Eyestylist

Theo Belgium

6th September 2013 Eyestylist continues the series on Eyewear Artisans and Architecture with Wim Somers, founder of theo eyewear, who reveals the structure he likes best in Antwerp.

What is this your favourite building? “My favourite building in Antwerp is just ‘around the corner’ from the theo office – Huis Van Roosmalen. It really stands out with its black-white striped façade. And it resembles a bridge of a ship. At the time it was built, this was quite different!”

Who designed the building? The Huis Van Roosmalen was built in the 1980’s and designed by architect bOb Van Reeth. The owner was an interior designer and he, and his wife, liked the black-white pattern of the cathedral of Siena very much. So they decided to use this banded pattern as well. But the house also has an important symbolic value. It was the beginning of the upgrading of the entire neighbourhood – someone always has to take the first step!”

Does this structure influence your designs – and why? “Like our designs, the Van Roosmalen house is also an eye catcher. I like bOb’s work because for me he’s a true visionairy. Theo also never looks backwards but always to the future. We are looking for the next big thing. And with our designs we also want to surprise people. Theo loves to make people happy – and the Huis Van Roosmalen makes me happy! Did you know that bOb always wears round glasses? Another thing we have in common! And at one time we really got swept away and we designed a pair based on this house. A round one of course! But it was for charity, so only one pair was made. We liked it so much that we bought it ourselves – so we can look at it every day!” www.theo.be JG

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