Eyestylist

16th July 2013 I have recently been wearing a classic style of sunglasses by Sunpocket, the company that specialises in foldable designs. The one I have is Kauai in matt black (above) but it comes in many versions, and there is even a new edition (see below) in a collaboration for concept store Colette in Paris.

The frames are made in Mauritius, and aim for a balance of quality, affordability and overall style. It’s not the first style of its type that I’ve tried (I know the Persol ones), but I’m finding it useful to carry these as my spare pair of shades. The shape of the Kauai works for everyday – it’s a bit like having a pair of jeans that you can wear with anything. And the story is quite intriguing – Sunpocket shades were originally popular with skiers and climbers in the 1970s, and they became a bit of a cult accessory, first in France, but now more widely.

The sunglasses fascinate my children because they fit into a tiny well designed transparent box – they must be quite robust or they might not have survived the constant opening up and packing away again by a six year old.

Created in the 1970s, Sunpocket was relaunched in 2011 by Swedish entrepeneur Jacob Hoglund. Stockists now include Opening Ceremony (stocked in NY and the new store in London open from July 19th), Selfridges, UK, Lane Crawford, Hong Kong and Colette, Paris. CN

www.sunpocketoriginal.com

Championship Style with Leisure Society

12th July 2013 Beautiful eyewear, gorgeous polo ponies and a winning Belgian team were among the highlights at the Dutch Open Polo event, held in the Dutch countryside at the picturesque Polo Club Vreeland. As co-sponsor of the event, Leisure Society designer Shane Baum was present to see the Belgium team win the coveted trophy, plus the luxurious, elegant sunglasses – Highgate – from the LS collection.

The stunning frame in gold and tortoiseshell with enamel detailing, features lenses protected with Diamond Cast anti-scratch coating. With these fabulous frames, the Belgium team is bound to win even more polo matches! JG

www.leisure-society.com

Photo: Belgium Polo Team with Sarah Halbeisen from Baumvision Europe

Eyewear Charm and Style by Götti Switzerland

9th July 2013 Glasses express who we are, and designer Sven Götti believes that we should wear frames that say something about ourselves. Götti’s new campaign spotlights designs that are individual and discerning  – never overpowering – just beautifully crafted eyewear in elegant, quality materials. Fanny (above) encapsulates classic elements with its beautiful shape in tortoiseshell, gold and black. The voluminous lenses and the curved double bridge add to the allure.

Götti sunglasses feature the Spin & Stow system that is brilliant, as the frames fold flat and safely, and easily tuck into your pocket or bag.

Acetates feature in this collection too – and Filipa is particularly charming in sea-tone turquoise – perfect for summer. The images in the Götti campaign were staged by award-winning photographer Loan Nguyen, who has exhibited her work in Paris, Berlin, Los Angeles and the Winterthur Photo Museum in Switzerland. www.gotti.ch JG

SuperDuper Hats and Lotho: Diamond Point

4th July 2013 If there is one thing to buy this summer it’s a proper, smart, beautifully made hat. These ones at SuperDuper Hats are covetable, cute – and made with love by hand. The label won a prestigious Who is On Next award? at Pitti Uomo last month, and they have recently collaborated with Lotho, the Parisian eyewear label, with a series called “Diamond Point” featuring hats and pince-nez (S/S 2013 collection). (Above: Panama, The Monk, 265 euros).

The reworked pince-nez designs are attached to the hats by an elegant gold chain, and when not worn, sit on the  brim, making a decorative statement. Simple, quirky and ever so wearable. Buy SuperDuper Hats online at www.superduperhats.com www.lotho.fr CN