Handmade and produced in London by Algha Works, Berwick from Savile Row has a classic shape that incorporates modern elements; a distinctive, gracefully sculpted brow treatment and acetate tips. The sunglasses are available in either rhodium or rolled gold – the latter a speciality at Savile Row. Pure, uncluttered and elegant. www.algha.com JG
Super light and as colorful as ever, the Titanium Collection by Turkish label RVS by V. now features seven statement frames, in three different colourways – as sunglasses or glasses. The designs have a rubber-effect matte finish typical of the brand’s attention to detail and much featured in its acetate line. The ‘Amethyst’, in Black/Gold brings together a trendy split colour front – a look for the season – and small fluo details at the temple tips for a modern, edgy look. Now available worldwide and soon online at rvsbyv.com. CN
Manhattan based fashion designer Zac Posen has an international following of women – including Kate Winslet and Glenn Close – who adore his feminine aesthetics and sensual cuts in rich, luxurious fabrics. Posen has recently launched a collection of elegant eyewear that captures the essence of his clothing, with dramatic shapes and glamour. Fiona in glossy black acetate is an exaggerated cat eye with embellished temples and end tips. Definitely sunglasses with magnetism and charisma! www.kenmarkoptical.com www.zacposen.com JG
1st May 2014 Beautiful design, glamour and imagination spotlight sunglasses this season. Colour is bold and glossy, and Tim Van Steenbergen for theo (above) embraces vivid tones and strong styling with Nina, in acetate and stainless steel. The exuberant colours found in the Red Sea inspired the frames that are certain to pump up your wardrobe and brighten the street scene. www.theo.be
Mirrored lenses are high on the priority style list this season, and LGR presents a dramatic version – Reunion – in sleek matt black acetate with petroleum mirrored lenses. The unique lenses are called “zero base” as they are completely flat. The perfectly round voluminous shape is cutting edge, chic and modern, and handmade in Italy. Photographed in Italy on Sabaudia beach. www.lgr-sunglasses.com
Ic! berlin has collaborated with New York photographer Lyle Owerko to celebrate the absurdly gigantic, yet portable icon of the 1970’s and 80’s – the boombox! Owerko has designed sunglasses for ic! berlin that scream rebellion and demand attention – just as their namesake did on the streets of New York many years ago. Boombox Noize (above) is sun gold sheet metal with clear black nylon lenses, produced in the heart of Berlin. www.ic-berlin.de JG
1st May 2014 The glamorous, elegant, sculptural designs by Charles James are the subject of a beautiful exhibition held in the newly renovated Tisch Gallery in the Anna Wintour Costume Center, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Complex cuts, extravagant draping, and luxurious materials were transposed into fabulous designs – magic that James performed with his imagination and scissors. James was born in Britain, and worked in Paris before arriving in New York in 1940, where he established permanent residence. His early clients included Diana Vreeland, iconic fashion editor, and society beauties Babe Paley and Millicent Rogers. In 1954, James married Nancy Lee Gregory, who frequently modeled his designs.
Charles James was the ultimate perfectionist, regarding each design as a work of art. Women responded to his dramatic seaming that enhanced the female form. James loved luxury, and his fabric choices were always sumptuous – silk velvets and chiffon, cotton organdy, creamy crepe, and fine wools. Charles James: Beyond Fashion is a fitting tribute to a designer who paved the way for many of America’s future couturiers. The exhibition runs from 8 May through 10 August 2014. www.metmusuem.org JG
Photos: Top: Charles James Ball Gowns 1948 Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, Beaton/Vogue/Condé Nast Archive. Copyright Condé Nast
Babe Paley: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by John Rawlings, Rawlings/Vogue/Condé Nast Archive. Copyright Condé Nast
Nancy James: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby’s.