As original as the brand name, the Gus is a striking frame in mixed materials with unusual details. The handsome matt acetate front is further enhanced with a metal double bridge. The sides are composed of metal with an intricate cross-stitch, placed over a wood insert. It’s a stunning design for men to wear with flair and style. Available in Safari (above) black, navy and tortoise. www.kenmarkoptical.com JG
A vintage shape combines with a super modern material – carbon – in a striking frame by Lafont Paris. A “hammered effect” highlights the carbon, which is then accented with metal details, and acetate ends for comfort and fine fit. It is particularly smart in pewter grey – distinguished and elegant. Lafont has an imaginative, yet discreet collection of men’s frames, which are available internationally, and in their charming Paris boutiques. More information at www.lafont.com JG
Beckett was launched in Paris in the autumn – the name gives away the inspiration and design. A unisex style with classic intellectual overtones and a spiritual twist, the design is part of ‘Les Elegantes’, a collection that shows a new stroke of inspiration for Anne & Valentin: each model has been directly inspired by frames that have gone down in history. “Our designers worked hard to recreate classic shapes into modern, updated forms, taking advantage of the latest technologies. ‘Les Elegantes’ are the culmination of this quest : gold and silver rimmed frames, sometimes married with a chocolate brown accent, others with coal black.”
The designs are more subtly shaped than their predecessors, from the round or square pair of glasses to the beveled P3. The unexpected marriage of matte and gloss effects, and two-tone temples with Calder-style hinge, create an air of intrigue. From £308.00. www.anneetvalentin.com CN
Sleek and refined, Song combines timeless design with beautiful hand finishing, a trademark of this Italian artisan label. One of five new retro-inspired models, Song is available as an optical style or as a sunglass fitted with Zeiss G15 lenses in green – the narrow double bridge is elegant either way. 100% handmade in Italy. www.lgr-sunglasses.com CN
Several of today’s innovative new designers have a passion for eyewear in their DNA and family legacy. The eyewear dynasty of Adrian Marwitz began in 1919 with his grandfather. Nowadays, Adrian continues the family history with frames in Titanium – his favourite material – that are handmade in Germany. Stranger No. 1 is from Marwitz’s new collection of Urban Strangers, shown here in sophisticated matt blue – predicted to be a notable colour for 2014 – in a shape that harmoniously unites tradition and trend. www.adrianmarwitz.com JG