The design team at Rolf have just launched a lovely new wood collection that is refined and wonderfully crafted. Arabella features multiple layering of fine wood: sourced from The Tyrol, where all Rolf’s frames are handmade. The look is very substantial, but the feel is extremely lightweight, and a delight to wear. Arabella is a frame with soft harmony, and a design for women who enjoy eyewear with distinction. JG
Sven Götti designs eyewear that is the epitome of Swiss beauty and precision. The new keyhole acetate collection favours strong shapes with elegant thin rims. Character and noblesse are evident in the keyhole bridge, and the hand-polished acetate is available in several exciting colour combinations. Above left, purple mates with a sunny yellow interior, and solid black (front image) is forever chic. Other colour combinations include Havana, plus marine blue and turquoise -the latter two with bright yellow interior accents.www.gotti.ch JG
Fresh spring green highlights this frame by design duo Ciro Tugnoli and Guya Montermini. Based in Bologna, the history and environment of the city frequently inspires their designs. Classic lines and intrepid detailing feature in the above style, and tortoiseshell is a spring favourite – Eyestylist spotted numerous tortoise eyewear variations at London Fashion Week. For more on the lovely contemporary collections by Blue Magic Eye visit: www.bluemagiceye.com JG
In the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley in France, every Derome Brenner frame is fabricated in their countryside atelier, under the watchful eye of designer Xavier Derome. Eyewear and working in acetate are his passions, as are uncluttered designs that deftly combine classic and modern elements. Huggy demonstrates Derome’s supremacy in acetate – subtle tortoise colourations in a strong round shape, expertly crafted. www.deromebrenner.com JG
1st March 2013 Home to the Fiat and an important industrial centre in north west Italy, Turin is not normally associated with eyewear. But Giovanni Vitaloni’s company has grown from a family business producing automobile parts and accessories to an eyewear design company, recognised for its pioneering spirit in terms of innovation, materials and uniquely Italian infusion of style and technical achievement. Working with Irene Chinaglia (head designer, above, centre) and Valerio Fava (pictured above, left), Vitaloni (above, right) is also a representative of the board of Anfao, the Italian association for producers of frames and sunglasses.
“Nico Design as a design company, has always been interested in product development and experimenting in colour, shapes, and materials. My family was manufacturing components originally so we used that experience in other sectors and applied it to eyewear; that is really how we began. I believe it is this direction that gave us a chance to create our own market in the frames’ business.
“For 10 years we have had our own showroom/store in Turin where all the collections are on display. It is like the heart of the two brands we have created, Vanni and Dérapage….we do special exhibitions here but it is also a place where our customers from the surrounding area can buy their frames direct from us.
“We have a design team in which I am involved, for the two labels. Personally I have developed my knowledge in terms of eyewear over the years, since I first started working with my dad. We opened our own factory in Belluno for metal frames and we had that for about 5 years, so I was able to learn a great deal about the production side.
“My aim has always been to have our own taste and identity – so we always start from a blank sheet of paper. Our process for developing the collections lasts in total about 9 months from start to finish. For example, we are developing our own colours with Mazzucchelli and in order to do that you need time.
What’s new at Vanni? ” We are launching new collections for the Hydra and Happy Days lines in Milan this month. We are also launching a new surface treatment on a metal frame called Mock-rock – we have created a unique matching “Vanni” nail varnish in the same colour as the frame which is given with the frame as a gift. It’s beautiful!
“Vanni was born in 1991 – it is a line that has, and continues to be, based on colour concepts but our aim is always to find a balance between creativity, originality and wearability. We work very hard on our own acetate colours and unique patterns in collaboration with Mazzuchelli – this requires true dedication. www.vanniocchiali.com
“Our other brand – Dérapage – is dedicated to frame innovation. The latest addition here is a special MoleCube hinge which is made in Italy in its entirety – this consists of three strips of steel held together by a square pivot. Their is no need for adjustments and no risk of it coming undone which makes it very, very practical and popular for those who want integrity in the design and true wearability.” www.derapage-eyewear.com CN