In sunwear, the choice of glamorous shapes and colours is particularly enticing this season, as a desire for self-expression – alongside safe, high-quality UV protection, continues to drive creativity and an individuality of style
While some say the season’s apparel was about playing it safe, sunglasses this season are served up less discreetly, as the ideal opportunity to add effect, drama, humour, or an individualised expression of style. Enter a whole host of oversized and sculptural shapes – including square, geometric, oval and cat eye, with some tremendous detailing – sometimes subtle and sometimes over-the-top – and a fascinating colour story which is extremely broad, and bursting with exciting colours to enliven any outfit. Above: model Rose Sun by Jisco – the Spanish eyewear brand – is an elegant, oversized square-shaped sunglass style, offered in four colourways – with sun lenses in eye-catching contemporary hues, www.jiscoeyewear.com
Brazilian label Lapima brings audacious notes of brightness to their collection in models like Lisa, a distinctive rectangular acetate design with thick rims that have a handcrafted “sculpted” finish. The new yellow tone that has been introduced for several models in a limited edition is said to offer an expression of “celebration and vitality, a toast to the summer of ’24!” www.lapima.com
The Zaiku 1 by FACE A FACE – in the Japan Now! collection – is inspired by the Yosegi-zaiku “parquet work” – a type of traditional marquetry which resembles a mosaic – and is most well-known for its use in creating Japanese puzzle boxes. The frame combines this influence with a gorgeous combination of several bright and intense tones and transparent coloured acetates. www.faceaface-paris.com
The unisex Magneticus frame at Marni is a bright spark in their new collection for summer: the butterfly shape has a rounded lens design and a 1950s inspired twist in its detailing. Thick temples feature distinctive forked tips while the overall structure is full of character with its sculpted look and natural custom finish. www.marni.com
Tones of bright pink, yellow, red and orange are all part of the mix in the Spring/Summer sunglass collections. The Odd Fruits collection by Gigi Studios has based its colour palette on some of them, inspired by unusual exotic fruits and their beautiful tropical or citrus variations. www.gigistudios.com
In theo’s new Artisme collection, the sun models such as Suprematisme are like miniature artworks, with complex structures, unusual shapes and saturated colour schemes with striking patterned sections, all combined together for the most creative and eye-catching “denouement” to accessorise the eyes! Find out more about this new artsy collection from the Belgian design label at www.theo.be
Trending eyewear: Coup de Coeur in the Hybrid Collection! – by J.F. Rey
Three creative, colourful additions introduced in the combined metal and acetate frame collection at French design label, J.F. Rey : JF3060, JF3061, JF3059
Trending eyewear: Fresh, bright, creatively colourful! The new designs, which include the hexagonal shaped model JF3060, offer custom-made acetate laminations in a blend of colours and patterns on a lightweight metal structure in complementary hues. Each style celebrates the possibilities of unexpected combinations and an aesthetic uniqueness – wholly characteristic of the J.F. Rey brand!
For all three styles, the frame fronts are adorned with a bespoke acetate construction: a play of laminations blending colour, pattern, and texture -assembled carefully to highlight the idiosyncratic beauty of each shape. Above and below: JF3060 by J.F. Rey
The velvety satin finish of the metal frame structure enhances the three new designs, adding a contemporary elegance described as “an expressive, distinctive and memorable visual signature” that reflects the essence of J.F. Rey’s dedicated work in colour. Find out more at www.jfrey.fr
UK eyewear brand Cutler and Gross: new Mercer St. store in NYC
After more than a decade at 110 Mercer Street, UK eyewear brand Cutler and Gross has announced the opening of a new larger NYC store, located in the same popular neighbourhood. Built in the early 1920s, the pre-war 2,400 square-foot space is located at 71 Mercer Street, and presents a ‘new look’ for the brand, due to be rolled out across the other five locations.
The Soho space was designed by brothers Chris Leong and Dominic Leong of Leong Leong – an internationally renowned New York-based architecture studio. “We envisioned the store somewhere between an informal social club and a minimalist contemporary gallery,” shares Chris Leong, “Customers can either lounge on one of the couches or wander around the space and explore the styles that line the walls.”
Described by the company as a social, contemporary store with hardwearing fabrics and luxury accents – the interior has been conceived to simultaneously celebrate the Cutler and Gross’ British roots in 1960s London and ushers in a modern mood. The space will be populated with iconic props by London designers from the 60s and 70s, as well as emerging pioneers, including Axel and Mélissa Chay, and Philippe Malouin. Works by renowned designer Matthew Hilton, Verner Panton, and ceramicist Nicola Tassi will also feature.
Featuring wrapped granite shelving and a curved oak tambour wall, the space offers a refined lobby – a welcoming social zone with soft seating – as well as a bar, where customers can browse the collections. The space culminates in what is described as the “Lounge”, complete with eye examination room and exclusive bespoke area.
The UK eyewear brand Cutler and Gross began in 1969 as a bespoke spectacle maker, and the new SoHo store is also returning to this well-known aspect of its interesting heritage . 71 Mercer Street is to provide customers with the opportunity to create a truly unique frame: they will be able to choose from an array of acetates or specialist buffalo horn and personalize their frames with engraved messaging, pin detailing, and metal hardware.
To mark the opening of the store, Cutler and Gross partnered with Case Furniture, who worked closely with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation to rerelease the iconic Forum sofa. Exclusive to Cutler and Gross, the sofa has been reupholstered in a bespoke fabrication.
Cutler and Gross, 71 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012 / www.cutlerandgross.com
All images courtesy of Cutler and Gross
Handmade for men: Duke by RES/REI
In the Gentlemen collection by RES/REI launched for the current season, model Duke exemplifies the brand’s elegant contemporary take on designing artisan eyewear styles for men – always striving for an inimitable style of sophistication and handcrafted finesse
Distinguished by bi-layer acetates and the blending of horn tones and vibrant blue or green, through the intricate 3d detailing, model Duke is part of the Gentlemen collection conceived to suit the modern man. With its sophisticated shapes, accomplished workmanship and rich details, the frames in the line all feature 5-joint hinges and a decorative metal inner core within temples. Above: model Duke comes in six different colourways including the rich Brown Tortoise variation in acetate from Mazzucchelli 1849’s archives – the additional colourways (not pictured above and below) are – Brown Havana with slate blue and ultramarine blue; black/green; and olive green.
Decorations in this collection are inspired by the tradition of the Speakeasies that arose in the United States during Prohibition. The lettering on the inside of the frames follow this theme.
The Gentlemen Collection by RES/REI currently boasts twelve models sorted into two main directions: the first features thicker fronts and temples, while the second is characterised by thinner profiles. Both design styles incorporate numerous masculine details. Find out more at www.resrei.com
Eyewear boutique Bril Gallery, South Africa
Bril’s Founder Werner Fourie has refurbished the original flagship store, turning it into a fun and welcoming eyewear gallery space – Bril Gallery – which brings the local community together. We caught up with him to ask about this enterprising new store experience in the beautiful wine region of Cape Winelands…
When was Bril founded and where are you based? How many stores are there now?
We embarked on our journey six years ago, establishing our flagship store in the picturesque Cape Winelands region, specifically in the charming town of Paarl. Since then, we’ve expanded to proudly operate five distinctive stores across South Africa.
What was the idea behind the Bril Gallery and when did you re-open this flagship store – was it this year?
Our Bril Gallery is a testament to our belief that every space we create is unique, with its own character and story. Originally opened six years ago as our flagship store, it was recently transformed into the Bril Gallery. Inspired by its lofty ceilings reminiscent of an art gallery, we curated an ambiance that showcases eyewear as a form of art. We’ve also incorporated playful elements, such as adding eyewear to iconic art pieces with hidden messages, creating a delightful experience for our visitors.
What was the atmosphere you wanted to create in the Gallery space, and how have you made the space unique and fun?
At the Gallery, we aimed to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Our upbeat house music sets the tone, complemented by a diverse selection of refreshments that evoke a cozy coffee shop or bar vibe. Adding touches of yellow throughout, a signature color representing happiness in our brand, further enhances the sense of warmth and joy.
In your posts on Instagram, you say it is a place of “joy and happiness”. Please explain. What was your aim with the interior colors and fittings?
Our brand essence revolves around spreading happiness. Through thoughtful design elements like cheerful wall tattoos featuring inspirational quotes, pops of yellow hues, and playful eyewear keyrings, we infuse every corner with a sense of joy. Our marketing strategy embraces quirkiness to bring smiles to our customers’ faces, ensuring they leave our stores with a positive and uplifted experience.
Tell us a bit about the area your eyewear boutique is located and the people who shop at this special new optical haven “with wine tasting!”
Situated in South Africa’s renowned wine district, our location attracts a dynamic community of individuals who appreciate adventure, style and quality. We often host engaging events like wine tastings and collaborative art sessions with local talents, fostering a sense of community among eyewear enthusiasts and showcasing our commitment to creating memorable experiences for our customers.
What kinds of eyewear brands are you selling there, and do you find your customers have a particular focus – more on timeless design and quality, or trendsetting colors and materials?
Our diverse eyewear collection primarily features our exclusive ranges categorized into the Bril House, Bril Premium, and Bril Unique collections, catering to various style preferences. The Bril House range offers trendy and affordable options that evolve with fashion trends. In contrast, the Bril Premium range emphasizes timeless designs crafted from premium materials like Italian acetate or titanium. Our Bril Unique range showcases one-of-a-kind pieces renowned for their exceptional quality and innovative designs. Additionally, we curate select international eyewear brands not commonly found in South Africa, providing our customers with a unique and captivating selection.
We have noticed some pets in residence at Bril Gallery. Tell us more!
Indeed, we have two beloved pets, Bekker and Pepe, who occasionally grace us with their presence at the store. They add a playful and endearing touch to our space, delighting customers with their charm and friendly interactions.
Bril owns stores in Paarl, George, Stellenbosch, Pretoria and Val de Vie. The Val de Vie space is described as a “concept store” with a fully equipped examination room, to be able to offer eye tests to the residents of the estate, the workers and the home owners at Evergreen. The store there also offers frames by designers from around the world. Find out more about all the different spaces by visiting www.hellobril.co.za.