Eyestylist

Mykita / Damir Doma – DD01.

15th October 2012 A lot is being written about this new collaboration between the German label Mykita and Damir Doma, the Croatian-born designer, since it appeared on the runway at Paris Fashion Week (pictured together above, Moritz Krueger, Mykita and fashion designer, Damir Doma). Contrasting materials usually work with great effect in spectacle design and are being re-explored in progressive ways.  This luxurious edition proves that two materials that are poles apart in their make-up – buffalo horn that is warm and natural in colour tone and touch and stainless steel, cool and man-made but aesthetically exciting and futuristic – can be brought together to create something that stands out on its own.

I held these pieces in my hand in Paris and tried one on; designed to be fitted with sun or optical lenses, the glasses have a light construction and the material combination is reminiscent of the characteristic mix of coarse, stiff fabric and soft flowing textures in the Damir Doma fashion collections. Seeing a designer’s concept like that translated with such care and precision in a frame design deserves appraisal, and I look forward to seeing more collaborations between fashion and eyewear designers at this level.

Doma himself explains: “This particular shape perfectly rounds up the Damir Doma look. From the very beginning, our aim was to translate the traditional shape into something modern and create an iconic object.” At the same time, the style is a historic reference to the round glasses worn by the intellectual avant-garde – a design which transcends time. The collection is available at the Damir Doma store in Paris. www.mykita.com www.damirdoma.com CN

Damir Doma, Store, 54 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, 75008 Paris.

This report was written by Clodagh Norton exclusively for Eyestylist.com. Please see our disclaimer above.

Fashion Eyewear in an Historical Setting

13th October 2012 Blessed with a gorgeous lake and stunning mountain views, Zurich is always a delightful destination. Adding to the pleasure of this visit is Hall of Frames Zurich, held this weekend (14th and 15th October) in the historical Papiersaal building. Th event highlights international, independent creators, including Bellinger from Denmark. Claus and Marlene (above) founders and designers at Bellinger, produce a diverse range of frames – very lightweight, in splashy colours and classics, in a variety of materials.

The company now make their own acetate, and the frames can include from 2-5 different types of acetates, creatively mixed to achieve a polished, high quality product. For the newest Bounce series (above) – the inspiration is airplanes and boats – modes of transportation associated with romance and glamour, and translated into beautiful frames. For more fashion led, designer frames, the place  to be this weekend is Hall of Frames Zurich! www.hallofframes.ch www.bellinger.dk JG

Round Shape Renaissance

11th October 2012 The round shape is not new – a dapper Benjamin Franklin in Paris was charming the ladies in his round spectacles in the 18th century. The earliest round designs were encased in heavy brass frames – and viva la difference three centuries later! We found some must-have round creations at SILMO, orchestrated in lustrous materials. Above, a beautiful round interpretation with translucent, expressive dimensions from the Danish award-winning company Lindberg. www.lindberg.com

Lunettes Kollektion in Berlin has revisited the 1920’s for the elegant Constructivismo, (above) inspired by the Constructivist movement of the period. The top edge of the acetate frame features a moulded motif reminiscent of the Russian avant-garde. We tried this frame on – looks great and a pleasure to wear! www.lunettes-kollektion.com JG

This copy was written by Joan Grady exclusively for Eyestylist.com. Please see our disclaimer above.

8th October 2012 There has been some tremendous catwalk action in the last weeks with lots of hints of the new sunglass styling for next year. This special design for Nicole Farhi’s S/S 2013 show is one that stood out in London. This is a wood-effect acetate model that illustrates the growing enthusiasm for frames with a natural grainy almost rough finish. The oversized flat fronted style complemented light, elegant sheer fabrics and neutral tones of white, taupe and grey, inspired by the marble quarries of Carrara in Italy. The show was the last for the 65 year old designer Nicole Farhi whose label will be headed in the seasons to come by new creative director, Joanna Sykes. www.nicolefarhi.com CN