Eyestylist

Anne et Valentin

Trend Watch: Round is here to stay

22nd March 2011 After viewing the new collections in Milan this month, I realised that the round styles that are having a revival just now are likely to be here for some time. We have reviewed a number of special interpretations of this shape earlier this month, and since then I’ve been looking out for more ideas on how to wear this look today…one of the brands that has incredible images of French women in designs on this theme is the very chic French label Anne et Valentin.

This memorable photograph (above) shows beautifully the way in which this French company has captured a design of the past with a strong retro flavour and brought it into the present. The frame featured here is called Buren; it is a totally brilliant statement design, that converts the intellectual overtones of this shape into glamour and style. To see more inspirational imagery from the look book by Anne et Valentin, including many soft, feminine oval and round shapes for 2011/12, visit the website www.anneetvalentin.com CN

Persol Roadster

A Limited Edition from the legendary sunglass brand

19th March 2011 Inspired by the Roadster sports car and its details, such as the rounded shapes of the car’s air vents, the Persol Roadster is a new release available in two models (GT and TF) and five colours. It is an aviator in acetate with a special riveted metal feature on the top of the front piece which ties in with the classic metal hinge. A sturdy design with the traits you’d expect from a Persol classic, each of these is said to take around 30 days to produce and undergoes “between thirty-five and thirty-seven manual steps” before completion. I have popped in to David Clulow today to take a look at the style – the combination of classic Persol features with new contemporary design details plus the Photo-Polar (polarized/photochromic) lenses works well. To get a feel for this frame, and to view it from all angles visit the link www.persol.com/uk/collections/roadster/ft. Retailing at £234.00 in David Clulow. CN

TD Tom Davies

Couture Horn Collection

17th March, 2011 Eyestylist exclusive: TD Tom Davies has launched a couture eyewear collection in one of nature’s most beautiful and luxurious materials – natural buffalo horn.   This is an exclusive service for made-to-order glasses. A unique aspect is that customers can select their own pieces of horn from which the glasses will be created. Taking approximately eight weeks to handcraft, the finished product is the epitome of original customization.  Angelina Jolie and Kevin Spacey are among Davies’ fans.  It’s easy to understand why! In the UK, the frames are available exclusively at Gregory & Seeley, 63 Fleet Street in London (www.gregoryseeley.co.uk), or fittings are available by private appointment at TD Tom Davies  +44 (0)208 392 0555. Launching this week at New York’s fashion and medical eyecare event, Vision Expo East (www.visionexpoeast.com).  www.tdtomdavies.com JG

TheOphabet

The name says it all

15th March, 2011 The eyewear company Theo has given a whole new meaning to the word round….with these adventurous collectible spectacles…known as theOphabet, featuring capital letters….it’s an irrestistible design which we love for its eccentricity combined with technical prowess. For more awesome, eccentric styles from Belgium and lots of wearable styles too, go to www.theo.be

Colour trend: Spring greens

Cutler & Gross

13th March, 2011 Green is an up and coming colour, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more and more of it next season (A/W 2011/12)….but for now, I have picked out this refreshing Spring green in high-quality acetate from the UK’s Cutler & Gross. Their ‘Mermaid and the Officer’ collection for S/S 2011, which is inspired by “a beautiful seductive sea siren” includes this classic shape (model 1009) which gets a makeover in translucent seaweed green. It’s a fresh alternative to more traditional tones, and a perfect transitional style to take you from Spring into Summer. For more information (and for the relaxing sound of seagulls on the beach when you click onto the site, part and parcel of the ‘Mermaid and the Officer’ story), visit www.cutlerandgross.com CN