Eyestylist

Wowzers from Martyn Bal

22nd November Recently announced, Cutler & Gross have partnered up with Martyn Bal to produce Wowzers, a new sunglass collection. Bal says that he wanted the glasses to be “cool, neat and sharp”. I like the look of the crystal and also the version in “Ink Dream”. There are four colour choices in all.

Sunglasses by Martyn Bal

 

Available now from Cutler and Gross stores and the online shop http://shop.cutlerandgross.com/

VAVA Eyewear
Article One
ROLF Spectacles
Götti Switzerland
MOREL
DIFFUSER Tokyo
Res Rei
TVR True Vintage Revival
LAMARCA EYEWEAR

For more details on Wowzers go to www.martynbal.com CN

 

Men’s style from Salt Optics

Cooper

22nd November 2011 I really like the design of this optical frame…it delivers the new lighter looking, narrower shaping that takes geek chic to a a more sophisticated level. It’s a classic really, but fine tuned and superbly photographed to represent the direction in men’s eyewear. Salt Optics is a US brand we follow; it’s not so widely known in Europe but it’s readily available if you like what you see. I wear the sunglasses in the women’s range which offer feminine styling without drawing attention to itself in terms of decoration or logos. Stockists include Paris Miki, 33 avenue de l’Opéra, F-75002 Paris, Ottica Efrati, Rome (www.otticaefrati.com) and Burri Optik in Switzerland (www.burrioptik.ch), to pinpoint a few. More on Salt can be found at www.saltoptics.com CN

 

Res Rei
SALT.
Article One
LEINZ
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
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MOREL
GIGI STUDIOS
BLACKFIN

 

Boitier EK

Emmanuelle Khanh Paris

21st November 2011 A smart eyeglass case is indispensable for looking after your frames, and Emmanuelle Khanh has some beautiful styles this season. A particular favourite is this textured mini-clutch in an assortment of chic colours, plus all-important black. Frame protection is assured, and the metal clip is easy to open and close. Emmanuelle Khanh has an impressive collection of desirable eyewear accessories, including cases, chains, and magnifying glasses, for yourself  – or gift giving! You’ll find them at Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde in Paris, and Corso Como in Milan. www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com JG

Trend watch: three favourite flat tops

18th November 2011 This is a statement look for the year 2012…an aviator or wayfarer inspired shape (usually) with a flat browline….I love the way the French designers Anne et Valentin bring an elegance to the flat-shape in their optical style Factory 10 ……worn beautifully in the image above (www.anneetvalentin.com). Even in black it doesn’t look too harsh, it’s super feminine and we love the little old-school keyhole nose.

Other collections give the flat-top design a cool, urban interpretation and it just keeps on cropping up, particularly in the sunglass collections.  Tim Van Steenbergen’s Isidro, a pilot shape for men and women, gives the style an update by adding a very gently curve on the browline with an angular drop at the outer edges of the front; it also features the distinctive keyhole nose shape which is a detail we are delighted to see being brought back into the collections.

Isidro, Hierro Collection, Tim Van Steenbergen and Theo

This leather-look sunglass style is part of the impressive Limited Edition Hierro range by the Belgian fashion designer in collaboration with eyewear designers Theo; a range which is inspired by Spanish embroidery and traditional leather work and which pushes the boat out in terms of innovation in the design and decorative finishes. When I first held this style in my hand I thought it was covered in real leather, but actually it’s plastic that has an incredible finish like soft, natural leather. www.theo.be

The Walkabout by Paul Frank

Another example that leapt out at me when looking through the collections for 2012 was Paul Frank’s The Walkabout, a statement two-tone sihouette in acetate with subtle cutaways at the temple…an easy and relaxed choice for everyday wear and not too daring if you want cool and on-trend without over extravagance. www.paulfrank.com CN

 

Proof Sustainable Wood

An eco-friendly choice

17th November 2011 I have recently received a pair of sunglasses by Idaho based Proof Wood Eyewear…the model is one of their women’s styles, Cake, a simple but feminine shape featuring a matching brown polycarbonate lenses. The frames are offered in different woods such as bamboo and ebony, and have neat spring hinges and a tiny discreet logo etched into the temple. A quotation appears on the inside of the arm, customised from model to model. My pair is marked with the line: “My life is my message“. 

Set up in January this year, Proof is run by three brothers, from a family sawmill set up originally by their grandfather. The brothers aim is to produce fun, well made, well priced wood sunglasses (suited to all ages but definitely appealing particularly to 20 somethings) while also donating a portion of sales to charity. Proof is supporting sight giving surgeries in India and is also currently involved with the Native American Reservation, Africa and re-planting trees in Haiti.

Another nice touch is the fact that Proof offers a recycling programme…if you want to change your sunglass style, you can return your old pair of shades and get a discount on your next purchase. The old shades are recycled into animal bedding..to find out more about Proof and to see the full collection visit www.iwantproof.com CN