Ewa Look, collage artist
Munich’s Brillen Schneider, a specialist in fine eyewear and independent brands such as LGR, Lindberg and Suzy Glam, launch a new window exhibition with artist Ewa Look. 12 handmade collages, with a nod to German dadaism and 3d futurism, are displayed alongside eye-catching frames from some of the collections on sale at the prestigious store.
The colourful collage designs in different sizes metamorphosise the optician’s windows with spectacular effect. Showing until 19th October, with all original collages available to purchase. Brillen Schneider, Amalienstraße 33, 80799 Munich / www.brillen-schneider.de www.ewalook.com CN
RockOptika ‘Stars’
A new launch for Tom Herrington
Five years on and independent British label RockOptika is flourishing. HQ is a converted high street bank – complete with original safe – situated by the seaside, with an extensive selection of British eyewear, including RockOptika’s very own new ultra luxe handcrafted collection.
The new line is fresh, confident and big on artisan detail. “Made in a leading traditional factory in the Jura, each frame front is carved from one piece, including the nosepads,” says Tom. “An integrated gold metal T.H. logo under resin appears on the front and bespoke dual colour schemes are perfectly matched. The bridges have been machined; chamfering along the sides adds a distinctive touch of luxury.”
With 21 styles in total in the full collection, the 6 new Art Deco inspired styles include a statement round shape with a flattened top, inspired by a pair of small French vintage spectacles, several bold glossy acetate rectangles, and a hard edged vintage look supra (half-eye in the style of the Kray twins), all named after stars.
The new models are presented in a sturdy paper case and embossed presentation box and all are suitable for sun or ophthalmic lenses. The collection launched this weekend at a new flagship eyewear store by Nelson’s Eye Patch, Norfolk, UK, www.nelsonseyepatch.com. Further details at www.rockoptika.com CN
Kaleidoscope of Colour!
Magical Interpretations of the Colour SpectrumPreviews of new season launches indicate that the colour spectrum is absolutely stunning! Bright colourations abound, as well as lovely nuances of deep, rich tones, and subtle mutations. Duo and tri-tone effects provide additional style and flair. SALT. Optics – the California based company – explores the many fascinating aspects of nature, and Eleanor (above) in Dragonfly is a beautiful example. The two-tone acetate design in a contemporary silhouette is handcrafted in Japan. www.saltoptics.com
HAPTER in Italy has launched a striking bi-coloured design – Optical EO4S – with colour both inside and outside the frame. The colourations are chic and sophisticated in muted tones. This is an elegant new feature from Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti, in a design that is suitable for small to regular-size faces. Sophistication and understated luxury are totally aligned in Prime Line, within the txt001 HAPTER collection. www.hapter.it
Benjamin Franklin – one of America’s Founding Fathers – was also a witty man who thrived on work, and according to legend – the inventor of bifocals. Theo in Belgium have creatively – and colourfully – updated Franklin’s invention with a 21st Century version, that enables bifocal wearers to have perfect far away and close up view. Tandem in vibrant shocking pink is for the individualist who won’t settle for less – just like the fascinating Mr. Franklin. www.theo.be
California designers Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi at l.a. Eyeworks debut a multi-faceted collection this month at SILMO Paris in dynamic colours. Pingo in acetate – deliciously named Emerald Lagrassy Fade with Deep Eggplant – features a signature metal browline, with handmade custom epoxy finishes. The latest optical collection from l.a. Eyeworks is a modern exploration of colour and shape. www.laeyeworks.com
Colour vibrations and special surface techniques are emphasised in frames by Face à Face Paris. Selma displays scratched acetate with hand varnishing for a rich, lustrous look in glossy cherry and teal blue. A modern cat-eye shape adds to the allure and individuality of the design. www.faceaface-paris.com JG
Colin and Josie Redmond, Niloca
Just as we’d thought we were up-to-date on all the most creative brands around the world, Niloca Eyewear came to our attention in 2013. There followed the discovery of Scoogle in Melbourne, and several chats with Colin (aka Mr Niloca) in Paris. With a background in industrial design and a fascination for all things innovative in eyewear, it quickly became apparent that this was another rule-breaking label with their own unique approach to spectacle-making.
“I married into eyewear,” explains Colin who first met his wife Josie at the optometrist’s where she was working at the time.” “We went out for dinner and found we’d both outgrown Brisbane. A few months later we were packing our life into a 3 ton truck together and drove 2,000km south to Melbourne. We wanted to open our own eyewear store and expand my 3D printing and design company.”
Despite tumultuous initial experiences, including the onset of GFC 1 in November 2008, the Scoogle store has flourished, run by both Josie, a trained optometrist and Colin, the designer. Collections found here today include Niloca, Theo and Anne & Valentin (read about Scoogle at https://www.eyestylist.com/2014/10/scoogle-melbourne/).
“From the outset, our point of difference wasn’t our product variety, our brand or price. It was our service, which started from the very beginning, before the frame or customer even entered the store. Exceptional service started with an equally exceptional design, created as a service to cater for the needs and wants of the customer. We didn’t need bells, whistles, bling, mirror and smoke to attract customers – all we needed was design and service. The rest took care of itself.”
Soon after, the creation of the Niloca collection began. “I dispensed with the traditional design process of computer designs. The $50,000 worth of advanced software and hardware I had used in 3D Printing parts for automotive, mining and science companies now gathered a patina of dust.
“Boxes of Derwent, Pantone and Rotring implements took centre stage and I drew new models by hand on actual paper and made prototypes using tin, balsa wood, foam and card board. It was a chimerical process of tactile sensory pleasure, live in 3D in front of my eyes. I’d been deprived of this for many years as 2×30” flat LCD screens desperately tried to fool me into a 3D environment of CAD models to the 4th decimal point. This new found enthusiasm for drawing was immediately rewarding and solution driven.”
By summer 2011/12, Colin had released his first sunglass model, Florna, named after the couple’s first daughter. The colours chosen were derived from classic archived Italian acetates, meticulously stored in an Australian eyewear factory 5 hours west of Sydney. Florna is a classic chic frame infused liberally by Art Deco lines, proportion and as the designer explains, “the most important ingredient – chromaticness”.
Several collections later came some Niloca “classics”, such as Hyperfocus, one of the first Niloca concepts I saw myself at Silmo 2014. Handsculpted in the Jura in France, this acetate design, in patterned and single colour versions, has a cutting-edge 3d form, that flatters the face, but in a rather unexpected way. Like an optical illusion, the 3d effect is apparent really only when viewed from the side, not from the front; it’s surprising, elegant and unconventional, all at once.
This time, our Silmo releases will hold more surprises, says Colin. “I’m taking the 3D form theme I started out with 5 years ago,” he explains, “and pushing it even further. In 2013, we released a ‘frame within a frame’ concept, something people were scared of, but now copy in droves. So in Paris, I hope to give Niloca ‘fans’ more to inspire them, pushing the idea of depth to a new level.” For more information: www.niloca.com / www.scoogle.com.au CN
Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart
Eyewear Designers at Motorworld
Important dates to note on the October calendar are Saturday and Sunday the 17th and 18th – when major independent eyewear designers present their collections at Motorworld in Stuttgart. Stunning eyewear and an equally distinctive collection of vintage cars at the same venue is an ideal way to enjoy an autumn weekend! Over fifty unique companies – including Götti; Orgreen; Spectacle Eyeworks; Onkel Ferdi; Kirk & Kirk; Bellinger; Joel Lesca; Tavat; and Slav Nowosad among others, will present their latest collections at this outstanding international exposition of creative eyewear.
The Canadian design house Spectacle Eyeworks pays homage to history and heritage with the Cyrus (above) frame. Inspired by the power of the past – and connecting with the present – the temples of each frame are meticulously engraved. Cyrus is named after the Great King of Persia who wrote The Tablet of Cyrus. Designer Mehran Baghaie says: “My Persian roots and family, the visual richness and enigmatic nature of symbolism, as well as the freedom and equality of mankind, continue to be a defining source of influence and inspiration with these new designs.” www.spec-eyeworks.com
Swiss designer Sven Götti has an elegant, deft touch with eyewear materials. His latest collection combines acetate and Titanium, crafted beautifully into Tonky – in a glorious shade of autumn plum. The voluminous shape is remarkably slim and lightweight. www.gotti.ch
Fun details and dashing colours highlight designs at Danish company Bellinger. Bella is a bright tonal mix – colours that are ideal with autumn fashions. www.bellinger.dk
Handcrafted in Italy, Tavat has launched a unique frame – Soupcan Pantos – in red acetate and light gun metal, with great attention to detail – particularly on the nose piece and temples. www.tavat-eyewear.com Save the Dates! 17th and 18th October for Die Brillenmesse in Stuttgart. More info at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG