Designer Ramiro Paulino grew up in an optical atmosphere in Portugal, and nowadays he endeavours to continue the tradition of fine spectacle making that is the family legacy. A fine example is Bernardo – acetate sunglasses with a glossy sheen, totally handmade. The elegant two-tone bronze/copper colouring gives the frame a quietly sophisticated appearance. www.paulinospectacles.com JG
Australian designer Catherine Federici loves avant-garde eyewear, and she possesses a unique talent for creating unorthodox, unique eyewear. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, Isson has launched a super collection, including Tyla (above) a dominant sunglass design with a bold square shape, in rich purple gravel acetate. The collection also includes a stunning assortment of ophthalmic designs. www.isson.com JG
Music, ecology and hand craftsmanship are the keynotes at innovative Vinylize in Hungary. The frames are made from recycled vinyl records, scoured from flea markets and antique shops. The very rich texture and distinctive grooves ensure a totally unique design. Pege (above) is named after the famous Hungarian jazz musician Aladar Pege. With its bold shape and spark of colour detailing on the frame interior, the glasses are a cool and contemporary tribute to the late virtuoso, and symbolic of the artisan spirit at Vinylize. www.vinylize.com JG
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