Eyestylist

Written By Clodagh Norton – Eyestylist predicts the revival of geometric designs will continue well into 2024 / hexagons, pentagons, octagons and particularly a combination of different angular shapes are the styles to look out for going into Autumn; don’t hesitate to consider these looks in any premium material from chunky cellulose acetate to the most minimal almost weightless metal designs

For those who seek a change, angular eyewear could be where it’s at: offering something different, flattering and less commonly worn, these frame shapes are a statement choice for all eyewear enthusiasts as we head into Autumn/Winter 23/24. Above: J.F. REY will show new models at the Paris fair, SILMO: their campaign highlights the women’s styles, infused with a 70s-inspired glamour: original shapes, geometric constructions in acetate and custom graphic associations of colours form the basis of this exuberant line – www.jfrey.fr

Among the new proposals at Austrian label Andy Wolf, the 4799 pentagon design combines metal and acetate to create a playful statement for the eyes. This new collection, says the Andy Wolf team, is all about hyper-femininity, pushing the boundaries of shapes, colours and constructions with a result that is versatile and full of detail, from extra-wide temples and three-dimensional glitter to fun and unusual eyewear shapes. www.andy-wolf.com

The beautiful Pleats1 frame by FACE A FACE is part of the new Japan Now! collection at FACE A FACE, a line that will be presented at Silmo in Paris next week. Inspired by Issey Miyake’s work, two lines of colour appear like two origami pleats around the eye. The designers highlight the contrasting effect between the delicate finesse of the lines and the format of the shapes combined, with the two lines of colour resonating in captivating and colourful tones. The Pleats model is conceived as the season’s “perfect designer piece for the eyes!” www.faceaface-paris.com

The MYKITA Lite collection features model Liva, one of several geometric styles to feature in TV series “And Just Like That“. The frame, along with other striking geometric models in the range such as the Alessia sunglass and colourful Stine specs, has large proportions combined with a comfortable lightweight stainless steel design. www.mykita.com

Geometric shapes have made their way into the kid’s collection too. The J.F. Rey line for teens includes model Charlotte in a flattering natural green. The frame is for girls aged 12 plus and offers a style that is glamorous and less conventional for this age group. www.jfrey.fr – For the latest trends and releases this month, follow us on Instagram @eyestylistmagazine

With the Paris fair taking place at the end of this month, independent brands are ready and waiting to present new collections with a fresh orientation for 2024. Expect a showcase of truly unique products, sustainable collections, 3D printed frames as well as traditional, handmade and iconic eyewear design.

Rich craftsmanship, innovation, and a real exploration of frame materials: the Silmo Paris fair is known as a launch pad for new creative talent, as well as offering a mind-blowing showcase of established fine eyewear brands and small independent labels that have successfully found their niche on the eyewear scene. This year’s event is fast approaching, and promises more of the same quality, ingenuity, and imagination from creatives in the sector from all around the world – and the seasonal unveiling of new colour palettes, shapes and eyewear directions that will be significant in the months to come and into 2024.

Already, in line with some of the most eye-catching catwalk trends, the variety in the colour stories look very promising, with plenty more bright and joyful colour ideas heading our way alongside a wearable timeless natural toned palette that customers have grown to love (natural greens, browns and “earthy” hues, look for burnt red, sienna and some refined organic palettes and rich golden tones).

The brands which hold a reputation for innovating and exploring materials with particular originality will bring new fresh proposals to Silmo, in line with the sustainable direction across the fashion industry as a whole and directions in the design world. Above: VAVA will launch a new supremely light aluminium series at Silmo. Made in Italy, the rims have been reduced dramatically as has the size of the hinge. The oversized round eye shape  – completely flat on top – creates a unique appearance – www.vaveyewear.com  

Ørgreen Optics will introduce several new and daring frames into its repertoire, where state-of-the-art materials and original colour palettes create a cutting-edge offer of comfortable and contemporary styles in acetate, 3D printed polyamide, titanium and stainless steel. They will include the daring Plus One frame (above) in the Imaginary Lines collection which takes inspiration from the classic Pilot tear drop sunglasses, infusing it with a bold and sporty twist. What sets Plus One apart are its discreet 3D printed side shields. The 3D printing technology ensures a seamless integration,  accentuating the frame’s sleek profile while providing essential functionality.  www.orgreenoptics.com

In many of the highest quality collections, detailing has become supremely refined, using techniques that draw parallels with jewellery design, and ideas for decorations and special effects that are surprising, exquisitely crafted and often remarkably finished and “finessed”.

Gotti Switzerland will show new styles across its collections, including acetate frames where colour is a principal story. The frame combine an aesthetic where soft lines and highly polished surfaces fuse with playful colours which include fuchsia red, earthy caramel brown and soft sea grass green. The Swiss brand will also present a new titanium collection at the Paris fair. www.gotti.ch

Rolf Spectacles told Eyestylist they have multiple new products launching at Silmo. Highlights will include the new Wire collection, which promises a fascinating melding together of functionality and style in frames that offer an artistic look that feels fresh and slightly daring with colour. Among the other launches at ROLF, the stonewashed colours in graphite and jade are likely to be a talking point in the Substance collection, ROLF’s award-winning sustainable 3D printed collection, which goes from strength to strength. www.rolf-spectacles.com

For Silmo, FACE A FACE told Eyestylist they will release a new collection which builds on the exploration of the Memphis movement and a connection to contemporary Japanese design and designers such as Issey Miyake and Kengo Kuma. Two-tone model Kyoto (above) is inspired by Shiro Kuramata’s iconic armchair with a cylindrical backrest (“Sofa with Arms”). The creative spirit of the spectacles is emphasized by the geometric purity of the cylinder, which serves as both endpiece and temple. This iconic design is magnified by angular shapes that create a bold and poetic contrast. Model Pleats2 in this collection is inspired by Issey Miyake and the origami pleats used by the designer. A three-tone acetate model, the design combines two shapes – hexagonal and rectangular – the frame features bold two toned lines which replicate Miyake’s signature pleats in the Pleats Please collection. www.faceaface-paris.com

French label J.F.REY is launching a new line of robust, lightweight, and aesthetically sophisticated optical frames for men. Increasingly ambitious in the technical design, the line is performance-oriented, combining creative construction, rich aesthetics, and quality manufacturing for a top-of-the-range product. Each one has a titanium front, stainless steel temples, carbon or glass fibre details and acetate end tips. www.jfrey.fr

Model Haskell is an example of what to expect from newcomer Vada Eyes, the Austin brand we have followed these last years (see https://www.eyestylist.com/2021/12/trance-by-vada-eyes-retrofuturistic-optimism/ ). Their jewellery expertise and commitment to Japanese production – mixed with a very infectious energy, positivity and individuality is sure to propel them into the European eyewear scene with success and well deserved notoriety – right away. For more information about Vada Eyes, visit www.vadajewelry.com

Silmo Paris – the international eyewear and optics fair – takes place from 29th September to 2nd October 2023 at Paris Nord Villepinte. This year, the fair will offer an array of activities, events and gatherings, including the popular Trends Forum, the Silmo Academy, the Silmo d’Or Awards – with an awards presentation event outside the Halls on the evening of Saturday 30th September  – and the IOA Award, a prize which honours an optician for their high level of professionalism. For further details and registration visit  www.silmoparis.com Watch our Eyestylist Design + Inspiration page for the next weeks for more updates and previews for the Paris show!

An Eyestylist Exclusive written by Clodagh Norton – As Autumn approaches, the Japanese accessories label has added to their stylish and functional collection with a range of chains and cases, including chic sustainable Ultrasuede pouches

Eyewear accessories have emerged as a must-have fashion item, adding an extra touch of personalisation, unique style and personality to an outfit, while having a function to protect and keep frames in easy reach. Japanese label Diffuser Tokyo remains one of few labels achieving a fusion of quality and originality in their designs, as well as providing a wide variety of accessories – from cases to luxury chains – in interesting materials and finishes. The chain designs have a refined jewellery finish, with delicate hand-finished details, while the eyewear cases propose minimal designs in materials that are carefully sourced, with some of their leathers and sustainable materials coming from arguably some of the most highly regarded suppliers in the world. Above: eyewear sacoche by Diffuser Tokyo – in Ultrasuede; below: the ‘Two rings joint metal’ chain is available in silver, black or gold  – it has a distinctive and very elegant jewellery finish 

Among the case designs available, Diffuser Tokyo has launched a cross-body pouch design for storing specs or sunglasses when on the go. A wide range of colours have been launched including the dark brown, black and beige tones trending this season. The holder is made in Ultrasuede by Toray, a high-quality luxurious sustainable material which has a beautiful soft and tactile finish. The design has a decorative cord which can be worn over the shoulder.

Diffuser Tokyo is a leading supplier of luxury accessories to independent opticians around the world. The company will return to SILMO this month as exhibitors with their full range of eyewear accessories, cases and chains. For more information visit www.diffuser-tokyo.com