Bog oak and maple formed into a timeless shape is an excellent example of the Tyrol handcrafting found in Rolf Spectacles. The Austrian company won yet another award when Marlin received the Gold IDEA Award for 2014. Innovation, sleek, lightweight wood silhouettes, and beautiful finishes characterize all Rolf designs. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG
Jofey is one of the quirky optical styles that caught our eye in the vibrant Scratched Core Collection from Niloca in Australia. Designed for “serious eyewear people”, the deep cut acetate of Jofey is for those who crave a bold eyewear statement; the effect of the asymmetric design on the face can be dramatic, confident and reassured and works for different ages and face shapes. A range of colour combinations includes the black on turquoise and black on emerald (pictured). Niloca frames are designed by husband and wife team Colin and Josie Redmond. Colin is a former industrial designer with an automotive and science background; Josie is an optician. Niloca frames are produced in traditional workshops in Australia, France and Japan, depending on the materials featured. We look forward to the latest releases by Niloca Eyewear, showing at Silmo this year. www.niloca.com CN
Eighteen carat rolled gold and luminous acetate are among the highlights in the latest Savile Row Collection to be presented at the Paris fashion eyewear fair Silmo. The new designs have an intriguing history. Max is a tribute to the forefather of Savile Row – Max Wiseman. Shapes are inspired by National Health Service frames for the 1940’s and 50’s. The designs are made exclusively at Algha Works factory in London, and compiled entirely from tooling that lay hidden in factory archives. Details that single out Max as a distinctive design include the nose bridge that extends to the temples, and the perfectly round shape. www.algha.com JG
1st September 2014 Belgian designer Tim Van Steenbergen discusses with Eyestylist his collaboration with avant-garde eyewear brand theo and his fashion inspiration.
How did the collaboration develop between your label and theo eyewear? “I met Mik, the son of theo’s big boss Wim Somers in 2008 at a fashion show, in a well-known concept store in Moscow called Cara & Co, where both theo glasses and my clothes are sold. Once back in Antwerp, the first appointment was quickly arranged.”
What do you find the most interesting about creating eyewear – and the most frustrating – if anything! “I find it very interesting how you can reach a wider audience with eyewear, and that audience is willing to step out of its comfort zone. It’s apparently easier to choose a more extreme pair of glasses than it is to wear an eye-catching outfit. For me, eyewear is also a way to complete a silhouette. I can create a total look. The most frustrating yet fascinating – is how a garment never has a fixed form, while with designer eyewear, the form of the frame never changes. The disadvantage is that afterwards you can’t change it any more to make it fit. You see, it works in both ways.”
What is your favourite material in which to design clothing – and eyewear? “I tend to use classic materials like horn or tortoise, but it becomes interesting when combining these materials. Then you create something exciting. In my clothing line, I do the same. I use different kinds of classic textiles to create interesting forms.”
You have created other accessories in addition to eyewear – bags, shoes, and jewellery. Are there other items you would like to design? “I don’t like to tie myself down to one discipline. After all, you can translate ideas into so many things. It’s just a matter of interpretation. The message is most important!”
Do you have any favourite inspirations? “To live, to love, to travel…I find inspiration in a mix of things. I’m like a sponge. I absorb everything I see. And then I let it seep through in my designs.”
You have designed for the Opera – is there a particular opera for which you would like to design the costumes? “Madame Butterfly! I would love to create the costumes for this romantic opera that makes everybody cry! Pure emotion! For the moment, my next sunglass collection together with theo eyewear is ready to be launched later this month at SILMO. So keep an eye out for them!” www.timvansteenbergen.com www.theo.be JG
1st September 2014 Designers revisit the beautiful effects of animal prints across the accessories segment, and in eyewear, the story is seductive. Print is nothing new of course but it’s resurgence is elegant and imaginative; no two prints are the same, adding to the appeal. Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson is consistently creative with luxurious print effects, and proposes an exotic hallmark tiger print combined with fantastic colour on what has become one of her bestselling sunglass styles, ‘Alice Goes to Cannes’. www.annakarinkarlsson.com
Available next month, Annabella is one of the new women’s opticals from American fashion designer, Zac Posen: a classic silhouette meets the mood of the moment in a subtle natural print inspired acetate. www.zacposen.com / www.kenmarkoptical.com
And from Spain, Etnia Barcelona draws on inspiration from Africa and a number of species from its exotic animal kingdom: a soft natural palette in the “Wild Love in Africa” collection features interpretations of cheetah, havana giraffe, horn and zebra.
“Wild Love in Africa” frames are produced in 100% eco-friendly acetate, made using natural organic compounds that are 100% recyclable and biodegradable. www.etniabarcelona.com CN