Eyestylist

theo by Factory900

1st November 2013 Collaborations are all the rage, and an original one never passes us by. In Paris we enjoyed seeing a new collab project between two eyewear labels, a fantastic achievement that shows commitment to innovation and creativity from two sides of the world. Belgian eyewear label theo and Japanese label Factory900 have joined up to release two models in a very cool limited edition of just 1000 of each style.

The designers at theo, Wim Somers and Patrick Hoet have, for sometime, admired the Japanese label so it was their dream to create a collection together. They had admired in particular the Japanese label’s ability to give volume to plastic frames in a new method using a 5-axis CNC milling machine. And the result is, as you might expect, futuristic and totally exciting! The two styles, Kamikaze and Samurai are made from Japanese acetate – the former is for men and has a rectilinear design, and the latter is a more rounded women’s model. Both can be fitted as specs or sunglasses and have a signature open side so you can enjoy the view out of the corner of your eye; they come in eight vivid, glossy statement colours that you would expect from both design houses. It’s a very original concept for 2013 and shows that a clever well thought out collaboration can be both powerful and playful! CN

www.theo.be

Australian Designer Connects to Landmark Building

25th October 2013 Eyestylist continues the series Eyewear Artisans and Architecture with Jono Hennessy and the building that inspires his eyewear designs “Down Under”.

“This is my favourite building because I knew the son of the architect of the Opera House – Jorn Utzon – we used to surf together at Palm Beach when were were kids, so there is a personal connection. The reason I love the building is that it was so out of place when it was built in the 1970’s. At that time, Australia was very conservative, so it was an unusual and fabulous structure to have been built. I drive past the Opera House every morning when I drop my son to school, and it inspires me every time I see it.

“There is an annual light exhibition in Sydney called Vivid – they light up the Opera House as well as other landmarks around the city – and this three-dimensional light show lights up the Opera House. It has re-energised the architecture for me. The building opened in 1973, and it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. I feel the Sydney Opera House is a Landmark Building, in Australia and worldwide. It inspires me that although we are tucked away at the bottom of the world, we can still create something that is appreciated everywhere.” www.jonohennessy.com JG

Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Awards Announced in Stuttgart

22nd October 2013 The winners of the 2013 Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Awards were announced in Stuttgart on Sunday. Designers from three different countries were recipients – Suzy Glam from The Netherlands took the top prize with Gold; Hapter from Italy won Silver; and Bronze was awarded to Coblens from Germany. Opticians from leading fashion forward shops chose the final winners. There was great anticipation in the lead up to the event, and the winners were delighted and surprised! In the above photo, left-to-right – Marcus Knoop, sales representative for Coblens accepted the award on behalf of designer Fabian Hofmann; designer Eric Balzan from Hapter; and Etienne Frederiks who collaborates with Susanne Klemm at Suzy Glam. Our warmest congratulations to all the winners from Eyestylist and Hall of Frames! JG

www.suzyglam.com

www.hapter.it 

www.coblens.com