Eyestylist

An eye on the Munich show, part 2

21st December 2012 On our must-see list at the show coming up in Munich are a number of collections for men including cool classic design for the well-heeled gent and strong statement pieces for the fashion aficionado. From Brit label Kirk Originals, models from the Beam collection gives a suitably punchy colour kick for 2013, with new tone proposals launching including a bright almost fluo orange,  a trendy choice for the season. Kirk Originals will also show their Stripe and Pins lines in the Twenty Collection, a celebration of their recent 20th Anniversary offering colour in a retro style and an interpretation that is clearly a nod to the brand’s heritage and international successes over the years. www.kirkoriginals.co.uk

Leisure Society (Baum Vision Europe) will include the presentation of the very dapper classic round model Byron at opti, a new style by Shane Baum, inspired by the poet and featuring a classic key hole bridge and rich colourings. “With each new style comes heritage, perfect for the spring flaneur and chic conventionalism”, says Baum. “As a designer I am always aware of the smallest details in my surroundings; it is in the tiny features of even the most grandiose items that I find inspiration.” www.leisure-society.com

Also exhibiting in Munich is the young Californian designer Garrett Leight, son of Oliver Peoples’ founder Larry Leight and one of a small gang of new generation eyewear designers with a genuine passion for quality and creativity – and returning that to eyewear for the future.

The GLCO designs are contemporary classics, use traditional craftsmanship and hand finishing techniques, and feature old-school materials and natural, muted colorations – typically tortoise – that highlight the elegance of spectacles of the past. I saw them in Paris this year for the first time, and was surprised by the classical, understated direction and earthy natural colours I was shown. No attention-grabbing bright colours were featured here and yet the collection has its own personality that the fashion crowd connects with. One to see.  www.garrettleight.com

For a full list of  the designers and companies that will be visiting Munich on 25th to 27th January, go to www.opti-munich.com CN 

An Exclusive Edition by the Monocle Order

19th December 2012 Blood & Tears is a new collection from the Monocle Order, a Members’ Club for sunglass enthusiasts and one of the most exciting online retailers based in New York, stocking a selection of super eyewear labels, including Thierry Lasry, RVS by V., Illesteva, L.G.R. and Waiting for the Sun. In Paris this year, Zoe Nightingale Wiseman told me how how her love of sunglass fashion has brought about the creation of the Monocle Order’s own label, produced in a collaboration with Turkish label RVS by V.

Why “Blood and Tears”? Blood and Tears is the inspiration behind the things that really matter in life. From art to music to love, these are the liquids that saturate the most important moments in our lives. So for us, there was no better name for something into which we put so much of our heart and soul.

What is the idea behind the designs and how/where they were made? We approached Vidal Erkohen from RVS by V. because we are always so impressed with his eye for colour and detail. Together, we decided to update the classic wayfarer, because of its timeless sex appeal and universally wearable shape.We pored over books and consulted with our clients, trying to figure out what it was they loved about eyewear and what they felt was lacking. It took a while to find the right combination, but after the painful process of making prototypes and corrections we finally decided on one that was longer, thinner and sexier than its predecessor.

Our first collection features four colours. All of our frames were made in the RVS factory in Istanbul, using Mazzucchelli acetate produced in Italy. Each colour is matched with one of four different lenses, all gradiated, and all custom hand dyed in Turkey. We wanted to offer something classic, but with vibrant colour and lenses that gave each model its own unique style. Each frame in the 200 piece collection has been hand stamped with a number that corresponds to its number in the production line.

Is there more to come in this collaboration? We are currently working on six new styles. We are very excited to show everyone the signature lines we are in the process of making for a world-famous DJ. Stay tuned, for the best is yet to come!

The new Blood & Tears collection is available exclusively from the Monocle Order online at www.monocleorder.com To view their new shoot featuring models from the line and a very famous puppy called Boo, visit the Monocle Order on Facebook.

Eyestylist is delighted to announce that we will be gifting one of the new limited “Blood & Tears” sunglass styles, packaged in a presentation box, and accompanied by an exclusive membership of Monocle Order in New York. For more information follow our Facebook page. CN

Diamonds – Eyewear Elegance

17th December 2012 Diamonds! Girl’s best friend, treasured gemstone, diamonds are forever! They are luxurious, beautiful, glamorous and desirable. Eyewear and diamonds, plus beautiful natural metals are a winning combination – and two gorgeous creations we present here. From Lindberg’s Precious Collection is this elegant design that unites 18K yellow gold with forty shimmering diamonds (above Spirit 2174). Handmade in Denmark, there is a unique story behind the Precious Collection. The gold is found in one of the world’s smallest mines in Greenland, and Lindberg has exclusive world rights to use this gold. The highest quality, brilliant-cut diamonds are individually set, and the result is a magnificent heirloom design.www.lindberg.com

Shane Baum at Leisure Society has created these superb sunglasses (above Petite Vallée in Silverlake) – pure Titanium, coated with 12K gold, and stunning turquoise acetate. Three little diamonds are discreetly positioned – one on each side, and another directly in the middle of the graceful, classically shaped, individually numbered frame. Enamel and laser techniques, and superior diamond coated lenses, ensure a frame of enduring beauty and a joy to wear. www.leisure-society.com JG

Festive Frames for the Holiday Season

14th December 2012 Lovely, sparkly frames are the perfect accessories for holiday fashions. Marc Jacobs endorses the sparkling effect with a Limited Edition dazzling sunglass design (above style 454) that has over two hundred and fifty Swarovski crystals embedded in the frame. A bright and brilliant creation with vintage inspiration and individual style. www.marcjacobs.com

Black acetate and rhinestones are a glamorous combo by Emmanuelle Khanh and capture the holiday mood (above style EK1962). The frame shape is wonderfully vintage, and the multitude of tiny rhinestones on the upper part of the frame provide a delightful glow. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to indulge in glamorous frames with a shining spirit! www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com JG

Anniversary Celebrations on La Rive Gauche

12th December 2012 Orgreen’s Marketing Manager Emma Kristensen and designer Tobias Wandrup (above) jetted into Paris from Denmark last week for their 15th anniversary celebrations at Eyespleasure – the chic boutique on Saint Suplice. They met and chatted with customers, and delighted in the pre-Noël Parisian spirit. Wandrup is one of the founders of Orgreen, and he reflected on the many and varied channels where inspiration can be found. “You never really know where inspiration may appear”, said Wandrup, “and it’s not always in cities. Travel is always a source of inspiration – different faces in the world are great inspiration too. What we like to do at Orgreen is bring ideas from the past – old techniques with modern style; bring vintage into new times. We love to play with colour too. As Danes, we are brought up with the concept of traditional design.”

Clear, uncluttered, pure lines in beautiful colourations and finishes, such as the style above – model Billie 391 – express the modern, elegant style that is Orgreen’s hallmark. Their love of colour is vibrantly alive in matt duo-toned electric blue and champagne Titanium. A contemporary and stylish eyewear expression. www.orgreen.dk JG