Parisian brand Face à Face believes that frames should also be fun – designs to fashionably protect the eyes, but with a sense of humour too. The latest WOOW sunglasses reflect that philosophy with acetate designs in gorgeous colours, bold shapes and humorous names, including Super Sweet in luscious tones of purple and pink. An amusing touch is the name on the frame end tips. See more Super WOOW designs at www.wooweyewear.com JG
Summer is a magical season. Soft air, warm sunshine, leisurely days, fragrant flowers, and billowy fashions. Gorgeous sunglasses enhance fine sunny days and personal style, and the latest creations by international artisans offer inspirational variety in designs, colours and materials. Scandinavian excellence, beauty, luxury and technical innovation highlight LINDBERG’S style 8404 (above). The exquisitely crafted sunglasses in two-tone titanium feature slim-line temple details in a finely honed, skilful silhouette. www.lindberg.com
Other ravishing examples include Elkins from SALT. Optics – based in sun-blessed California – that combines pale powder acetate and black sand beta titanium temples, with a sleek titanium brow bar. French optician Emmanuelle Kirsch designed the elegant, luxurious glass case. www.saltoptics.com www.emmanuellekirsch.com
Unique shapes intrigue eyewear designers, and Bus by French creator Christian Mascré at Vue dc makes a bold impression in finest quality acetate. Fusions of traditional and modern techniques authenticate the individuality of each handcrafted design. www.vuedc.com
Location near the British seaside is an inspiration for sunglasses by Tom Herrington at Rockoptika. Volume and superb shaping in crystal math acetate highlight Reprise. Herrington is a fan of classic eyewear shaping, enhanced with bold, expressive lines. Discover more striking frames by Rockoptika at www.rockoptika.com JG
A favourite retro ‘clubmaster’ shape, in new modern acetate colours paired with classical lens tones such as this retro bottle green. Filip is part of a collection that evokes the true essence of the American designer brand Zac Posen, timelessly stylish and glamorous with a modern sensibility and edge. The eyewear reflects the craftsmanship of handmade frames with a forward design aesthetic featuring custom acetates with rich golds tortoises, and hints of colour throughout. A collection to explore, at www.kenmarkoptical.com / www.zacposen.com CN
Eyewear artisan creators Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi at l.a. Eyeworks, and Blake Kuwahara have created a dynamic capsule collection. The Los Angeles based trio have designed a Limited Edition of eight frames that combine luxury, beautiful design, imaginative shapes, and vibrant colours. “We set out to distil and combine the essence of both of our brands as an adventure in optical alchemy,” says Gheradi.
Handcrafted in Japan, the expressive ophthalmic frames are called “Two Noons” and Two Rays.” Kuwahara noted: “We wanted the frames to exhibit harmony and tension between opposing shapes and ideas, blending the newness of my ‘frame within a frame’ construction techniques, and the history of l.a. Eyeworks’ timeless shapes and colours.”
Blake Kuwahara x l.a. Eyeworks are iconic, inspired ophthalmic designs. www.laeyeworks.com www.blakekuwahara.com JG
An antique eyewear collection which includes 62 spectacles from Europe and China through the centuries will go on sale at the London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia later this month. The earliest example in the historic collection is from circa 1790, whilst the latest spectacles included date from the 1940s. A few items described as “very rare examples”, include opticians’ diagnostic and measuring tools. The collection will be available to view on the Voyager Press stand at Olympia from the 26th to 28th May 2016 and carries a price tag of £4,950.
Described as an unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of eyewear of the highest standard, it illustrates the history of spectacles from the late 1700s, through the 1800s and up to the mid-1900s. The collection covers the making of optical lenses and frames and the shifts in trends and mindsets towards eyewear over the centuries.
Highlights include some of the earliest tinted glasses and fold up spectacles, glasses which attached to the ear by a string, 10 pince-nez and a very rare pair of early 19th century surgeon’s magnifying glasses with large square lenses. For more information: www.voyager-press.com CN