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
Eyestylist

Esperia by Lu.pa studio

An artist’s impression
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

Santiago Coppe & Sid
Vintage echoes are reflected in this superbly crafted optical design by Coppe & Sid. Santiago features 24K gold plating with nose pads in original bohemian crystal glass. The shape hints of the 1950’s, and the end-tips are in biodegradable acetate…uniting retro and modern. Designed and made in Italy, the Coppe & Sid 1950 Vintage Gold Plated Collection is available in four different shapes, and also plated Palladium. www.eyedesignclub.com JG

Accomplished Accessories
Beautiful accessories can enliven the spirit as well as the wardrobe. With the arrival of spring and summer activities on the horizon, Eyestylist presents accessory ideas from leisurely to luxurious. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at L.G.R brings his formidable talents to a new métier – a distinguished weekender bag. With the magic and mystery of Africa so much a part of Luca’s eyewear creations, the legendary Muthalga Country Club in Nairobi, Kenya inspired this illustrious Safari Bag. The bags are totally handcrafted in Italy, constructed in leather and canvas – the materials selected because they are able to bear the extreme heat, humidity and sandstorms of an African Safari. The canvas exterior is protected from water splashes, and instead of zippers – that would clog in sandy, salty conditions – Luca opted for a 3mm thick leather flap that will stand up to rainy days and age beautifully with time. Ultra-chic for a weekend adventure! www.lgrworld.com

Espadrilles are a summer tradition, and Manebi handcrafts in Spain comfy shoes for beach wear to glamorous holiday parties. Quality fabrics – solid colours, prints and stripes – and leather from European resources are used to create classic espadrilles, as well as wedge and flat sandals. Manebi is in a Blue Mood (above) this summer – from soft tones to deep blue sea. To view more stylish espadrilles, click on www.manebi.eu

A Plinio Visona’ bag was a great Eyestylist discovery in Vienna, and a subsequent visit to the chic Milan boutique revealed an Italian collection with elegance, originality, innovation and beauty. Italian craftsmanship is the core of Plinio Visona’; the bags are handmade in the company’s artisan workshop in Vicenza. The latest collection includes intricately woven leather creations – including Arianna (above) in beautiful colours. The selection includes bags for daywear and evening. More details at www.pliniovisona.it

When the sun sets, even summer evenings can foster a chill. Keep cosy with a comfortable, beautifully hand-woven lap robe accented with leather trim (above). Created by Countess von Eckermann, a Swedish brand producing interior design and accessory products, the luxurious materials are environmentally friendly and exclusive to the company. Focused on sustainability and made locally in Sweden, the products are created with heritage and tradition. More news at www.countessvoneckermann.com JG

Contemporary Art in New York
An intriguing exhibition – featuring a group of Contemporary Artists – opens Friday 1st April in New York City in trendy TriBeCa. Painting, sculpture, and installations will feature in the event, with contributions by individualistic, international artists. The cultural diversity of the participants brings fresh, original perspective to each presentation. The event is held in collaboration with shhhim (www.shhhim.com) which encourages and supports artists in promoting their work. Mixed-media artist and sculptor Constance Chabieres has been involved with art programmes for UNICEF in Asia and Africa. Her work is inspired by nature, colour, light, street style and people on the streets. Movement and rhythm highlight her creations, including the bronze sculpture above. www.chabrieres.net

Swedish/Lebanese Sara Badr Schmidt is presenting a work that she began ten years ago and continues “as a work in progress”, says the Paris-based artist. The concept is to show the limits of borders, but also the enrichment that different cultures compound. Borderless – the title of the installation project – are photos printed on canvas and mounted on light boxes, with some enhanced by a sound track. www.sarabadrschmidt.com

Among other artists exhibiting are Jerry Atkins, Sami Basbous, Rafik Majzoub and Brett Wallace. The exhibition continues through 18th April at 481 Washington Street, New York City 10013. Tel: +1 917 621 63 89. JG

























