Eyestylist

Sunnies to Enhance Your Summer Spirit

22nd July 2015 The holiday season is upon us, and along with swimwear, sandals and suntan cream, the accessory with the maximum impact…is sunglasses. Götti Switzerland has created Limited Edition sunglasses to mark the 68th Festival del Film Locarno 2015. The frames purposely reflect the era of great cinema legends. The contemporarily interpreted butterfly shape of the women’s sunglasses (above) is reminiscent of those made for icons Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. The men’s design pays tribute to film luminaries Cary Grant and Richard Burton. The sunglasses are available in black with gold mirrored lenses, which discreetly mirror the Pardo in Locarno, the symbol of the film festival. Only fifty pairs have been produced, and each model is numbered and one of a kind. www.gotti.ch

L.G.R. the elegant Rome label created by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, has designed sunglasses in collaboration with the the exclusive Yacht Club de Monaco. Reunion is ideal for for summer pleasures – land and sea – when eye protection is essential. The frames come in a customized box, also designed by Ruscone. www.lgrworld.com

Austrian brand Silhouette Eyewear recommends that the principle of quality standards sought for sun protection products should be exactly the same for sunglasses. Opt for lenses with UV-400 protection+, as featured in Silhouette’s elegant Allure sunglasses above. Fit is extremely important, and Silhouette suggest checking that the frames fit snugly without pressure on your ears, and that they don’t slip down your nose. You want to look stylish and be comfortable too! www.silhouette.com

Inspiration comes in many different guises and TAVAT, the American eyewear company has launched an innovative frame “SoupCan.” The idea originated when designer Norman Schureman visited a friend in Arizona, who constructs  and races planes, and Schureman noticed an old poster on a hanger wall. The goggles in the poster reminded Norm of a soup can, and thus started the voyage to create frames in a new concept, while complimenting the current trends of weight and rounded eyes. “SoupCan” is available in round and panto shapes, crafted under the experienced and professional eyes of Italian artisans. www.tavat-eyewear.com JG

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