Eyestylist

read on light: a new take on reading glasses

6th March 2024

A new design product launched by the ‘read on’ team answers an untapped demand for a practical, contemporary, easy-to-use reader

The Swiss reading glasses design company ‘read on’ have launched their latest innovation this season: ‘read on light’ – ultra-thin, lightweight and highly flexible reading glasses, made of high-quality, skin-friendly TR90. At only three millimetres, the designers say ‘read on light’ is one of the thinnest reading glasses on the market and offers the most colourful, contemporary eye-catching style – with practical, functional design.

‘read on’ was founded by Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink, eyewear innovators who established the Swiss eyewear brand, ‘Sol Sol Ito’ and who have won a number of prestigious design awards, including the German Design Award, the Good Design Award and most recently, the Red Dot Design Award. Three years ago, the team launched their first reading glasses product: slim, foldable reading glasses which fit neatly inside a smartphone case. ‘read on light’ is a new addition in the product line, developed in response to the success of the first original compact reader with mobile case. The new ‘read on light’ comes in a range of great colours including red, violet, jade, blue, black and yellow and is already available in the US via Amazon. Find out more about both ‘read on’ products and enquire by visiting www.readon-mobile.ch

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Design + Inspiration

VAVA: the tones of Acid House

5th March 2024

Eyestylist Exclusive: VAVA takes influences of industrial aesthetics and electronic music to next level with VAVA’s acid tones in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, an expression of late 1980s/90s House Music, its boundary-pushing culture and art

VAVA Eyewear finds new inspiration in electronic music and Acid House this season, with colours in the SS24 collection informed by a multitude of sources related to the music genre and movement with its club and rave scene.

By juxtaposing the fluorescent-look hues against sleek modern frame designs, VAVA aimed to create a visual tension that is both captivating and forward-thinking – and perfectly on cue as eyewear designers continue to amp up the brightness of their boldest colours. Above: VAVA Eyewear signature acid green square-shaped sunglasses – BL0034 – a tone inspired by the Acid Techno Smiley Face, the iconic symbol of the rave and flyers and art works of the Acid Movement

BL0003 – a flat rectangular silhouette with raised bridge design, unique to VAVA

The neon colours are informed as much by artists of the time such as Keith Haring, New York pop artist, and Jeremy Deller, the English conceptual, video and installation artist as by Chicago and Manchester in the late 80s – and the Haçienda, the nightclub and music venue in Manchester, England, which became famous during the Madchester years of the 1980s/1990s. Run by the record label Factory Records, the club opened in 1982, eventually fostering the Manchester acid house and rave scene.

BL0028 by VAVA Eyewear – an angular cat eye in acid orange – a vibrant tone popular in acid house fashion which also favoured a futuristic aesthetic

Acid House was known for its unique squelching or chirping sounds created using the iconic Roland TB-303, also called the “303”, a bass synthesiser which was discontinued in 1984, but soon highly sought after second-hand.

VAVA’s new pieces in acid colours are part of a collection of frames which is divided into three main themes, each one with advanced technology at the foundation of the concept and the construction of the designs. To find out more click on the Eyestylist link: https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/09/silmo-paris-preview-new-innovative-design/

VAVA Eyewear will exhibit in New York at the trade-only independent eyewear event LOFT, Hudson Mercantile, from 14th to 17th March 2024. www.vavaeyewear.com

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear show: LOFT NYC 2024

3rd March 2024

The eagerly awaited New York edition of LOFT takes place from 14th to 17th March 2024

The next edition of LOFT will feature an extensive line-up of eyewear companies in an event that promises inspiration and many new collections and releases. This year the New York event will take place at the familiar Hudson Mercantile space on the corner of 10th and West 36th St in New York City.

Founder, Richard Mewha, is buoyant and excited for this year’s event: “2024 will be the 24th iteration of LOFT NYC. This curated trade event was initiated to showcase independent design in the eyewear marketplace. Since then our show has evolved into a very special highlight on the international trade event calendar. Once again we look forward to welcoming independent retailers, boutique owners and buyers to our amazing space. We have already announced our intention to stay in New York City in 2025 and our plans are moving forward at a rapid pace. We are expecting our 25th year to be spectacular!”.

LOFT NYC will present two floors of independent eyewear designers and this year will feature some new additions to the event including Kuboraum, l.a.Eyeworks, Silhouette, Eyevan, Yellows Plus, Cazal and Folc Eyewear.

Known for it’s excellent catering and unique atmosphere, LOFT is offering the perfect place to meet industry friends and colleagues while enjoying its relaxed environment. An eyewear escape rather than a traditional event, LOFT has always been a place to see exciting eyewear designs and an opportunity to talk to the people behind those designs.

“We really love putting this event together each year!” adds LOFT Marketing Director, Louis Fullager. “Our favorite partners keep returning every year like Bevel, Theo, Mykita, Salt Optics, Anne et Valentin, Blake Kuwahara, Lucas de Staël and Entourage of 7. We’re super excited by the new brands coming in and I’m especially looking forward to tackling a bigger expanded event in 2025. Staying in NYC was imperative for us and we have been stunned by the amount of interest we already have from brands and customers alike. There is a real appetite for the New York based event to continue.”

LOFT NYC is open from 9.00am – 6.00pm Thursday 14th March through to Saturday 16th March, and 9.00am – 5.00 pm on Sunday 17th. LOFT EYEWEAR SHOWS are the premier US independent luxury eyewear events held annually in New York City and San Francisco. For more information, visit the website at www.lofteyewearshow.com

Reviews

Italian eyewear: Nova by Stupor Mundi

28th February 2024

Part of a micro edition of Italian-made luxury frames, the designers at Italian eyewear brand Stupor Mundi Eyewear have been inspired by the rich history of Sicily, and opulent Arab Byzantine jewellery and clothing, produced by the royal jewellers of Palermo, many centuries ago

Described as a micro production of luxury frames, Stupor Mundi’s collection of eyewear is new to the market, proposing an exclusive style inspired by their origins in Palermo, Sicily. Their four unique designs include the sunglasses model Nova, a frame they have named after an astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright “new” star.

The frame Nova is a combination of several different frame shapes. The dark surfaces appear to converge gently upwards, where they transform into a shining explosion of yellow micro-diamonds – a decoration that is one of many unique steps achieved by hand. Above: Nova by Stupor Mundi is a handcrafted work of luxury

Detail – model Nova by Stupor Mundi is decorated with lab grown micro diamonds

The frame itself is a combination of several materials, including parts in M49 bio acetate and in yellow gold coated steel – as well as featuring 24k yellow gold plated seven-barrel hinges. The decoration is created using ethical yellow lab grown pure micro-diamonds while the small logo on the temple is a yellow gold coated metal plate with detailing in sleek black enamel. The production of each design is described as being a long and complex process, with many special steps which are undertaken exclusively by eight craftspeople with a particular expertise in luxury production and jewellery-focused eyewear design.

Stupor Mundi specialises in small-batch sunglass production in Italy and designs with a striking attention to detail, also collaborating with Zeiss for their high-tech protective sun lenses. Find out more about the collection at https://stupormundieyewear.com

Boutiques

Retrosuperfuture opens store in Mexico City

26th February 2024

The brand has opened the architect-designed store in Av. Tamaulipas 141

Situated in the vibrant La Condesa area, RSF Mexico City was conceived and designed by RSF’s creative team in collaboration with architect Paul Cournet. The compact store is designed for an organic flow, emphasising key functional elements.

On one side, a custom stainless steel build-out provides a multifunctional experience. Clients can explore the Retrosuperfuture collections on display, starting with a curated selection of pieces. Below, drawers conceal soft velvet pads for placing selections and exploring options. Further down, clients can delve into RSF’s full collections, collaborations, and the vast selection of both sun as well as optical RX frames. Above: the exterior of the new store – opened in February 2024

Retrosuperfuture – interior – photography by Alejandro Ramirez Orozco

On the opposite side, a full-height mirror spans floor to ceiling, and throughout the entire store, offering a comprehensive view for clients to fully see themselves and their eyewear choices. A huge, fully dimmable lightbox graces the ceiling, replicating the ambiance and warmth of a sunset to enhance the overall mood. For a comprehensive optical service, RSF’s Mexico City store includes private visiting rooms equipped with licensed opticians, optometrists and Zeiss vision testing machines to address clients’ ophthalmic needs. Find out more at www.retrosuperfuture.com

Av. Tamaulipas 141, Condesa, CDMX Mexico City, Mexico. Monday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm.

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