Orgreen’s optical collection offers a multitude of beautiful frame choices. The Danish label has a glittering array of designs in evocative colours, and streamlined shapes, in ultra-light yet super sturdy Titanium. An elegant, rich blue tone characterises Blush, with a touch of retro in the subtle cat-eye shape. www.orgreenoptics.com JG
A chance visit to the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts – The MAK – produced an unexpected and delightful surprise – a retrospective on Austrian eyewear designer Robert La Roche. From the early 1970’s to the turn of the century, the Vienna-born designer captivated the international fashion, film and eyewear world with his pioneering designs. Robert La Roche: Personal View effectively displays the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and creativity of his eyewear, with the unique colourations, shapes and textures that heralded a new direction in frame design.
In addition to hundreds of La Roche frames on display, design drawings, advertisements, magazine editorials and photographs are also included in the exhibit. Marketing was a forte of Robert La Roche, and some of his campaigns are now as legendary as the glasses themselves.
Another highlight was a series of talks and forums open to the public at the MAK. Participants in one event included Christian Wolf from ROLF Spectacles in The Tyrol. Christian and Christoph Egger from Gloryfy spoke on a panel with La Roche, and gave Austrian insight into creating eyewear in today’s marketplace. Christian commented: “It was an honour to be invited to have a discussion with Robert himself, an icon regarding eyewear design and distribution – not only in Austria. The discussion was very interesting as we sell different markets, the marketing is different, and we had a lot to share. There was also an eyewear show with designers from a Vienna school. For me, as marketing manager of ROLF, the exhibition is great because of his advertising campaigns; the collaborations with his work are inspiring. It was a great chance to get tips and tricks from Robert! For all eyewear addicts, I highly recommend this exhibition.”
On the occasion of the exhibition, La Roche commented: “I’d say I’ve had the pleasure of making four million customers not only see better, but also look better…it’s how I sum up my life’s work. Everyone of those frames bears my name, as well as the word ‘Vienne’ – a little reference to the city of their origin, a metropolis of creativity, culture and design.” Robert La Roche: Personal View continues at the MAK through 24th September. If readers are fortunate to visit Vienna and the MAK, you can also enjoy the enchanting Fashion Utopias: Haute Couture in the Graphic Arts. This is a charming collection of graphic artworks from the late 15th Century to the 1930’s. Haute Couture existed long before the 20th Century! More details on both exhibitions at www.MAK.at www.rolf-spectacles.com JG
Photo: top image Robert La Roche sunglasses model S-49 Photo Gerhard Heller, ca. 1976
Gone are the days when neutral colours meant traditional hues, and may have lacked distinction or notable fashion assets. Nowadays, relaxed, flexible style guidelines enable a wide variety of colours to be classified as “neutral.” For spectacle wearers this is an opportunity to experiment with some delicious “new neutrals” to transform your autumn fashion aura – with stylish eloquence.
An exotic shape – in a splendid shade called Tea Camo (above) – distinguishes Innski, with its exaggerated round form by l.a. Eyeworks. Handcrafted in Italy, the acetate design claims its own distinctive, desirable eyewear personality! www.laeyeworks.com
Kirsten and Lars Iversen believe in positive contributions to society. For each Karmoie frame sold, the Norwegian based design duo donate a pair of corrective glasses to developing countries. Their graceful eyewear designs include Nucleus in kelp acetate with contrasting kelp/oak temples. www.karmoie.com
Nature’s natural beauty crystallises the inspiration for SALT. Optics designs by Californian David Rose. Lorna is from the latest collection that will be featured at SILMO next month. The refined contrast between the oyster frame, and inner temple colouration, enhance this elegant design. www.saltoptics.com
Crystal frames are a flashback to vintage and the newest interpretations are a striking unification of contemporary and retro. The Austrian label Neubau includes Georg model number T008, with sheer transparency and streamlined features. www.neubau-eyewear.com JG
For late summer holidays and autumn adventures, Tavat has launched stunning sunglasses with trendy and contemporary styling. Double bridge designs are sought after for their unique qualities and dramatic expression. Split is a chic, round metal frame with intricate detailing on the temples. An exciting, distinctive shape that is suitable for men and women. Find more creative Tavat designs at www.tavat-eyewear.com JG
Vera Wang’s beautiful sunglasses collection pinpoints classical elegance, contemporary detailing and strong shapes that ensure exceptional desirability, and – quite naturally – an excellent celebrity following. Cue Gemma Styles, Krystal Rodriguez, and Aimee Kritikos, influencers with edgy fashion credentials and the ability to mix street style and high-end fashion quite effortlessly.
In the group pictured, Styles (pictured left) wears Wang’s new model Osa, a design that combines the fashionista circular eye shape with a chic interpretation of the double bridge.
Friends Aimee Kritikos (above, centre) and Krystal Rodriguez (above, far right) wear Hesse, a strong, solid oversize black acetate flattop with discreet logo engraving and Lido, the dazzling new zyl cat eye style of the collection, bejewelled on front and sides.
World-renowned fashion designer Vera Wang is known for exquisite taste and a modern approach to feminine glamour and beauty. Her new eyewear releases, translated from the fashion collection, show an exciting twist on current trends and a taste for the dramatic with exotic flourishes of embellishment completing the picture. Find more details on the full collection including models Hesse, Lido and Osa at www.verawang.com / www.kenmarkoptical.com CN
Photo (top) by kind permission of Kenmark Optical