Eyestylist

A new collection from the St. Louis brand pays homage to the Erker’s family founding father

Continuing its tradition of celebrating family heritage through design, the US independent brand Erkers 1879 has created a collection in acetate, inspired by their founder, A. P. Erker and his creativity in the business he founded. The 15 new styles in the collection come in a palette of bright, fresh tones, some of which have never been used before in the collection. The hues are informed by many different types of inspiration, from the ocean and the waves, to the colours of vineyards and night skies. Trending gradient coloration, gentle tinted crystals, and expressive modern combinations ensure that the choices in the collection appeal to many different individual tastes. Above: the new frames in the AP collection have been created in celebration of a rich family history with an inspiring spectacle-making tradition, born in St. Louis

Hand finished and hand polished in a 48-step manufacturing process, model Bridgeton illustrates the attention to detail in colour, design and hardware in the range.  The rounded rectangular eye shape with a delicate cat eye edge offers a pretty, feminine design with thin rims and temples. The frame also boasts authentic “old-school” signature rivets and attractive minutely detailed metal parts at the hinge.

About A. P., founder of Erker’s 1879 – The company’s founder, Adolph P. Erker (A.P.) was a German immigrant who travelled to the United States in the late 1800’s, with the goal of founding his own optical company. In 1879, A.P. established The Erker’s Optical Co. in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. In the years following his founding of the company, A.P. was joined by his brother, August Erker, beginning a familial legacy which continues today. For more information and the history of the brand, visit www.erkers1879.com

Eyestylist Exclusive by Clodagh Norton: The subtle effects of gradient colour in eyewear are beautifully explored in the latest frames. 

Gradient, graduated or ombré colour has long had a place in the eyewear collections, with the effect dating back to favourite decades (1960s and 70s) in the past. The dark to translucent or bright to pastel tonal transitions can offer a striking alternative to classical eyewear colours, and with modern techniques to create variations in intensities and saturation levels, this harmonious expression of colour delivers fresh and flattering contemporary appeal.

Some of the most wearable gradient frame tones on offer play with colourful complementary combinations of hues, informed by current colour directions in all areas of fashion and design. Italian company Blackfin, specialists in high-grade titanium eyewear, who have an established selection of frames in graduated colours to suit men and women, explores lots of variety in the matching of these types of gradient tones. “At Blackfin, we don’t see this as an exclusively seasonal look. We launched the gradient colour concept in 2021, and we keep on offering this effect in every release, choosing the styles with the design which best suits this concept,” explains Francesca Sarinella, Senior Product Manager. Above: Blackfin One – model Bodega Bay

“Currently there are at least six different styles which feature the effect. Our Blackfin R&D Colour Department is continuing to work on the technique in order to offer new tonal combinations and even more elegant and sophisticated versions each time.” Blackfin’s gradient colouring process is carried out exclusively by hand. “The gradient colour is done by hand without any guide on the frame, so you really need the best skills and expertise to ensure every model is made as a unique piece of art”. www.blackfin.eu

J.F. Rey also apply particular expertise and know-how to create their unique tailor-made colour combinations and gradient effects. “This season, the work we are doing in acetate colours is particularly evident in the Metis collection,” explains the J.F. Rey design team. “This line is a celebration of femininity, both modern and glamorous. We carried out elaborate work to create the sensuality of the shapes, the ’emotion’ of colours and materials, with charming shimmering reflections.”

The French company is proud of its tradition of experimental colour, and the fusion of chromatic colour stories in special creative designs. The soft transparencies and subtle gradients in the current line are described as “a way to tone down the strength of the oversized shapes, bringing an aesthetic balance. In Metis, the creative team wanted to express the brand DNA with creative personality through a new stylistic horizon, a fresh look. “The line found the perfect stylistic balance, it plays with large and glamorous shapes, flattering effects, dazzling colours – even in transparencies – and textured detailing.” www.jfrey.fr

At OGI Eyewear this season, a front spray colour gradient effect is used for two key models – making the colour application feel artistic and balanced. “We love the graphic punch of a bright colour at the front as it is subdued with the complimentary colour that cascades to an ombré effect.  It’s the harmonious juxtaposition of bold and subtle making it infinitely wearable with many different outfits,” says David Duralde, OGI Eyewear.  “The colour story becomes  more versatile and more amenable to different looks and expressions. By making the bright less bright and adding a rich mix of colour to the palette, brights become infinitely more wearable with an original twist.”

Eyestylist Exclusive by Clodagh Norton: The Danish company’s evolution of the Thintanium collection promises lightweight comfort and a new aesthetic with acetate rims

Danish eyewear brand LINDBERG have developed their thintanium concept, with a new collection that incorporates acetate rims. The award-winning collection, which was first launched in 2021, now offers styles built with ultra-thin titanium plate fronts and acetate rims. As well as a new aesthetic, the acetate rims also introduce another significant benefit – the ability to mount thinner lenses. By integrating the acetate rims into the frame, LINDBERG enables individuals with high prescriptions to experience lightweight eyewear while maintaining visual clarity. Above: model 5806 in the Thintanium collection