Eyestylist

Silhouette Founder Bequeaths Eyewear Legacy

12th February 2014 The Board of Directors and Employees of Silhouette International Schmied AG in Linz, Austria, have announced the passing of visionary Silhouette founder, Arnold Schmied Sr., on 31st January 2014. Schmied was an eyewear pioneer. He and his wife Anneliese founded Silhouette in 1964, and the company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Schmied was among the first to visualize eyewear as a fashion accessory; he had the desire to create frames that enabled people to look chic and smart, while improving their vision. He was an enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit, with courage and a passion for eyewear. He initiated many concepts that led the brand to be distributed worldwide, and now employs 1500 people internationally.

The Eyestylist team extends sincerest condolences to the Silhouette family, friends and employees. www.silhouette.com JG

Handmade in France

10th February 2014 The French label ‘When I was Seven7een’ is already a hit in the finest optical stores in Paris, and we happen to know that their eyewear cases have just become available in London. Regis Dajczman, designer and founder, first worked with leather at the age of 17 with two guys called the Baileys Brothers. Since then he has been working as an art director but he has come back to leather to create his own line featuring handmade bags, phone holders, bracelets, and….Libellule (in English, “dragonfly“), a chic, easy-to-carry eyewear case.

Eyestylist is delighted to announce that we have five of these leather cases by When I was Seven7een that we shall be giving as Spring gifts. For a chance to win, find full details on our Facebook page today. CN

When I was Seven7een, 36, Rue des Jeuneurs 75002 Paris www.wheniwas17.fr

Designs Created by and for Young Style Enthusiasts

7th February 2014 Children are aware of fashion from a very early age – they love clothes and accessories. Here are three designs that fulfill youngsters desire to look fashionable and cool. Ic! berlin went right to the source when they wanted to design eyewear for kids, and asked children to participate. There were a series of fun workshops at ic! berlin HQ in Germany, and with guidance from the design team, the little protégés sketched, built and wore their own eyewear creations. Among the results is this distinctive frame – colours of peace (above). The children understood immediately that their designs needed to be wearable and realistic, and they adjusted their designs as the project proceeded. Eyewear entrepreneurs of the future! www.ic-berlin.de

Looking ahead to spring and summer, Zoobug has pinpointed a look that kids love – the wayfarer adapted to little faces. Dr. Julie Le, Zoobug’s creator, knows that protecting children’s eyes from harsh sun rays is essential, and the sunglasses are fitted with polarized lenses, plus possessing lots of youth appeal. ZB (above) is available in pretty pastels inspired by 1950’s and 60’s fashion, including this lovely combination of turquoise and sand. Colourful and playful! Coming soon on www.zoobug.com

Colour dominates in fashion this season and children will love this grown up design, precisely scaled for small faces, in rich berry tones and black. The wonderful vintage shape in Glynn (above) by Oliver Goldsmith Mini Icons, features a keyhole bridge and chic colours of Very Cherry and black. Sunglass sophistication for budding style connoisseurs! www.olivergoldsmith.com JG

5th February 2014 Feel free to pep up your eyewear wardrobe with upbeat colours. The liveliest blue and violet hues are a direction that add to a general trend in fashion, and should be a staple for a variety of complexions and hair colours – particularly those who wish for an alternative to a classic black or tortoise.

Stunning cateye Vida 2 by BOZ has already featured on Eyestylist in orange – https://www.eyestylist.com/2013/09/bright-and-cheerful-colours/ – its stylish quirky shape is equally enticing in the tonal combination above. www.boz-eyewear.fr

At German independent label Funk, and from their FUNKroyal collection, model Fortuna also packs a punch. Dieter Funk told Eyestylist, “When I did the first “scribble” for this, the focus was to create a metal frame for women, extraordinary, classy, harmonic and with style, just a little bit oversized because this is sexy. When I had the shape, I looked at the colour concept on the temples. I am very lucky that I have a big stock of original vintage acetate colours. I have had my eye on this blue pattern effect in combination with metal.” www.funk-eyewear.com CN