Derome Brenner expresses the language of lines with luxurious refinement in this striking sunglass design. The voluminous shape with gentle curves and a cut out nosepiece in fine quality black acetate is further defined with linear tones of blue and cocoa. This is just one wonderful example of the handmade sun collection that Xavier Derome and Aurelia Brenner have created for 2012. More information at www.deromebrenner.com JG
I have been meaning to feature one of the Hyde’s sunnies for a while…if you want 100% retro glamour, this is for you. A patterned acetate (also made in a smooth cream turtle which is very attractive too), made using traditional techniques that bounced out at me on Hyde’s Facebook page and I had to feature it. The frame comes with a handmade leather case and lens cloth. I do love the trend for marbled acetates, these are doing well and continue to pop up in many of the niche collections. This sunglass style is available online at 243 euros – go to www.nittygrittystore.com www.ehydes.com CN
1st May 2012 Backhausen is a Viennese cultural treasure, creative oasis and a little jewel of a textile museum. For over 150 years, Backhausen has supplied luxurious and unique fabrics to a great number of distinguished landmark buildings in The Imperial City, including The Vienna Opera, The Town Hall, The Viennese Parliament and the renowned Burgtheater, plus international buildings of historic significance. Backhausen is also connected to the memorable artistic developments at the turn of the 19th century, and is associated with the richness of the Art Nouveau period. The archives are superb – over 3,500 original sketches and sample books of these beautiful fabrics.
Nowadays, Backhausen continues to work with artists and international designers to supply reproductions of the original designs and new collections to over 40 countries. A visit to Backhausen is an artistic voyage expressed in exquisite textiles, and brings to life memories of a very fruitful and creative period in Austria’s history. www.backhausen.com JG
Vintage and rock ‘n roll are the perfect partners, and Varvatos captures it so well in this crystal and black acetate frame – with a square shape that is beloved of retro wearers. The award-winning designer is a passionate music lover, so Varvatos has inserted his signature guitar pick hinge on the temple – a unique touch – and a design that merges vintage and current trends most effectively. www.johnvarvatos.com In the UK, go to www.eyerespect.com JG
Precious wood is beautifully polished and wedded with ebony in this supremely elegant design. Gold and Wood is acknowledged for their harmoniously balanced volume and sculpture in the creation of a frame. This style features temples that are luxuriously highlighted with inserts of varying coloured woods. Elegance is measured in the finest details — achieved here with Gold and Wood’s exacting standards. More details at www.gold-and-wood.com JG