Eyestylist

Throughout history, memorable events have occurred during the month of October. It is the birth month of composers Verdi, and Liszt, and pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to St. Helena, Eleanor Roosevelt was born during this month, and the first film “talkie” opened in New York in the 1920’s. For eyewear enthusiasts, October dates to remember for 2016 are Sunday and Monday – 2rd and 3rd October. This year’s Hall of Frames is particularly noteworthy as the event will be held in a new and spacious venue – Stage One Events and Convention Centre in Zurich. Conveniently located near the centre of Zurich, the setting features many amenities – and an inviting, welcoming atmosphere to showcase some of the most exclusive and exciting international eyewear labels.

Participants include Götti Switzerland who will present their elegant selections, including Titanium designs featuring the patented “Spin & Stow” collection – the unique way to easily fold frames, and then safely tuck in a bag or pocket. Sleek and refined is Tajo (above) in a beautiful panto shape. www.gotti.ch

Nature, forests, woods, and classic cars are inspirations for the ROLF team, creating their artisan frames in the beautiful surroundings of the Austrian Tyrol. The latest addition to the Excellence Collection is a frame with class and luxury – the Minor 205 in walnut and burl impressively crafted to emphasise the retro charm of the shape. The design is inspired by the classic car – The Morris Minor – which was built by the UK company Morris Motors in Britain from 1928 to 1934. www.rolf-spectacles.com

HAPTER in Italy will be in Zurich to present the TXT001 (Icons Line) plus an innovative concept that is to be launched this autumn. The Icons Line includes MO2M (above) a prescription frame in Clear Military Green with a handsome Steel Blue Bridge. A smart colour contrast is available in sunglasses with Steel Blue, and the bridge in clear Military Green. www.hapter.it

Claire Goldsmith has eyewear DNA in her veins, with a heritage that has forged remarkable and memorable designs worn by international clients and celebrities. Claire is creating her own eyewear identity and history with her superb collection of optical frames. Taylor is a chic combo in tortoiseshell and aqua acetate, highlighted with a gold nose piece www.clairegoldsmith.com

With its Austrian heritage and dedication to quality, Neubau beautifully – and proficiently – creates eyewear with impressive results. Linda is an exceptional frame in lightweight polymer in Psychedelic Tortoise, which resonates a stylish respect to the classic cat eye shape. www.neubau-eyewear.com Additional information on Hall of Frames Zurich at www.hallofframes.ch JG

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

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