Eyestylist

Summer’s best brights

20th July 2015 There’s still time to refresh colours for summer holidays. Beyond the beautiful world of classic eyewear tones is a new choice of sunglasses in pinks, blues, greens, and oranges that are upbeat and exotic, and ideal for vacations. Roman brand Mondelliani sets this warming tone with a Limited Edition Ibiza collection: vibrant punchy colours on a quirky version of the circular silhouette. www.mondelliani.it

Dip into shocking pink with Lee by Morgenthal Frederics, a chic vintage Bardot cat-eye updated in a graduated lipstick shade with grey gradient lens. www.morgenthalfrederics.com

Or go all out in citrus hues: Io Ethical Italian Eyewear’s unusual handmade metal “wire” designs include this eye-catching round shape (pictured in orange with a gentle smokey lens tint), created by Adriano Lio, and part of the Juta Collection. Io Ethical Italian Eyewear, an independent artisan label by Liò Factory is based in Italy’s Veneto region. More information: www.lio-occhiali.it CN

Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation

14th July 2015 Two intrepid spirits, Luca Gnecchi Ruscone – founder and designer at L.G.R. in Rome; and “Ethan Hunt” – played by famous actor Tom Cruise in “Mission Impossible –  Rouge Nation” – relish adventure and excitement as reflected in the extraordinary stunts filmed in this fifth Mission production. L.G.R.’s stunning sunglasses and lenses worn by Cruise, have been specifically developed to create the exceptional quality vision – and durability necessary – to execute the many thrilling scenes in this movie.

Cruise’s electrifying motorcycle chase – perhaps energized and empowered by the unique design of L.G.R. Comoros Sunglasses (two photos above) in ultra-thin, laser cut stainless steel – allows him to successfully complete his many challenges/stunts in this movie.

In other scenes, our hero Hunt/Cruise wears Tangeri by L.G.R., with contemporary lines echoing by-gone times – a true modern classic. The sleek, sporty design of the sunglasses is a perfect fit for this adrenaline-rushing action-packed movie by Paramount. L.G.R. frames are handcrafted in Italy, and both Comoros and Tangeri models are available in selected boutiques and at www.lgrworld.com JG

Salt. + Aether

10th July 2015 Two premium brands – SALT. Eyewear and AETHER technical outerwear, both based in California – have combined their expertise for a Limited Edition of superb sunglasses. Both companies share an intense passion for nature and the outdoors, and the result is a collaboration on two frame styles – the Scout (above) and the Explorer. The sunglasses are designed for both men and women drawn to adventure and outdoor pursuits.

Lightweight, beta-titanium insures that the frames are nearly unbreakable and extremely flexible. Scout and Explorer also feature windshields and an extended frame-top, and the lenses are available in four colour options. SALT. + AETHER eyewear has been constructed specifically to solve the optical challenges that matter most when engaging in activities that may require speed, yet where comfort and optical clarity are a must for safety and style.

These sunglasses are also ideal for the outdoor life where wind and sun are factors. Whether your pleasure leans to motorcycles or motoring in a convertible; bike riding; boating; skiing; or other fun-filled outdoor activities, the new designs by SALT. + AETHER offer sophisticated sunglass styles, protection, and superb craftsmanship. www.saltoptics.com www.aetherapparel.com JG

Niloca Eyewear, Australia

8th July 2015 In need of totally new eyewear styling? Independent label Niloca from Australia have created this sister shape to the classic cat’s eye, with a dramatic, dragonlike upswept design. The frame is part of the Shear Scallop 2015 collection, produced in archived acetate from Mazzucchelli, and is one of several models in the range, inspired by surfing: “I surfed as a teenager growing up along the south Australia wine coast,” explains Colin Redmond aka ‘Mr Niloca’. “I was always amazed by the physics of how a wave was formed and how light shone through a wave when you’re in the ‘green room’. A wave is partly formed by the wind direction above and partly by the profile of the beach, plus a few other factors like current and temperature. The thing that got me was the curling of the wave, as it rose up out of a flat vast nothing. Similarly, eyewear is traditionally very flat as frames are cut from a flat slab of acetate. It’s a feature of my work to explore depth and the 3rd dimension in eyewear, but also the acetate.

“An extra element of depth makes a frame infinitely more dynamic. With the Shear Scallop, we had a special shell cutter made to give a nice concave curve profile, much like a wave at its peak. Cutting this way does a few things to the acetate: it gives a richer depth experience, as light reflects through the different thicknesses, bouncing off in different directions. It’s a relatively simple technique that gives endless ‘play’ on the shape, silhouette and profile of the frame.”

www.niloca.com CN