Eyestylist

Cesare Cunaccia Eyewear at Boudoir, Venice

25th April 2014 Cesare Cunaccia is a true 21st century Renaissance Man. He is editor-at-large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, plus an expert in fashion, costume, art and design. Cunaccia’s latest achievement is a collaboration with Boudoir, the elegant eyewear gallery in Venice owned by Alessandro De Lorenzo (above) for whom Cesare has created exclusive designs, handcrafted in luxurious Water Buffalo horn. The eco-friendly horn is recommended for people with metal allergies, as it is totally natural. The contemporary shape of the frames re-enforces the distinctive beauty of genuine Buffalo horn. The designs are little masterpieces of Italian craftsmanship.

Each frame is packaged in its own case made of precious wood, personally selected by Cunaccia, with a cream made from beeswax and coconut oil, to polish and nourish the frame. Cunaccia suggests heating a small amount of the cream, apply it to the frame, rub gently into the frame (but not the lenses) and then wipe dry with a special cloth that is also included. Excellence, beauty and originality! Available at Boudoir in Venice.www.celebration.me.it www.boudoir.venice.it JG

Photo of Alessandro de Lorenzo exclusively for Eyestylist by Luca Santocono. All rights reserved.

Naturally Beautiful

22nd April 2014  Natural materials are a favourite with eyewear designers — all eco-friendly of course! Rolf Spectacles in the Austrian Alps – always working respectfully with nature – has garnered another prestigious award for an outstanding frame design. The Red Dot Design Award was presented to Rolf for elegant Arabella 71, from the Rolf Advanced Collection, which is handcrafted in luxurious horn and wood. A classic shape and superb details further highlight the intense character of the design. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Italian designer Luca Gnecchi Ruscone has launched a Special Edition frame in snakeskin, adapted to LGR’s handsome Tripoli sunglasses. The bold, voluminous contours of Tripoli are assuredly smart in black snakeskin (above), and the frame is also available in grey and brown snakeskin. Very distinguished! www.lgr-sunglasses.com JG

Bushakan, San Francisco

18th April 2014 As well as the ongoing trend in personalising eyewear – we have spotted some beautiful personalised accessories including these by Bushakan – makers of sustainable storage for eyewear, phones and iPads. The label, which is based in San Francisco, produces solid walnut or maple three and five piece eyewear stands, iPhone and iPad docks which can be engraved with a logo, name or initials. Each design starts as a solid piece of wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, and in the final stages, finished by hand. (Above: Bushakan 5 pocket storage, below, 3 pocket design).

This unique US label sells online and directly to optical shops; since we spoke to them last, the owners say they are stocking stores from Australia to Iceland. www.bushakan.com. For our introduction to the label: https://www.eyestylist.com/2013/06/one-to-watch/ CN

Burst into Colour!

15th April 2014 Colour and more colour is the fashion password this season. Australian designer Jono Hennessy has launched a frame collection of festive colourations in silk fabrics sourced from Down Under. The result is style 6320 (above) that is available in a wide range of lively, diverse tones. A chic little cat-eye shape highlights the beautifully vibrant colours. www.jonohennessy.com

Accessory designer Benedetta Bruzziches says: “I believe in energy and colours.” She also loves to experiment, and the gorgeous Carmen Harlequin bag in a riot of quilted coloured leather is a testimony to her beliefs. The bags are all handcrafted in Italy. www.benedettabruzziches.com JG