Eyestylist

3rd September 2013 Colour choices are very seductive this season. Alongside plenty of blocked single shades are a growing array of frames in exotic multi tones, using print, pattern, even marbling – on a wide variety of materials from wood to titanium to much loved acetate.

From Italy, W-Eye is a specialist in wood eyewear strengthened with aluminium sheets which also lend extra flexibility to their designs. This year, as well as proposing frames in natural wood tones, they have launched some unique designs with playful stripes, real wood-grain colour effects and exotic rainbow colours. W-Eye’s sunglass model 202 Rajasthan (above) is one of their fun, showy sunglass styles that uses bold statement coloured stripes with a charming soft oval eye shape. www.w-eye.it

RVS by V., the Turkish label by Vidal Erkohen, is one of the independent labels working with top-of-the-range vintage Mazzucchelli acetate this year. “We are using a lot of marbled acetate for the collection this time round,” explains Erkohen, “we are always looking for new combinations of colours for this collection. The blend of solid colour with marbled acetate balances things out and it has been a lot of fun mixing the two within this new line we are launching in Paris shortly.” RVS by V. eyewear is now available at These Eyes of Mine (www.theseeyesofmines.com), Washington DC, Magrabi Optical, U.A.E., and Polo Optique, Istanbul. www.rvsbyv.com

Young Italian label Essequadro Eyewear also makes a feature of brightly patterned Mazzucchelli acetates, this time new ones, in colours developed exclusively for the Ariano Irpino-based label. Their new collection, also launching in Paris end of this month, is inspired by the 1950s and 60s and the history of Italian frames; the range is made in Italy’s traditional eyewear region of Belluno using traditional techniques. Find out more at www.essequadroeyewear.com CN

Inspiring Line Up for 2013 Edition

Entries are arriving daily from eyewear designers who are participating in The Hall of Frames / Eyestylist Newcomer Awards. The annual event is a  unique collaboration with Hall of Frames and Eyestylist.com. This year, the entrants include Claire Goldsmith and the CG Legacy Collection that launched in 2010, designed by Claire Goldsmith and Jesse Stevens.

Goldsmith (above) a British designer, says of the collection: “I prefer contemporary versions of classics. We do have one signature design feature though – a beautiful bevelled temple – a characteristic that follows through all our styles, for both men and women. I’d always rather brand through design than anything else.” www.clairegoldsmith.com  Photo: Claire Goldsmith by Phil Birnbaum 

Paris based entry Amaury Cagniard, who launched his collection in 2012, defines his eyewear style as “Original, subtle, but not eccentric lines, shapes and colours, and procures a feeling of harmony around a well-balanced design.” www.amaury.eu.com

At Eyestylist and Hall of Frames, we endeavour to encourage and support new eyewear talent, and are delighted with the gifted responses. The winner will be announced in Stuttgart in October. www.hallofframes.ch JG