Eyestylist

By Clodagh Norton – A beautiful alignment of creativity shines through in a dynamic collaboration between Lafont Paris and Maison Pierre Frey – another special reference for the Parisian eyewear firm that celebrates 100 years of family history this year

French eyewear house Lafont Paris and La Maison Pierre Frey, a Parisian purveyor of fine fabric, have worked together to achieve a special edition of six frames which showcase Frey fabrics inside the cellulose acetate. Lafont has expertise in working with fabrics such as Tartan, Liberty prints and Tulle  – placed perfectly inside the acetate layers of the frames: their know-how dates back to the 1970s. Matthieu Lafont told Eyestylist that in recent years there has been a rise in fabric frames for all ages at Lafont, hence the inspiration for the new collaboration frames. “The last 10 years have seen a renewal of our fabric offer in the collection, for kids and then adult sunglasses and optical frames. The Pierre Frey collab is bringing it to a next level.”

Above: Lafont x Pierre Frey sunglasses: the result of the partnership of two emblematic creative universes with two distinct areas of expertise. Inspired by the imaginative richness of Maison Pierre Frey, Thomas Lafont combined their fabrics into the eyewear designs – following a special tradition at the family-owned eyewear business which has had lasting success through many decades

About Pierre Frey: Founded in 1935, Maison Pierre Frey creates and manufactures high-end textiles and furnishing fabrics. Certified as an ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant‘ (EPV), Maison Pierre Frey stands out for its mastery of excellent craftsmanship and industrial ingenuity contributing to the influence of the French Art de vivre. Rich in family history, nurtured by a love of fine artistry, attention to detail and a drive to create – the Maison shares the values of the Parisian eyewear company Maison Lafont. For more information visit – www.lafont.com and www.pierrefrey.com

By Clodagh Norton – At Silmo, the new accessory designs were innovative, eye-catching and beautifully in keeping with the fine eyewear collections 

Eyewear cords, holders, mirrors, lorgnettes, displays…multiple accessories with special design features were well represented at the Paris fair this year. Diffuser Tokyo remains the leading innovator in accessory holders and displays for personal use. Their range has expanded significantly and includes a new impressive luxury case for multiple pairs of glasses (made to order) and several neat designs for displaying frames. Above: on the Diffuser Tokyo stand, the Japanese design label Metropolitan CROSSBottle exhibited their multi-purpose wearable art pieces for “polishing, wearing and decorating”… Their concept is designed to encourage the giving of a piece of art as a gift which also has a useful purpose. https://metropolitancrossbottle.shop  

Diffuser Tokyo’s eyewear storage and display accessories are created for individuals who appreciate fine materials and a quality finish – to fit with their fine eyewear wardrobe. The items are ideal for use and display in the home, to protect one’s glasses, to keep them safe, tidy, and easy to find. https://diffuser-tokyo.comDiffuser Tokyo: eyewear display created from Italian leather

Diffuser also showed an eyewear display made from Italian leather, a piece which they say received a particularly strong response when it was released this summer. The case is made from bonded leather (finely crushed leather hardened with latex resin). The product has a unique texture and does not lose its shape easily. By storing the frames in an upright position they are well protected and less prone to getting dusty.

Also exhibiting at Silmo this year, the Spanish family-owned business Flippan’Look (Madrid) displayed a fun range of animal-themed eyewear pendants, lorgnettes and  decorative reading pendants in bright colours and interesting materials. The Patio reading designs are inspired by terrazzo patterns and have a simple design that folds into a small leather holder. The two acetate colours available are brown/beige and black/blue. See the full range of designs at www.flippanlook.com

By Clodagh Norton – The red palette is popular again this coming season, with many iterations of bright red, fuchsia and crimson tones available for different complexions and personalities….a perfect lift through the Autumn and Winter months…

The red effect in eyewear is enlivening, energetic, at times experimental, and bold. For Autumn/Winter, the variety of tones take a cue from the catwalk: electrifying lipstick-red monochrome tones are as much of a style statement as elegant warm muted scarlet, coral and cherry hues that lift the complexion and feel classic and modern. Some of the reds are closely linked to bright pink and fuchsia, with some of the more radical designs exploring red to pink gradient effects that are expressive and intense. Above: model Queen in the Volumetrica Capsule by Ørgreen Optics, pictured in Marmalade Pink – this brand new almond-shaped style blends soft, feminine shapes with bold design. The crystal colorations bring a playful, vibrant twist, www.orgreenoptics.com

The ‘Carmine’ red tone at Kirk and Kirk is one of our favourites: carmine is generally known as a slightly purplish red hue and the acrylic version by the UK eyewear brand makes a dazzling saturated frame front, combined with metal temples for a sleek and well defined contrast. www.kirkandkirk.com

OGI Eyewear’s Cabin is a fine example of an expression of layers of colour and texture in eyewear this season – offering a versatile statement look that suits many faces. OGI has developed a reputation for its vibrant colours and clever frame designs. The Autumn collection continues with explorations of many shapes including cat eye, rectangular, and rounded shapes paired with the attractive layered colours. Find out more at www.ogieyewear.com

The French brand VUE DC uses a bright fuchsia colour in their metal collection. Model M12 is an angular thick-rimmed metal style which looks modern and interesting in this bright, positive hue. www.vuedc.com

The red version of Hoxton by Blackfin is a feature of the Atlantic collection, a line offering sharp and striking 3mm titanium fronts. Features of this frame include temples cut from a sheet of beta titanium five-tenths of a mm thick, giving good flexibility. Blackfin’s patented Swordfish temple tip conveys a sense of particular comfort, because the temple length can be quickly adjusted to suit the contours of the face. www.blackfin.eu

Amaia by Gigi Studios is a large silhouette, transformed with the bright red tone from a traditional 1970s silhouette into a bold and trendy design. The Amaia is one of four bright red oversized optical styles in the Vanguard Collection. www.gigistudios.com 

For previous articles on this colour palette, click on https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/02/a-neon-glow-in-eyewear/

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