Eyestylist

Yoko by Ørgreen

6th February 2016

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.

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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

Design + Inspiration

Visionary Original Concepts

5th February 2016

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

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

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

Reviews

Clockwork by Niloca

2nd February 2016

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 3^rd 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.

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

Design + Inspiration

London Showtime!

2nd February 2016

All eyes – 100% – are on London this weekend – 6-8 February – as 100% Optical opens at Excel London. The three-day event hosts international eyewear designers and companies, who are presenting the latest, innovative optical and eyewear collections. Austrian based Silhouette will present several selections, including Titan Accent (above) the feather-light, elegant frames for men and women; in addition to Sun Specs for 2016 and Urban Lite. www.silhouette.com

Darell by Sven Götti for Götti Switzerland

Slim and trim frames are a prevailing trend, and Götti introduces a sleek design – Darell – in Titanium with a smart double bridge. Götti will also present beautiful Genuine Horn designs that are superbly handcrafted. www.gotti.ch

Havana Fiammato Tortoiseshell acetate highlights a stunning design by L.G.R. – Reunion II Flap. A flat double bridge, brown leather flaps and silver mirrored lenses add to the distinction of this unique design. www.lgrworld.com

Line Art Opera Collection - XL2067 - by Charmant — Line Art Opera Collection – XL2067 – by Charmant

Handset ruby, diamond and amber Swarovski crystals enhance this luxurious frame – XL2067 by Charmant – from the Line Art Opera Collection. The temple detail is intricately designed and inspired by musical waves in lightweight Excellence Titan. The Charmant Z collection for men will also be presented at 100% Optical. www.charmant.com Mark your calendars! 6-8 February at Excel London. More info at www.100percentoptical.com JG

Arts + travel

Jacqueline de Ribes

29th January 2016

Tall, elegant and aristocratic, Countess Jacqueline de Ribes (born 1929) is recognised as one of the celebrated fashion personas of the 20th Century. Her statuesque silhouette was a designer’s dream; and style was in her genes – as a child de Ribes loved to play “dress up”…and carried this radiant imagination into adulthood.

Jacqueline de Ribes in her own design,1983

The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is staging an exhibition of designs from the Countess’s opulent personal wardrobe, including dresses that she created for her own company from 1982-1995. She was consistently on The Best Dressed List and respected for her originality and superb style and manner.

Jacqueline de Ribes in her own design, 1985

A multi-faceted woman, de Ribes was also a theatrical impresario, a TV producer, and she helped organise Museum and Charity events. Nature conservation and environmental protection were also among her pioneering projects. The exhibition also includes videos, photos and personal effects. Jacqueline de Ribes: The Art of Style is a fascinating glimpse into the life and boundless style of a truly elegant woman. Continues until 21st February 2016. www.metmuseum.org JG

Photos: Top image: Jacqueline de Ribes 1955 by Richard Avedon The Richard Avedon Foundation Middle image: Photograph by Victor Skrebneski, Skrebneski Photograph 1983 Bottom image: Photography by David Lees, David Lees/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

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