Eyestylist

French eyewear: Graphicolor at J.F. REY

20th March 2024

At the French eyewear brand, the concept in acetate for 2024 is bright and bold, with a graphic aesthetic

Exploring new ways of working with acetate laminations for both the fronts and temples of every style, the new concept at J.F. REY entitled “Graphicolor” this season focuses on fluid or contrasting graphic lines, with a wide range of colour combinations punctuated by fresh hues. Above: a selection of styles in the Graphicolor collection

JF1549 by J.F. REY – an angular shape in a purple/red acetate combo

The colour palette includes flattering shiny finishes and subtle transparencies designed to suit all faces. Pastel shades such as pink and blue, pops of mint green and fashion patterns or touches of purple – see JF1549 above – are all featured with details adding a refreshing and modern accent to the collection.

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

JF1551 by J.F. REY – asymmetry in the colour details, creating a playful mood

Notable in the collection are the asymmetrical details such as the topline of colour introduced in JF1551 – on the left, with an amber crystal shade and on the right, a delicate lilac. While less usual, the colours combine harmoniously to create a look that feels natural and refined. To find out more about the collection visit www.jfrey.fr

Arts + travel

Art inspiration: Corridoio by Nathalie Du Pasquier

19th March 2024

Milan Design Week artist preview: MoscaPartners will present Corridoio by Nathalie Du Pasquier – art and design join forces in a site-specific installation for the entrance of Design Variations 2024

From 15^th to 21^stApril 2024 MoscaPartners will welcome visitors to Design Variations 2024 with the site-specific installation Corridoio by the French, naturalized Italian, artist Nathalie Du Pasquier at the entrance to the 2,500m²space of the ex-garage in Viale Gorizia 14 at the heart of Milan’s Darsena area.

The artist has created a work especially for the entrance corridor made up of twelve large, decorative panels printed on MEG. This versatile material produced by Abet Laminati is resistant to light and harsh weather conditions making it perfect for outdoor use and the building sector. The installation, which was designed specifically for this location, will create a boldly graphic tunnel with vivid colour contrasts that will guide the visitor into an imaginary world. Above: Corridoio by Nathalie Du Pasquier – one of 12 large panels created for the space

Like previous editions, the artwork will not be limited to Milan Design Week but will be given a second life to ensure the continuity and dissemination of art through sustainable projects.

About Nathalie Du Pasquier – Nathalie Du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux (France) in 1957 and she has lived in Milan since 1979. Until 1986 she worked as a designer and was a founder member of Memphis. She designed numerous “decorated surfaces”: textiles, carpets, plastic laminates, and some furniture and objects. In 1987, painting became her main activity. Find out more about the artist: https://nathaliedupasquier.com

Images provided courtesy of MoscaPartners and the artist.

Reviews

A shared vision: SALT. Optics x Black Bear collaboration

15th March 2024

A new collaboration design at SALT. Optics launches this weekend at Loft in New York City…

A new collaboration edition created by SALT. Optics with the American Black Bear brand represents the culmination of a connection between two labels which align with particular similarities in their approach to design and quality manufacture.

Named the Sirlin collection after Creative Director of Black Bear Joshua Sirlin, the sunglasses have been conceived to offer a harmonious fusion of refinement and ruggedness, complexity and simplicity. Three colours have been created with a number of signature features in the model, ranging from custom laminated temples with visible gold cores, custom 8mm thick acetate fronts and SALT.’s custom hardware such as visible pins on front/temples finished in 24k gold. The SALT. Optics team explains that this is the first time that they have used precious metal to create the hardware. Each design is provided with a robust branded custom case and Black Bear ‘branded’ cleaning cloth. Above: Josh Sirlin, Creative Director of Black Bear wears the new sunglass edition (above and below)

“The Sirlin represents both brands’ commitment to the art of craftsmanship, and the spirit of adventure and discovery…” SALT. Optics

The SALT. Optics x Black Bear model pictured in colour “Bone”

About Black Bear – Black Bear is committed to time-proven materials and workmanship free of compromise creating pieces that will last a life time. The Black Bear Manufacturing Company was founded in 1918 making blue denim overalls. Josh Sirlin has reinvigorated the brand for modern day, restoring the lost legacy, and honouring frontier roots to achieve products that are created to be “ruggedly refined”. The range of products today includes denim apparel, footwear, hats and accessories. www.blackbearbrand.com / www.saltoptics.com

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear trends: multicoloured effect

13th March 2024

Eyestylist.com – Now, more than ever, a patterned frame speaks volumes….our gorgeous selection of multicoloured designs is a tiny taste of a developing story

A complex patchwork of several colours combined together or a stunning acetate material with microscopic colour compositions, these new designs for Spring/Summer are characterised by a playful expression of multiple colours – some presenting analogous hues and others exploring contrasts in tones. The effects, which are closely linked to the tradition of tortoiseshell, Havana, marbleized or striated prints in acetate materials, offer a new modern aesthetic direction through the introduction of fashion-infused tones and surprising tonal combinations. Above: FACE A FACE model CARAR 2 in a colour combination called “Tortoise Granite Blue” – the frame has a patterned front with a red pop of colour on the top combined with bright blue temples – www.faceaface-paris.com

The modern qualities of the coloured acetate are perfectly illustrated in model Presto by Lafont Paris, one of several designs offering a multicoloured effect at the French eyewear brand this season. The attractive classic eye shape is available in a colourway that combines splashes of bright pink, several bold shades of blue and transparent crystal tones creating an artistic “fragmented” pattern with multiple “dots”.

Also among our picks of the season, model Pleyel is produced in an acetate with a more linear arrangement, with horizontal striations in an orange and bright purple mix. The electric pink temples add to the dramatic effect of colour. www.lafont.com

Eat Street by OGI Eyewear – featuring a distinctive linear pattern across the frame front

At OGI Eyewear, the Spring/Summer collection explores rich colour details – in charismatic eyewear shapes. Model Eat Street is an example of one of the premium acetate frames in the range, a combination of a distinctive angular round shape with warm marbled colours “full of dimension and grace.”

Lake Superior by OGI Eyewear in Blue Tort / Robin Blue Tortoise

Model Lake Superior – with its interesting geometric brow and rounded lower edge – comes in custom hand-laminated acetates which, across this collection, combine colour stories that are tasteful, expressive and eye-catching in a crowd. Find out more at www.ogieyewear.com – This trends feature was written for EYESTYLIST.COM – All rights reserved.

Design + Inspiration

100% Optical London: a showcase for the UK

11th March 2024

The London event spotlighted the great variety of eyewear collections and design and emerging labels available in the UK, alongside highlighting sustainable developments in eyewear…the event is the UK’s leading showcase of all things optical

Record attendance (11,725 visitor attendance) at the event through three days, a buoyant atmosphere and highlights from a variety of independent brands as well as licensed brands, the 10th edition of 100% Optical provided a thorough overview of eyewear trends and directions in 2024 as we head towards the Spring/Summer season.

Eyestylist observed many of the new themes evolving for Spring/Summer. Bold bright colours continue to reflect the different colour palettes coming through in fashion, and particular focus on colours like, green, red and bright blue. Examples of other luxurious tonal palettes and beautiful finishes of all types were also on view, as were new proposals where colours are combined in lively, characterful ways. Eyewear collections are now full of extraordinary variety, with many different materials available, as well as many interpretations of classic looks, contemporary design styles and trendy shapes – with interesting inspiration and creative design ideas. Above: model Matics by FACE A FACE – part of the fascinating Japan Now! collection, inspired by Japanese designers and culture – FACE A FACE is part of Design Eyewear Group

Woow Eyewear’s new Super Soul 1 – a tribute to the big names of jazz

Among the latest highlights at Woow Eyewear (Design Eyewear Group) were the bright tones of models designed to bring out a carefree mood with a “dose of positivity and good vibrations.” Model Super Soul 1 expresses that playful mood, with combinations of colour and materials that are carefully finessed.

ROLF’s model Indy – natural wood design for smaller faces

ROLF had an array of new styles in wood, 3D printed material and stone. The Indy style is part of the evolved collection, complementing the 128 series with its small dimensions for smaller faces.

Connie in Mocca by Götti Switzerland: in the popular 3D printed Dimension collection

The Dimension collection by Götti Switzerland is produced by means of state-of-the-art additive manufacturing, at the Swiss brand’s HQ in Zurich. The styles benefit from many interesting properties, from extreme comfort to aesthetic qualities.

Atlantic by Sea2see, the “seastainable” eyewear brand

Among the sustainable brands exhibiting at the show this year, Sea2see (www.sea2see.org) presented a collection which continues to exhibit the advancements in materials produced from marine waste. Styles such as model Atlantic have simple wearable shapes produced in ‘seastainable’ material with patterns and a variety of finishes.

Also notable were the small creative brands exhibiting at the fair: Nina Mûr from Madrid, Danielle Rattray from Scotland, and the accessories brand KODES (UK).

This year the 100% x RCA competition featured 10 finalists who exhibited their creative designs at the event. The winner was Joy Julius, who presented “Stack”, a piece inspired by the vintage optometry trial lenses design. The project was conceived to enable users to layer their glasses to customise them, combining different frame styles – and personalising them to reflect their individuality. 100% Optical returns to Excel London on 1st-3rd March 2024. For more information visit www.100percentoptical.com

“A different approach”: SIX SIX, Melbourne

A fantastic tribute to 20 years of SALT. Optics

AHLEM Eyewear’s Paris Collection, inspired by fine watchmaking

Carbonwood by J.F. Rey

l.a.Eyeworks reveal cases + cloths in latest collab with Huntley Muir

Pallas: Masunaga x Kenzo Takada