Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 10th February 2016

Golden Sophistication: Catherine von Specht

At a particularly beautiful wedding reception in the heart of Provence in France, sitting across from me was a lovely, chic woman wearing superbly crafted and luxurious refined jewellery. I commented on her necklace, and she replied: “Thank you – I designed this necklace.” Consequently, I was fortunate to meet Parisian jewellery designer Catherine von Specht (above) of Umbellina, who creates original one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.

18K Gold earrings with Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds in a Sapphire glass medallion by CVS
18K Gold earrings with Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds in a Sapphire glass medallion by CVS

The pure simplicity, united with premium quality materials – exquisite jewels and fine gold – highlight the stunning designs. She discovered her passion for jewellery and gold, and created her first designs in Hamburg. Having lived in France, England, and Germany, plus travelling globally with her German husband, von Specht’s perspective and intuition reflects serenity and harmony in her jewellery.

18K gold, Pink Sapphire and Diamond bracelet by CVS
18K gold, Pink Sapphire and Diamond bracelet by CVS

Perfect balance in the lines and symmetry of her creations, further enhance her elegant expressions. Certain designs have little messages engraved on the metal or medallions. The result is always unique and personal. Umbellina creations are sold in select shops in Paris, Munich, Miami and Los Angeles. Von Specht also works with perspective clients so they can select their own metal and stones, achieving the jewellery design of their dreams. www.umbellina.com JG

 

 

| Eyestylist 9th February 2016

100% London: 2016 directions

This weekend’s London optics fair at Excel saw several international launches and a growing attendance of international visitors, designers and fashion brands. Silhouette from Austria chose the show for the UK launch of Neubau Eyewear, their new youthful design-oriented brand dedicated to a modern urban audience and inspired by a young artistic neighbourhood in Vienna.

Neubau Eyewear / Silhouette
Design trends: Alex in Copper by Neubau Eyewear / Silhouette

Drawing on Silhouette’s rich history and high quality Austrian manufacturing, the optical collection includes 12 models in six colours with full rim metals – highlights were shiny finishes in copper and bright gold – and multicoloured SPX shapes (available June 2016). A sunglasses collection, inspired by Silhouette’s historic eyewear archive and previewed at 100% will launch later in the year. www.neubau-eyewear.com

Henau
M 2101 by Henau Eyewear

Further highlights included an increase in small independent labels in attendance at the show.  Henau from Belgium showed creative acetate sunglasses and opticals. Their unconventional trendsetting shapes show a commitment to variety, detail and original colours, recurring themes across the stands at 100%. Henau model M 2101 represents a modern pentagon shape with a bridge designed for an easy, comfortable fit. A new website launched last week at www.henau-eyewear.com/en

Hooper by Salt Optics
Hooper by Salt Optics

Model Hooper by Salt Optics was one of the ophthalmic styles selected for the 100% catwalk this weekend. The eloquent combination front has a tiny double rivet on both sides, perfectly in tune with the elegant lines and very narrow temples. www.saltoptics.com

Claire Goldsmith
Representing the UK at 100%: Claire Goldsmith

British brands were out in full force at 100%; London’s iconic Savile Row (www.savileroweyewear.com) and Oliver Goldsmith collections (www.clairegoldsmith.com / www.olivergoldsmith.com) –  highlighted quality and finesse in British eyewear, while design label Kirk & Kirk showed their unique style and love of audacious colour in the transparent acrylic Kaleidoscope Collection, www.kirkandkirk.com.

100% Optical represents a new chapter for the UK market as a showcase for eyewear fashion and, in particular, the specialised independent eyewear producers, both local and international. The dates for the show in 2017 have been confirmed as 4th to 6th February 2017. http://www.100percentoptical.com CN

| Eyestylist 6th February 2016

Yoko by Ørgreen

Some combinations like titanium and beta-titanium just work, and the Danish company Ørgreen is masterful at integrating the two, for a result that brings together great design and a wonderful sense of lightness. Yoko is a new sunglass design named after and dedicated to the peace activist and 60s icon. The oversized round silhouette and refined slim bridge are proposed in several colour combinations in a predominantly restrained palette that complements the sandblasted gold titanium.

Model 656
Model 656

 

While we’d go for a sharp duo of mat racing green and gold (model 627, top), festival-goers will be lusting after the theatrical effect of the mat vintage rose with pink to purple “look-at-me” mirrors (model 656, above).  www.orgreenoptics.com CN

| Eyestylist 5th February 2016

Visionary Original Concepts

Innovation and unconventional approaches to eyewear are just two ingredients that make frames so desirable. For men, women and children – the numerous possibilities for distinctive, fun and imaginative eyewear enhance designs. Zoobug – the award-winning British brand for children launches a charming design – Chic – in blue diamond acetate (above).This frame is particularly good for small faces, as it is created with curled sides and a surgical grade silicon saddle. A larger version for children age 4+ is also available. Zoobug will be presenting their collection for youngsters – and launching the brand new optical styles at 100% Optical this weekend – 6-8 February – at Excel London. www.zoobug.com Photo by Wanda Kujacz

Chopin by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei
Chopin by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei

Classical composers are a theme at Res/Rei in Italy, where Oliverio Zanon is inspired by the keyboard style of Frédéric Chopin’s highly individual and technically demanding piano compositions. To honour the celebrated composer, Zanon has created Chopin – a frame with individual styling and technical highlights to reflect Chopin’s poetic music. The temples and nosepiece are intricately textured, and the frame also features distinctive end tips. Handcrafted in Italy. www.resrei.com

RIGARDS Matalloid RG0062AL by Ti Kwa
RIGARDS Metalloid RG0062AL by Ti Kwa

Frames with unexpected characteristics and materials are evident in an exceptional design by RIGARDS  – with Metalloid RG0062AL. The frame features the intrigue of smooth aluminium with a textured finish that resembles the appearance of sandblasted stone or raw stucco. Enduring industrial texture, the lightness of metal, and a refreshingly flattering shape define this unique frame. www.rigards.com

Sunglasses by Wes Gordon for Silhouette
Sunglasses by Wes Gordon for Silhouette

Fashion designer Wes Gordon has collaborated with Austrian brand Silhouette and the result is a striking collection of luxury sunglasses. The 1960’s inspired frames are lightweight, with a sleek panto shape in sophisticated tones of nude brown, classic grey, ocean blue and classic green. The Wes Gordon for Silhouette frames will be presented at 100% Optical this weekend at Excel London. www.silhouette.com www.100percentoptical.com JG

| Eyestylist 2nd February 2016

Clockwork by Niloca

Niloca Eyewear’s latest collections are inspired by the design theories of the Renaissance engineer, artist and architect, Brunelleschi, who was recognised as the master of linear perspective, showing depth on a flat surface, in the 14th century. Model Clockwork is one of the latest signature pieces by Australian designer Colin Redmond, created to “push the boundary of manufacturing technology and design language into the 3rd dimension”. The classically proportioned front could easily go unnoticed; however, as you look at the frames side-on or from above, it becomes apparent there’s more to this than meets the eye.

DSC_0520

With a raised faceted inner rim extending 4mm – seam welded using an aerospace calibrated laser welding machine, each surface is precisely shaped to ensure sharp details, defining the quality of manufacture without embellishment. Exclusive materials add to the dramatic statement of this idiosyncratic design.  http://niloca.com/stockists/ CN