisite chocolate at every corner doesn’t hurt either. Milan – I love the juxtaposition of industrial grit and sheer fashion polish in the DNA of this city. The delicious food is accessible to everyone at every price point, fresh, modern and straightforward. People work to live in this city, rather than live to work like most U.S. cities. Italian culture is a clear reminder that living life to the fullest every single day is the best mantra.” www.kenmarkoptical.com JG
1985 – François Mitterand is President of France; Margaret Thatcher is Britain’s Prime Minister; and in America, Ronald Reagan holds the title as President. There was economic prosperity, creative freedom, daring and crazy chic…not to mention legendary figures with amazing artistic creativity like Serge Gainsbourg, Karl Lagerfeld, David Bowie, Prince, Madonna and many more. “Anything was possible,” says Jean-François Rey of the Marseilles based company bearing his name, “and every eccentricity was allowed. Young people were free, with a certain lightness to their lives. Nightlife and the legendary Parisian clubs…electrified the creative world.”
To celebrate JF Rey’s thirty years of creativity, Rey and his wife Joëlle, Creative Director of the company, (top image) have reissued the most emblematic frames of the 1980’s, faithfully respecting the original designs. Taking risks and daring creative challenges, JF Rey developed into a global success story, with original designs that combine technical innovation with artisan expertise.
The new releases include optical and sunglass designs that exude the vintage spirit of the 1980’s, perfectly balanced with touches of modernism. The retro codes of the frames are preserved, and then updated with current comfort and technical advances.
Congratulations from Eyestylist to JF Rey, Joëlle and the team on this momentous occasion! For more details on the exclusive 1985 Jean-François Rey Limited Edition collection, visit www.jfrey.fr JG
Cat eye shapes remain forever favourites, and what makes them so fresh and appealing are the creative interpretations. Blackfin in Italy has a striking version with Palm Beach – that is feminine, elegant and laden with retro-chic allure. The duo colour combination and graduated tinted lenses add more glamour to the stylish design. More information on Blackfin’s new collection at www.blackfin.eu JG