Eyestylist

Ralph Anderl at Ic! berlin

28th May 2013 Today Eyestylist launches a new series on eyewear designers and their partnership with architecture. Historical buildings, as well as new structures, frequently inspire eyewear creators. Ralph Anderl tells Eyestylist about his favourite building in Berlin.

“This is an outstanding building, (above) designed by Roger Bundschuh and Cosima von Bonin. It’s a very strong, massive, dark grey concrete structure, and was built only a few years ago, but is already a landmark building. It really inspires me when I design. Outside there may be noise, but inside, there is silence, and I can look out the windows and watch the world – it’s like an aquarium. I’m a true Berliner and I live in the building too.”

The Bundschuh and Bonin wedge-shaped building, the L40, is located in the historic Rosa-Luxembourg-Platz in Berlin. The structure is a big departure from the usual restrictive Berlin urban planning codes. The sculptural approach appeals to Anderl and is often reflected in his frames. “I love the building because it is authentic, like our frames,” says Anderl, “and we do what is real. People want what is real and we focus on handcraft. There is no artifical stuff – we deliver authenticity.” www.ic-berlin.de JG

Danish Craftsmanship from Lindberg

24th May 2013 We continue our celebration of sunglasses this month with two Lindberg designs. The company has well-deserved international recognition for their classically beautiful and distinguished creations, expertly crafted. Style 8570 (above) in translucent crystal acetate is highlighted with titanium sides. The delightful round shape, and attention to the temple detail is perfect.

Chic smoky grey acetate paired with titanium is a winning combination for this smart men’s design – style 8575 above. The streamlined rectangular shape is easy to wear, and the gorgeous smokey grey colour has a mysterious air! The styles featured here are part of Lindberg’s Luxury Sun Collection. For more details, visit www.lindberg.com JG

21st May 2013 Looking for something different this summer? Eyestylist has noticed some stunning transparent acetate designs with very special inlays inside the frame structure. From Linda Farrow and shoe and accessory designer, Charlotte Olympia in a collaborative collection, this showy piece  (above) displays a tantalising coloured ostrich feather inside the clear acetate frame. It captures the mood of Olympia’s other pieces, such as her wicker bag featuring traditional wicker work mounted in transparent perspex. The sunglasses come in four delicate colours, including the peach/champagne version pictured above. www.lindafarrow.com

At Heidi London, real petals are the pretty choice of decorative inlay, adding a super feminine yet playful signature detail in a line that includes classic cat eyes and oversized circular shapes. Heidi Chan’s Sunglasses are available at some of the very finest fashion and online stores including Wolf & Badger (London) Henri Bendel (NYC), www.shopbop.com and, from this month, www.saksfifthavenue.com. www.heidilondon.com CN

17th May 2013 The very pale pinks have to be one of the most tempting choices for summer. We saw two of these three alluring styles at the last eyewear exhibition in Milan, as well as a variety of other soft pastel tones; as part of an outfit, these pretty shades will mix just as well with muted neutrals or a splash of bold colour. Bocca 2 from Face à Face (above) combines delicate rose pink with white arms designed as ‘legs’ wearing matching pink heels…decadent and chic, it’s a cat eye of the highest order that will provide lasting enjoyment. www.faceaface-paris.com

From Sydney’s Sunday Somewhere, a label that will be just two years old in August, comes the Chely, a generously proportioned design that has made it from Oz to my desk this week. It’s a headturner with its clean, sturdy design and very shiny translucent finish. I like the attention to detail – pretty resin-coated Italian gradient lenses, engraved with the Sunday Somewhere “SS” offer safe UV protection, even under the Australian rays.  www.sundaysomewhere.com

Another Day by Austria’s Andy Wolf is a super, round handmade shape that has bright flashy mirrored lenses coordinating with the pastel colour of the frame. It’s another example of the label’s dedication to high-spirited fashion and it’s one for those with a series of chic summer parties and music festivals booked into their diaries. www.andy-wolf.at CN