Eyestylist

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

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

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