Eyestylist

Now trending – opticals

15th April 2016

Optical frames offer a plenitude of choices: luscious colours, superb materials and innovative design. Natural and high tech materials give opticals a unique élan and stylish demeanour. ROLF Spectacles – advocates of vintage cars – created a frame based on the 1980’s Kadett model, which they have handcrafted in natural wild cherry – a beautiful wood favoured during the Biedermeier period. ROLF smoked the wood, and the cherry veneer develops a Cognac-like colour with a silky matte finish. Exceptional! www.rolf-spectacles.com

Lusciousness Divine by Anne-Karin Karlsson — Lusciousness Divine by Anna-Karin Karlsson

An ultra-swept brow on Anna-Karin Karlsson’s elegant frame – Lusciousness Divine – superbly compliments the face. Glistening aquamarine acetate is accentuated with a metal trim on the frame front. The design is sensuously sculpted, and available in other welcoming colours. www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Bogota - Coppe & Sid Gold Vintage Collection — Bogota – Coppe & Sid Gold Vintage Collection

Premium materials highlight the latest designs from Coppe & Sid. The frames – that include Bogota (above) – are crafted in Italy in either 24K gold plated, or pure palladium plated. Nostalgia for the 1950’s inspires these sophisticated designs, and the nose pads are Bohemian crystal glass. For more info on the Coppe and Sid Gold Vintage collection, visit www.eyedesignclub.com

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The latest frame in the DOLCE series by Charmant Line Art – XL29077 – is a lyrical rimless design, with a lovely colour technique on the temples. The gradient effect is available in both a shiny gradation – and a matt finish. Superb comfort is assured with special ergonomic end tips. Stylish and streamlined. www.charmant.com

JF Rey Masculin Club 1348 Image by © Marc Oeder/Corbis

Carefully selected Tuscan Italian leathers provide an innovative approach to JF Rey au Masculin Club line. The brand has created a process so that naturally tanned leather is inseparable from the acetate, and the result is a distinctive, elegant, and luxurious look. The Leather Collection is available in both optical designs – above Club JF1348 – and sunglass models. www.jfrey.fr JG

Creative spirits

neubau and the new generation

12th April 2016

As Silhouette Eyewear launches distinctive, cutting-edge design brand neubau, Eyestylist asked Daniel Liktor, Head of Brand, to explain the origins and to give his own input about the new collections available in stores in June (optical collection) and in the Autumn 2016 (sunglasses).

“My professional background is rooted in strong brands; Mercedes-Benz/smart, Puma and Red Bull; my positions were linked to brand, product, sales and licensing,” explains Daniel, who says his arrival at Silhouette is a special journey. “We have a clear and outspoken vision for neubau. We want to become a benchmark within the field, with an independent lifestyle eyewear brand for trend-oriented, quality-driven consumers.” Above: Daniel Liktor, Head of Brand, neubau eyewear

Since his arrival at Silhouette, Liktor has become aware of how discerning the modern urban audience is today. “For them, eyewear is more of a lifestyle accessory than a medical aid – they want to express their personality through their style, and they see eyewear as part of their selected outfit. The product quality and fit for everyday comfort is important and has to be spot on. A definite plus is a unique, genuine and interesting brand story.”

neubau frames are made from lightweight polymer, a custom stainless steel or a mix of both. Both materials produce very light designs with a high level of comfort. For the optician, they are easy to glaze, easy to adjust. The colour concept is based on a trend-inspired assortment of colours including new ones like copper.

“The copper is a good example of what we’re offering,” explains Daniel. “It’s a buzzing trend in interior design but it’s unexplored in eyewear. We always cross-check with what other industries are doing, especially fashion, interior design and other lifestyle industries.”

Silhouette’s Austrian heritage gives a significant reference point and mark of quality. “We produce all our frames in Austria. Being part of Silhouette International, we are proud of our background. This is one of the reasons why the brand is named after a district in the Austrian capital.”

Liktor also refers to other districts when explaining the neubau concept, and references his own love of travelling. “There are so many (places) out there! I’ve been travelling a lot in my past and these districts have always been a focus. Almost every big city has a place like Neubau with a special energy…Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte in Berlin, Brera and Tortona in Milan, Shoreditch and Hackney in London, the Meatpacking district, Manhattan and Williamsburgs/Brooklyn, NYC. This is how we got inspired.”

For more information on neubau eyewear, visit www.neubau-eyewear.com CN

Design + Inspiration

Flatline Sunglasses by RVS Eyewear

12th April 2016

Eyewear innovators can see an appetite for bold experimental shapes, eye-catching colour and unusual details and combinations. Enter Flatline by RVS Eyewear – a rare square eye shape that demands attention. The reduced size of the squares – a throwback to retro elegance – and the unusual bridge on top, create a powerful intersection between vintage and futuristic. Colours add to the lasting impression: a graduated black/tortoise or crystal/tortoise produce two very different effects.

Flatline is now available for purchase via the redesigned RVS Eyewear website launched last month at www.rvseyewear.com. Find other “RVS classics” including the not-to-be-missed asymmetrical Annette and “wild cat” design, Paris II. CN

Reviews

Esperia by Lu.pa studio

11th April 2016

Italian artist Lucia Pasin has produced another unique and evocative eyewear collection, launched in Milan in March. Model Esperia – in the designer’s EOS optical collection – is a feminine, oversized cat eye shape, bold and inimitable with its lush floral motif, a watercolour design by Pasin, transformed with exceptional results onto eyewear. Made in Italy, every frame is slightly different in the design and colour featured, in keeping with the handpainted works by the artist, who says the flower theme was inspired by Frida Kahlo. Wear with coordinating florals or statement colours and stand out in the crowd. For more information about the collection, visit www.lupastudio.it CN

Design + Inspiration

An artist’s impression

9th April 2016

Italian handmade label Res/Rei presents its new line of handmade sunglasses in a series of illustrations by Karin Kellner, the Milan based illustrator and portrait artist – www.karinkellner.com. The images include portraits of men and women, predominantly in monochrome, wearing the Res/Rei sunglasses and spectacles, picked out in a watercolour effect that perfectly illustrates the refined nuances in colour and pattern of the Mazzucchelli acetates.

The smoothly sculpted style Calvino, included in the illustration (top) is evocative in its simple yet classical shaping and pretty marbling, combined with a gentle tint in the lenses. For more information on Res/Rei and eyewear featuring in the Karin Kellner illustrations, visit: http://www.resrei.com/home/karin-kellner-x-res-rei/ CN

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