18th November 2011 This is a statement look for the year 2012…an aviator or wayfarer inspired shape (usually) with a flat browline….I love the way the French designers Anne et Valentin bring an elegance to the flat-shape in their optical style Factory 10 ……worn beautifully in the image above (www.anneetvalentin.com). Even in black it doesn’t look too harsh, it’s super feminine and we love the little old-school keyhole nose.
Other collections give the flat-top design a cool, urban interpretation and it just keeps on cropping up, particularly in the sunglass collections. Tim Van Steenbergen’s Isidro, a pilot shape for men and women, gives the style an update by adding a very gently curve on the browline with an angular drop at the outer edges of the front; it also features the distinctive keyhole nose shape which is a detail we are delighted to see being brought back into the collections.
This leather-look sunglass style is part of the impressive Limited Edition Hierro range by the Belgian fashion designer in collaboration with eyewear designers Theo; a range which is inspired by Spanish embroidery and traditional leather work and which pushes the boat out in terms of innovation in the design and decorative finishes. When I first held this style in my hand I thought it was covered in real leather, but actually it’s plastic that has an incredible finish like soft, natural leather. www.theo.be
Another example that leapt out at me when looking through the collections for 2012 was Paul Frank’s The Walkabout, a statement two-tone sihouette in acetate with subtle cutaways at the temple…an easy and relaxed choice for everyday wear and not too daring if you want cool and on-trend without over extravagance. www.paulfrank.com CN
