Rolf Spectacles Austria
Buffalo horn – the classically elegant material for eyewear – is experiencing a resurgence as designers use the fabrication – all eco-friendly – with frames that are timeless and unique. Here we review our favourites.
In their spacious surroundings in the Austrian mountains, the Rolf Team creates – step-by-step – totally handmade horn frames. Select horn plates are used for the designs, which are set on an inner wooden core – no metal or other materials are used. The temples in Hornet are gracefully tapered, and the frame is light, flexible and feels wonderful on the skin. Naturally pure and a work of art. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG
Buddy
Götti Switzerland
Natural horn was the first material that Sven Götti used when he started designing frames. His continued appreciation for this natural material is evident in his newest designs. Buddy is constructed with elaborate craftsmanship in genuine horn with a layer of black walnut. Hours of hand polishing ensure a brilliant sheen with unique colouring. Exclusive, authentic and beautiful. www.gotti.ch JG
Relique
Rigards
A complex, painstaking process enabled Ti Kwa at Rigards to create this stunning horn frame. A heat process is used to alter the look of the horn, and the patterns are all varied, as a pure essential oil blend is used during the procedure. Hand polishing makes the frame look as if it has a coppery patina, and a rich history of a cherished relic. No wax is used in creating the matte burnished finish, and it gives the treated horn an air of rare antiquity. An unrepeatable piece of art. www.rigards.com JG
1808
Lindberg
The internationally acclaimed Danish company specialises in creating luxury frames, and this finely crafted design is an excellent example. Buffalo horn unites with sleek titanium in a contemporary design. The gracefully sculpted horn front is balanced with smooth titanium temples. A connoisseur’s delight. www.lindberg.com JG
Zero 10
Finest Seven
Pure buffalo horn at Finest Seven is interpreted with glamorous sunglasses in light coloured horn – hallmarked with 5-micron gold plated temples. Made in France, each carefully handcrafted design is unique. The voluminous square shape features superb quality Zeiss lenses. A Collector’s item – with only one-hundred pieces per colour model. www.finestseven.com JG