Eyestylist

Original and Daring Eyewear Designer Feted

25th August 2013  Designer Anna-Karin Karlsson was bestowed the prestigious Swedish Fashion Accessory Award last evening for her amazing eyewear creations. The Award is a coveted prize in Scandinavia, and entrants must prove not only their fashion-worthiness, but also their business acumen. Speaking from Stockholm where the designer is based and where she received the award, Karlsson said: “I cried with happiness when I found out. This is the most important thing that could ever happen to me.”

Dramatic and luxurious, AKK eyewear is a total expression of Anna-Karin’s quest for beauty, love and romance. She says: “I like designs that are graphic and strong; I want to tell a story, and make eyewear with feeling.” AKK’s first optical collection will be launched at the end of September at the Paris Fashion Events, and she will also unveil her new sunglass designs. Warmest congratulations Anna-Karin on the Swedish Fashion Award from Eyestylist! www.annakarinkarlsson.com JG

New Looks: Style and Character

23rd August 2013 Most teens are fashion aware and like to wear what is cool. Specialist eyewear designers meet this need with teen collections that feature fresh and creative styling and colours. Lafont Paris has a distinguished eyewear history for youngsters, with contemporary shapes and unique touches that appeal to budding style setters. Mia (above) is a sleek acetate design, and a distinctive accent is the playful colouration on the frame interior. www.lafont.com 

A variety of styles and colours permeate the JF Rey teen collection, also from France. Jasper (above) in acetate and metal has a vintage air with its engraved metal side inserts. The tone-on-tone effect ensures a design with a sophisticated, grownup spirit. www.jfrey.fr JG

21st August 2013 Eyestylist recently visited Laura Nicholson in her Bloomsbury studio, the home of LARKE optics, a new independent spectacles label, created in October 2012, that has just launched online this month.

With a background in fashion and enthusiasm for interesting, well-made specs – she is a specs wearer herself  – Laura explained that Larke means “To embark on an adventure”. Her aim is that the inaugural collection should accommodate good colours and good shapes with a classic feel, and no ostentatious external branding. The colours vary from traditional tortoise to a few surprises in horn effect and an edgier dark midnight blue.

One of a growing number of new labels in the UK selecting local production, LARKE optics starts its handmade eyewear journey with 7 rich Italian acetate shapes, some of which work perfectly with sun lenses. Some of the acetate material comes from rare, end-of-line blocks for a more exclusive frame. Expect to see hand riveted hinges, subtle design details such as the suggestion of classic details like the key hole bridge and hand polishing for a fine finish. LARKE spectacles are now available online and at the new flagship Stine Goya store, Copenhagen, which opened this month. More on this new collection coming soon. www.stinegoya.com  http://larkeoptics.com/ CN

Back-to-School Eyewear Kids Love to Wear!

19th August 2013 This cheeky youngster is ready to conquer the new school year in this appealing Zoobug acetate design. Zoobug founder Dr. Julie Le is an eye surgeon, so she is keenly aware of the necessity to create frames that provide safety, protection and super style. All ingredients are artfully achieved in Ollie, a unisex frame that is handcrafted, designed and tested on young children. Kids will love the colours too! Featured: tortoiseshell acetate. Also available in navy, light blue and a fun combo of black and red. www.zoobug.com Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Alexandalexa.com

Belle is the ultimate adorable fashionista wearing San Francisco in Mazzuchelli acetate by Red Optical. The Netherlands brand is a children’s specialist frame company with a delightful collection of eyewear for youngsters – designs that are child-friendly in fresh and clear colours, with fine quality, plus strength and safety for playground adventures. View more desirable designs at www.redoptical.com JG