Eyestylist

at London Fashion Week

23rd February 2015 Over the last few days, the London show has presented new and established independent eyewear designers in the Designer Showrooms, Somerset House. Highlights were the unique handmade labels such as Mondelliani from Rome (pictured above), exhibiting their Fashion DOC and The California Collection alongside the super leather accessories collection by AEVHA London.  www.aevhalondon.com / www.mondelliani.it

Also present were the British labels Larke Optics by Laura Nicholson – www.larkeoptics.com – and Termite Eyewear,  a creative label popular with the fashion crowd at LFW, and focusing on sustainable design and reclaimed and recycled materials. Termite was created in 2012 by womenswear design graduates Natalie Finch and Patricia Williams. www.termiteeyewear.com

For the ultimate in glamour and luxury in eyewear, Anna-Karin Karlsson’s distinguished showpieces included the classy gold/black horse and Mourning for Miss Blow, an oversized acetate and shining copper design worn by female singer Beyonce last year.

For more information and online eyewear shopping in the Anna-Karin Karlsson boutique, visit www.annakarinkarlsson.com CN

Italian Flair: Radical Yet Discreet

18th February 2015 Eric Balzan and Mirko Forti at HAPTER have just launched new styles in their Prime Line collection txt1001. Their original interpretation of unique eyewear – fusing surgical steel and luxurious cotton fabrics from Cerruti Woolen Mills 1881 – evolves with optical frames and sunglasses that are inspirational. The optical model A05M  (above) is super light, and available in beautiful colours.

The sunglasses are stunning – the classic and much loved aviator shape is translated into HAPTER’S trademark design and materials. An elegant double-bridge and hints of vintage capture the essence of HAPTER’S desire to create eyewear with superb artisanal precision. These special eyepieces are equipped with ultra-resistant Carl Zeiss nylor lenses with five layers of anti-reflection.  Quality, innovation and excellence from HAPTER. www.hapter.it JG

What’s New!

13th February 2015 100% Optical was the place to be last weekend to see exciting eyewear from global brands. Here are several innovative designs that celebrate spring/summer with style and distinction. Orgreen is fascinated with film and their new campaign echoes the subtle nuances and sensual style of Film Noir and French New Wave. The stars in this dramatic interlude include Nikolaj Hubbe (above right) the Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, wearing Balthazer, suave, strong sunglasses in titanium. Hubbe’s lovely female co-star is actress Katharina Damm, (above left) wearing Orgreen’s voluminous round sunglasses in titanium and beta-titanium. www.orgreenoptics.com

Oversized with fun and a distinct retro look emphasizes John by SALT Optics. Volume is paramount for sunglasses, which John provides along with vintage and modern cool. The striking Aloha Blue acetate colouration is perfect for summer fashions. www.saltoptics.com

Luminous, see-through frames give a charming illusionary effect, and one design that caught Eyestylist’s attention is Veda, designed by Laura Nicholson at Larke Optics. Combing both vintage and modern characteristics, the sleek frame is handmade in England. www.larkeoptics.com

Elegant, subtle neutrals are a perennial favourite, and Michel Henau in Belgium has deftly merged cocoa and sand acetate with a contemporary look. Trend alert: this season highlights round shapes for both sunglasses and optical designs, so pull out all the fashion stops with a round silhouette! www.michelhenau.com JG

100% Optical will take place again in London on 6th to 8th February 2016. www.100percentoptical.com