Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 2nd April 2024

French eyewear – Lazare Studio: resurrected classics

The French optician turned eyewear designer Alexandre Caton has created an eyewear collection that continues to stand out from the crowd

An extraordinary depth of research and inspired product development, an understanding of the finest eyewear – old and new, and a fascination with the spectacle-making traditions of Japan….Alexandre Caton has applied his knowledge and passion for eyewear design, and his experience as an optician, producing each frame and sunglass design in the Lazare Studio collection as an expression of past classics refreshed “with a contemporary touch”; after just four years, this collection is available in some of the world’s finest fashion stores such as Dover Street Market, and eyewear stores of the highest repute. Above: detail of Nada by Lazare Studio, one of the latest sunglass styles to be added into the collection

Nada by French eyewear brand Lazare Studio, a 1980s inspired sunglass style

As the designer explains, each frame is the result of two worlds coming together: on the one hand, the Japanese element and the signature parts made out of materials which have been sourced from leading Japanese manufacturers, and on the other, the savoir-faire of the French artisans of the Jura, where craftsmen and women are trained in long-established skills and new cutting-edge technology. Added to this is a careful “physiological design approach” devised by Caton with focus on balanced lines and delicate weight distribution of the product, always adapted for the ideal comfort of the frame.

Model Rothstein by Lazare Studio; a finely crafted structure with elegant detailing

Inspired by the classic shapes of the 1970s, the new model Rothstein illustrates the use of 6mm milled Japanese acetate for the frame front, and details typical of the collection: the signature rivets, metal cores and refined hinge design.

Lazare Studio has committed to an environmental and socially responsible approach to production by choosing high-end suppliers working with care and conscience and selecting long-lasting and sustainable materials. The brand’s ultimate goal is to provide “timeless eyewear, built to last”. Find our more about the frames at www.lazare.studio

| Eyestylist 28th March 2024

Eyewear show Loft NYC 2024

Eyewear presentations, parties and press events…the 2024 edition of LOFT drew in a crowd that was bigger than ever ; the event offered a diverse showcase of independent brands from around the world, an energetic atmosphere for networking and the annual launch of the CFDA eyewear designers’ 2024 Pride Collection – all taking place at the well-known Hudson Mercantile by Manhattan’s Hudson Yards – New York City.  

The 2024 Edition of Loft NYC, the leading independent eyewear show in the Americas, took place from Thursday 14th March to Sunday 17th March, with brands exhibiting over two floors. New additions at the event this year included l.a.Eyeworks, Silhouette, CAZAL and FOLC Eyewear.

On the first day of the event, the designers Blake Kuwahara (Blake Kuwahara Eyewear), Christian Roth (Christian Roth Eyewear), Gai Gherardi & Barbara McReynolds (l.a.Eyeworks), Jeff Press (PRESS), Patty Perreira (Barton Perreira), Selima Salaun (Selima Optique) and Stirling Barrett (KREWE), gathered to show their limited edition sunglass designs as part of the edCFDA Pride Eyewear Initiative. They announced that this year, a portion of proceeds will collectively benefit Bring Change to Mind, an organization dedicated to ending stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. Above: the CFDA eyewear designers gathered for a press event on the Thursday afternoon of LOFT, NYC – the busy event attracted designers, opticians, buyers and members of the industry and the press

l.a.Eyeworks was one of the new additions at the eyewear show LOFT  in 2024

LOFT 2024 saw multiple launches by the independent designers exhibiting, including a new collaboration line from the British brand Kirk & Kirk with Jason Bell – former professional footballer, and Nicholas Pinnock, the actor/producer; the acid house music inspired SS24 series at VAVA – in neon colours – several lines from theo including the eye-popping Mosaic styles, and ROLF’s exceedingly popular “made in Austria” Wire Collection – with models for adults and children – all produced in plant-based materials.  FOLC Eyewear from Barcelona had some eye-catching acetate sunglasses with stunning sculptural volumes.

Jason Kirk introducing the new designs by his British label, Kirk and Kirk

SALT. Optics introduced several new series including a collaboration collection with Joshua Sirlin, the Creative Director of the American Black Bear Brand. There were also new collections from RES/REI, Blake Kuwahara, Kuboraum, TAVAT, Bevel, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary, RAPP Eyewear, HENAU and more – for opticians and buyers to discover first hand.

SALT. Optics from California

Founder of LOFT, Richard Mewha has confirmed that LOFT will take place in New York City in 2025, with dates and a new even bigger venue to be confirmed soon. For more information visit https://lofteyewearshow.com

All images provided courtesy of LOFT Eyewear Show

| Eyestylist 25th March 2024

French eyewear collab – Morel par Jean Nouvel: a fifth edition

The collaboration series sees the addition of new iconic round frames, the favoured eyewear shape of the French architect

Architects have long turned their hand to design work and products in other realms, however small in size. In Morel’s latest collaboration designs produced with the architect, Jean Nouvel, the iconic round frame shape – in a variety of materials – is the focus of the line, an expression of bold simplicity, playing with dimensionality and volume.  Above and below: 90045C “rim-to-rim” model from the Morel par Jean Nouvel collection

Morel par Jean Nouvel model 90045C – the coloured rims are visible on the inside and outside of the frame

The 90045C “rim-to-rim” model, an all-acetate frame, features two coloured circles within a transparent structure, creating a design which is minimal and yet striking. The clean crisp crystal acetate material is a tone of particular interest again this year.

Morel par Jean Nouvel 90007C is a titanium design in this collection

The two-tone coloration is further explored in the titanium models in the series. The new model 90007C features two perfectly round (or pantos) coloured eye shapes connected with a bridge and temples in a contrasting tone. Unisex and universal, the frame is offered in different colour combinations, adapting to all styles, including red with black and gold with black.

The Morel par Jean Nouvel collection is available through selected opticians worldwide. The sunglass collection is now available at the Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a building designed by the architect Jean Nouvel in 2017. For more information: www.morel-france.com

| Eyestylist 21st March 2024

Reframing the conversation – EYECONS Agency Eyewear Event, Soho Works, NYC

The evening event was arranged by Tarrence Lackran, founder and CEO of EYECONS Agency, and connected independent eyewear creatives with the world of Soho House

EYECONS Agency, headed by Tarrence Lackran, hosted an eyewear panel and product showcase event at Soho Works DUMBO (Soho House NYC) last Thursday, highlighting the work of independent designers in the business and their unique experiences for Soho House members and industry professionals, influencers and members of the press. The event marks the first time that the renowned eyewear designers have come together to speak directly to the general public about their profession and how their careers have evolved touching on many aspects of design, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as their vision for the future. Above: in conversation, from left, Anna-Karin Karlsson, Tarrence Lackran, Selima Salaun, and Coco and Breezy Dotson

Coco and Breezy relate their story in eyewear: launching at age 19, the twin sisters have built a highly-successful eyewear brand

The panel included Coco and Breezy Dotson, founders of Coco And Breezy Eyewear; Selima Salaun, founder and creative director of Selima Optique – the NYC optical emporium with four locations across the city; and Anna-Karin Karlsson, the Swedish founder of luxury eyewear brand, Anna-Karin Karlsson Eyewear. Tarrence Lackran was moderating the discussion which touched on some fascinating topics including how the designers show their culture in their eyewear designs.

Left: Selima Salaun, eyewear designer and the creative vision behind Selima Optique, pictured with Lackran

Tarrence Lackran told Eyestylist: “Celebrating innovation and style in eyewear, our recent panel event at Soho Works is part of EYECONS Agency’s ongoing commitment to bringing eyewear content to fashion enthusiasts both in and outside of the eyewear industry.

As we continue to champion creativity and craftsmanship, we’re committed to shaping the future of vision, by reframing the conversation around eyewear. We look forward to continuing these discussions with other consumer facing groups.”

Guest tries on Anna-Karin Karlsson’s Crystal Mirage. Karlsson describes her designs as her “poems dressed as eyewear”
The EYECONS Agency Eyewear event took place at Soho Works, Soho House, Dumbo, New York City –  https://www.sohohouse.com/soho-works/55-water . Photography courtesy of @jcrdan and @shotbycaitlyn. For more information about EYECONS Agency visit https://www.eyeconsagency.com
For more information about the eyewear designers featured, visit their respective websites: www.annakarinkarlsson.com / www.selimaoptique.com / www.cocoandbreezy.com

| Eyestylist 20th March 2024

French eyewear: Graphicolor at J.F. REY

At the French eyewear brand, the concept in acetate for 2024 is bright and bold, with a graphic aesthetic

Exploring new ways of working with acetate laminations for both the fronts and temples of every style, the new concept at J.F. REY entitled “Graphicolor” this season focuses on fluid or contrasting graphic lines, with a wide range of colour combinations punctuated by fresh hues. Above: a selection of styles in the Graphicolor collection

JF1549 by J.F. REY – an angular shape in a purple/red acetate combo

The colour palette includes flattering shiny finishes and subtle transparencies designed to suit all faces. Pastel shades such as pink and blue, pops of mint green and fashion patterns or touches of purple – see JF1549 above – are all featured with details adding a refreshing and modern accent to the collection.

JF1551 by J.F. REY – asymmetry in the colour details, creating a playful mood

Notable in the collection are the asymmetrical details such as the topline of colour introduced in JF1551 – on the left, with an amber crystal shade and on the right, a delicate lilac. While less usual, the colours combine harmoniously to create a look that feels natural and refined. To find out more about the collection visit www.jfrey.fr