Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta is the venerable Italian brand that makes gorgeous bags with intricate leather weaving. The sunglasses are gorgeous too — the new collection for 2012 includes these lovely acetate sunglasses with elegantly sculptured, voluminous temples. The design is highlighted with a rounded shape that is flattering and glamorous. Details are unique and individual – a motif on the metal core inside the temples, plus five pins on the temples, and a small butterfly on the inside tips. Irresistible! www.bottegaveneta.com JG
Xeno
Götti Switzerland
Sunglasses are not just for summer – winter sun can create harsh glare. Eye protection, as well as style chic, is achieved with these dashing sunglasses from Götti Switzerland. The technology is masterful too, as Sven Götti has structured the frames out of one-piece stainless steel. A special epoxy plastic is applied to the temples, and the imaginative “spin ‘n stow” folding system adds to the technical triumph of the design. Available in sunny yellow (above), a real perk up colour for winter – plus smooth silver and black. www.gotti.ch JG
V908
John Varvatos
Music is a passion for Greek-American lifestyle and eyewear designer Varvatos – and especially rock ‘n roll. His love of music inspired him to create these statement sunglasses, complete with a guitar pick. The bold shape is masterfully crafted in black and tortoiseshell polished acetate, with the removable pick on the side. A Limited Edition creation with only 200 frames, these are genuine collectors items. www.eyerespect.com www.johnvarvatos.com JG
Kjled T
Orgreen
Both classic and modern aesthetics distinguish the fluid shape of these sunglasses from Orgreen in warm chocolate brown. Danish design techniques are evident in the smooth matt titanium frame, with characteristics that include the broad nosepieces, an expansive frame shape, and enlarged sides. Lightweight yet sturdy, the frames are very comfortable to wear, while providing the necessary fashion and protective elements of quality sunglasses. The frames are also available in a beautiful, soft blue. www.orgreen.com JG
Jacky 11
Derome Brenner
I have discovered a lot about the new collection by Derome Brenner thanks to Le Caribou Opticiens in Paris, who have a great blog of their own (www.lecaribou-opticiens.fr) Jacky 11 is a gorgeous example of what this French label do so well – multilayered acetate in pretty, multi-coloured combinations. This one features turtle, light brown, crystal, plain red and transparent red in one frame! Jacky 11 is a woman’s shape, and one of a family of styles that tend to have large proportions inspired by volumes and sizes of the 1970s. As one of the designers says, “with Jacky 11, we have worked on the square aspect bringing in a slight suggestion of the butterfly.” The frames are 100% made in the Sologne region of France. Every frame undergoes 60 different steps of production…to create the lamination, the sculpture of the material and to achieve interesting volumes and colours. CN