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
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
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
The new Bounce collection from Danish company Bellinger, known for its colourful trendy frame styles, focuses on acetate with a special metal hinge at the temple. This section of the design looks like a spring, and has a decorative and functional purpose…it allows you to adjust the side pieces for a great fit, while also giving life and colour to the design. There are seven new models in total. The contrasting colours of the metal piece add a great touch…whether in bright contrast colours or more neutral shapes. The acetate comes in some attractive jewel shades of deep purple and blue and a trendy army tortoise. Stockists include View Point, York, UK, Bartschi Optik AG, Bern, Switzerland and Optiker Krauss GmbH, Berlin. CN
Tripoli is a fine example of L.G.R.’s Italian acetate spectacles…each of these designs is made by hand using old-fashioned techniques…L.G.R. brings together a love of authentic vintage design and an understanding of the values of the history of traditional Italian eyewear production. Free from embellishments or logos, the models speak for themselves! Available in a range of colours including black, brown and dark havana, Tripoli’s modern angular flat front is likely to turn heads in the months ahead (a very trendy look for guys in 2012) but is also likely to remain covetable in years to come. www.lgr-sunglasses.com. CN