Eyestylist

Swiss Style and Austrian Eyewear

14th March 2014 Akris designs are timeless treasures. I discovered these beautiful clothes years ago in London, and have been a fan ever since. The Swiss fashion house, located in picturesque St. Gallen, is acclaimed for its sleek, streamlined glamour that is dedicated to women who value and appreciate pure elegance and loving craftsmanship – clients include Princess Charlene of Monaco.

To celebrate the Akris participation in Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014, and the 50th anniversary of Austrian eyewear company Silhouette, both brands were featured on the catwalk together. Albert Kriemler’s luxurious, yet low-key creations in superb fabrics, complemented the lightweight, modern Silhouette eyewear. “My fashion is about lightness and naturalness that links body consciousness and effortless functionality,” says Akris Creative Director Kriemler.

Both Silhouette and Akris adhere to a design philosophy that is strongly expressive, and chicly minimal. The Silnouette special edition aviators were handcrafted in Austria. www.akris.ch www.silhouette.com JG

A “twin” accessory concept from Framers, Berlin

11th March 2014 Fabric has a pretty, elegant effect in acetate eyewear. Berlin label Framers are the latest designers to explore that appeal in a frame collection that coordinates with a unique silk scarf created by designer Sarah Settgast – pictured above, Sarah holds her multi-coloured scarf design with rose “tattoo” motif. The first Silk Eyewear Collection to be launched at Framers, the two coordinating accessories – scarf and frame – are available to purchase individually or as a set. Each pair of the multi-coloured silk-lined glasses features a different section of the silk material making each one completely unique.

For more information: www.framers.de CN

Beautiful Eyewear Expressions

7th March 2014 Milan is a chic cosmopolitan metropolis, and Eyestylist absorbed the upbeat stylish atmosphere at the eyewear event. The internationalism of eyewear is exciting, and here we present several of our favourite finds in Milan.

Music inspires the Shadows collection that Tim Van Steenbergen created for theo in Belgium. In his younger days, Van Steenbergen loved big guitar sounds, and Shadows features voluminous, bold frames in neutral, “shadowy” colours of white, grey, black and dark blue. The shapes of the sunglasses are offbeat, and robust with distinction. Shadow 5 (above) emphasizes volume and intensity. An imaginative accent is the detail in the ear tip that looks like a guitar pick. A superb Limited Edition! www.theo.be

Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at LGR in Rome captures the artful beauty of wisteria – the cascading flower that grows in clusters – in Victoria. Gracefully sculpted and handmade by Italian artisans, the lifted brow brings additional glamour to the rich colour and shape of the sunglasses. Colour co-ordinated photochromic lenses harmonize with the luxurious design. www.lgr-sunglasses.com

Green and its numerous interpretations is an important colour trend in eyewear. Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland is right on target with a men’s frame in chic olive green acetate. The expressive shape is subtle, yet strong. It’s a great design for men who prefer classics, but also desire style and flair. www.gotti.ch

The Tangram designs by Vanni are inspired by Tangram, an old Chinese puzzle made up of a square divided into several different geometrical shapes, each in one colour. The art of the game lies in creating as many complete figures as possible, using combinations of these parts. Vanni has transformed this puzzle into frames of stylish wisdom, made from custom-made Mazzucchelli slab acetate, and the Tangram texture is all cubes splint into irregular pyramids. This is alternated against a deep crystalline background, which may be see-through or solid. An inventive concept that generates a kaleidoscope of reflected colour. www.vanniocchiali.com JG

ic! berlin and Liechtenstein – Style and Song in Milan

5th March 2014 Milan is the fashionable setting for clothing and accessories, and this season’s show for eyewear was enhanced with the presence of German crooner Friedrich Liechtenstein, who lives in the ic! berlin building, and is the Internet sensation performing in ads for Edeka – the German supermarket – with the the song Supergeil. He has achieved superstar status with his natural musical and acting ability. Crowds gathered at ic! berlin to listen to the melodious voice of Liechtenstein, wearing über-smart ic! berlin frames with mirror lenses – U1 Kotti.  Spectators were ready to start dancing to Liechtenstein’s velvety tones!

ic! berlin designer and CEO Ralph Anderl joined in the spirited songfest looking cool and chic in his shiny black shades – Rapo 3 – with exclusive frozen mirrored lenses.

To view the amazing Liechtenstein video click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxVcgDMBU94&noredirect=1  – ic! berlin super edgy eyewear at www.ic-berlin.de JG

Photos: Photos of Ralph Anderl and Friedrich Liechtenstein exclusively for Eyestylist.com by Luca Santocono