Eyestylist

Reviews

Paint by Numbers by KBL

12th January 2011

New York brand KBL is relatively new in Europe. But they are already stocked by some important opticians including the Mykita Shop, Zurich (www.mykita.com), Probst Optik Switzerland and JLC Opticien in France. This is one to watch….they started in 2009 with sunglasses…now they have launched a first optical range, with a discerning approach to materials, precision milling, careful hand finishing and, they say, rigorous quality control. I may not have seen them up close but there are some cute designs and the model “Paint by Numbers” has a clever approach to vintage, combining a lovely-old-fashioned shape with fresh, hip colours and a lush finish. www.kbleyewear.com

Meccano by Vanni Nico Design
Reviews

Meccano by Vanni

12th January 2011

Nico Design

Turin’s Nico Design has some particularly outstanding optical frames in its Vanni collection. I have not tried this frame on, but the technical side of the Meccano line is interesting. There are 3 sizes of temple for a good fit and as well as stainless steel styles, there are several combination ones, using stainless steel and a very decorative acetate that is reminiscent of a natural horn, as seen in this image above. In the UK, there are plenty of opticians stocking these handsome Italian designs, so it isn’t as hard as you might expect to get your hands on them. I am told by the UK distributor that Vanni is currently available at Black and Lizars (Scotland), Roger Pope, Dulwich Village, Frames in the Lanes, Brighton, and Derek Spivack (Mayfair).

Showroom Baricole Nico Design
Show Room Baricole, Nico-Design

 

VAVA Eyewear

Nico Design is steeped in design history…and is proud of its “passion for all things lovingly crafted” with an “eye for detail”. The company has its own amazing store in Turin “the Showroom Baricole” (www.baricole.it) which is an impressive setting in itself for the presentation of the latest Vanni and Derapage ranges by the company. Should you be visiting Turin don’t miss it, it’s an eyewear emporium of the highest order. CN

Larry Gotti Switzerland
Reviews

Larry at Götti Switzerland

12th January 2011

I am one of the first lucky customers to try this frame, thanks to Sven Götti who has me wearing it just weeks after I’ve viewed the new Spin & Stow collection at the optical exhibition in Paris. This is a 100% titanium frame with temples in epoxy, a material that is soft to the touch and anti-allergenic. Götti has developed a matt finish for the epoxy which adds to the sophistication of the design. I’ve chosen a lilac front, always a good one for me given my pale complexion, teamed with neutral arms.

Apart from its streamlined elegance, the innovation that makes this frame special is the Spin and Stow mechanism which allows you to twist the temples around so that the frame can be super thin when you want to put it away in its case. It is a perfectly executed detail which you can really only appreciate if you take one in your hands and give it a go. Götti is a Swiss brand www.gotti.ch that is hard to come by in the UK but if you are in London I know that the 20/20 Optical Store (www.20-20.co.uk) on Tottenham Court Road is a stockist. CN

Article One
303 W-Eye by Matteo Ragni
Five

303 W-Eye

12th January 2011

Matteo Ragni

A new entry on the eyewear scene in Italy, which hasn’t yet reached the UK but it will soon. 303 has a pure shape and is made of sheets of wood and aluminium which may sound a bit surprising….but the use of these two materials together has been carefully studied to offer flexibility and a curvature in the frame that moulds to the wearer’s face. This style features the tropical timber Wenge; other woods featured in the collection are maple, ebony, cherry, walnut and there are more! A very precise artisanal production technique is used to make each model…and the varnishing and finishing is all done by hand.

www.w-eye.it

MOREL
Reviews

6 Beech from the White Tie Collection by Theo

12th January 2011

Elton John is an inspiration for many people, not just for his music, but also for his energetic fundraising pursuits. One of his most exciting projects is the annual Black & White Tiara Ball. This gala occasion fired the imagination of fashion designer Tim Van Steenbergen who collaborates with the eyewear label. The result is White Tie, a Limited Edition line of stunning sunglasses that are seductive and mysterious. Precision crafting in luxurious, over-sized acetate with metal side inserts ensures glamour and panache, plus the frames fit perfectly.

Antwerp based Theo is an experimental eyewear company that produces truly innovative and unique frames: www.theo.be