Eyestylist

Anderson sunglasses by J.F. Rey

23rd November 2023

Men’s sunglasses in multi-materials

Part of a brand new sunglasses collection by the French creative team at J.F. Rey, the series of men’s designs in the edition propose multi-material constructions using acetate with carbon or glass fibre – revealed in layers. Above: model Anderson by J.F. Rey, one of the men’s styles in the new sunglasses collection that J.F. Rey has previewed for Spring/Summer 2024

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The new Anderson sunglasses by J.F. Rey – the acetate appears to have been cut away on the upper section of the front to reveal the contrasting material below

This exclusive men’s series illustrates the unique qualities of J.F.REY’s design using the high-end materials with expertise and cutting-edge design techniques where layering and cutting away layers creates the architectural style. The combination of acetate with carbon or glass fibers lends a mix of special characteristics to the product, including strength and lightness as well as the aesthetic and focus on pattern and textural effects, with a likeness to the patterns of natural materials such as wood or horn. Find out more about the line at www.jfrey.fr

Sustainable design

MYKITA: calling for conscious consumption

21st November 2023

The Berlin brand is advocating thoughtful purchases, a longer product life and company commitment to prolonging the lifespan of eyewear through their MYCARE service – this programme of activity comes in the light of their also winning Responsible Company Award at SILMO 2023

MYKITA, the Berlin innovation-led design brand, is pushing for a more considered approach to eyewear shopping, and greater focus on longer lasting, quality frame design. In this light, the brand is highlighting their MYCARE service which includes frame maintenance and refurbishment, customised adjustments, and professional eyewear cleaning.

Product aftercare is available free of charge at MYKITA Shops worldwide to ensure MYKITA eyewear feels new for as long as possible, and looks, fits, and functions the way it was designed.

Moritz Krüger, MYKITA founder and creative director made a statement following the win at SILMO: “MYKITA is committed to generating positive change and meaningful innovation for the wellbeing of people, protecting the planet, with eyes set on bright future for generations to come. To receive this prize is a tremendous validation of our path and efforts, and a strong encouragement to heighten our efforts and continue to push further on social and environmental responsibility.”

Alongside product lifespan, MYKITA also underlines their ecological and social responsibility developed over the past years. From becoming the first eyewear company to completely switch its acetate material purchasing to the recycled Acetate Renew, the firm have also established a closed-loop supply system for stainless steel, their most frequently used material. Today, 90% of MYKITA’s purchased eyewear materials are already recycled and 100% recyclable. For more details on responsibility at MYKITA: https://mykita.com/de/mykitahaus/about/responsibility/

Boutiques

Žilka Optik Studio, Prague

20th November 2023

The new Žilka Optik Studio interior was designed by owner/founder Filip Žilka and realised by Olgoj Chorchoj studio – large glass windows have been installed to accommodate the display of art installations

Žilka Optik Studio, an established fine eyewear destination which opened 25 years ago in Prague (Czech Republic) has marked its anniversary this year with the unveiling of a newly designed state-of-the-art space in the historic centre of the city in June 2023. Their retail concept represents one of the most exceptional to have been announced this year. The new striking interior was designed by owner Filip Žilka and carried out by the renowned Olgoj Chorchoj Prague-based studio (www.olgojchorchoj.cz).

More akin to a prestigious art gallery than a shop, the spot-lit windows of the studio embrace Žilka’s particular approach to eyewear. “Glasses are not just a mere accessory,” says the owner who is well known for his particular philosophy for matching the perfect frame to the individual’s character, “but they symbolise and reflect the wearer’s personality. Our current window display was produced by the studio of the National Theatre under the creative direction of Marek Cpin.” Pictured above, works by Marek Cpin. Cpin is a well known set and costume designer who studied at the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts (Brno, Czech Republic).

A circular room within the minimal space at Žilka Optik Studio – *photo Filip Slapal*

The refined and minimal interior features a circular room lined with frames presented on translucent white displays, and hidden behind a curtain. Žilka explains this feature as part of his philosophy of finding the ideal frame: “The client coming to us here does not select their next frame on their own, the selection of frames is curated for them by our team. It is always our intention to sell “eyewear by Žilka” which sums up our knowledge and expertise. Our individual approach is a superior opportunity for our clientele beyond the brands and designs themselves.”

The circular room within the interior – hidden behind a light blue curtain *Photo:* *Filip Slapal*

Asked to pinpoint his particular concept, Žilka said: “My key intention and criteria was to always collaborate with the designers who create eyewear, and have a personal dialogue and connection with them. Our overall concept is based on a stylistic approach that uses our expertise in physiognomy, non-verbal communication and the psychological profiles of each personality type”. He adds that his aim is to bring out the client’s character and link it with a matching pair of frames. This requires a personal appointment at the studio.

Žilka Optik Studio – a relaxing area for clients to enjoy

Currently, although always fluid, the portfolio of brands offered in the store has been handpicked to offer a variety of eyewear styles for various types of clients – from the extravagant to the more conservative. “My personal favourite brands include Jacques Marie Mage, Blake Kuwahara, Matsuda, LINDBERG and Rigards; two of our latest additions to the family are Kuboraum and Esmont.”

To find out more about the store visit www.zilkastudio.cz. All photos by Filip Slapal – provided by Žilka Optik Studio. Copyright applies.

Reviews

RES/REI: new for men

16th November 2023

Eyestylist Exclusive: Part of the newly released RES/REI men’s eyewear collection which Eyestylist previewed at the SILMO fair, model Sir delivers a contemporary look where every detail has been developed with a creative yet subtly masculine touch

By Clodagh Norton Frames for men with striking masculine aesthetics and a “twist” of creativity in every small part: the new gentlemen’s eyewear collection at Italian label RES/REI plays with expertise and craftsmanship to achieve exciting details, colours and intriguing design traits. The frames in the collection are created with 5 barrel hinges mounted with rivets on a striped wire core and a blend of three-dimensional details, sophisticated colour combinations and refined classically informed shapes. Above: model wears the square-shaped Sir model – available in 5 unique colorways

Model Sir by RES/REI: the new custom wire core is visible in the temples of the crystal grey version

With distinctive colours and newly developed Havanas and bi-layer Mazzucchelli acetate colours, the square model Sir is presented as a confident, well-proportioned acetate design. Eye-catching small details on the model include the three-dimensional ‘sculpted’ temple tips and silver lacquered typography (on the inside) inspired by the Art Deco movement and the traditions of the original 1920s speakeasies – for those who appreciate the finer things! Find out more about the independent eyewear collections by RES/REI at www.resrei.com

Design + Inspiration

Barcelona design: Arquitectura-G X KALEOS

13th November 2023

The Barcelona-based eyewear brand has teamed with Arquitectura-G to create a collaboration collection – launched 13th November

In a unique collaboration with Barcelona brand KALEOS, the architecture studio Arquitectura-G applied their design philosophy to eyewear, simplifying geometry and pushing the boundaries of eyewear construction. The resulting capsule collection comprises five 100% titanium frames, handcrafted in Japan. Each frame features an elastic tube for adjustment, designed to offer a comfortable fit for any head size.

The Arquitectura-G x KALEOS collaboration represents a fusion of the two companies’ respective visions, with a keen emphasis on geometric shapes with a clean, structural, minimalistic, monotoned look. The collection will be available to purchase at selected retailers and online at www.kaleoscollection.com

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