Eyestylist

Bird Eyewear introduces own bio-acetate material: Plantix

29th October 2023

The Harrier frame is the UK company’s first release using the Plantix bio-acetate

Bird Eyewear has recently launched a new frame design made from Plantix, a brand new, low-carbon bio-acetate designed in-house by Bird. Unlike some of the conventional materials derived from petroleum-based sources, Plantix is a bio-acetate produced from naturally renewable materials. The sustainable production process uses acetic acid and plant-based polymers to create the material, which is then coloured with plant-based dyes. Above: new model Harrier in Olive – the natural colours, which also include Caramel and Dusk, are inspired by the local landscape of Devon in the South West of England (UK)

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Harrier by Bird Eyewear – a classic panto shape – suitable for sun or optical lenses

Bird describes the material as non-toxic – it has improved biodegradability compared to traditional plastics which can take thousands of years to break down, littering landfills and oceans. Bird has also devised a recycle scheme in which Plantix can be recycled. The new range has a carbon impact of just 113 grams of CO2 per frame – less carbon emissions than using a mobile phone for 1 hour.

To find out more about the new Plantix frame Harrier, visit https://findyourbirds.com

This feature was published by Eyestylist.com on 29th October 2023.

Sustainable design

Yair Neuman Lens lights + Delerex® eyewear

25th October 2023

The designer’s work has been exhibited as part of Material Matters at the London Design Festival – an exhibition which showcases material innovation and sustainability

The latest additions to Yair Neuman’s ‘Lens-made objects’ collection have been presented at the London Design Festival this season. The new pieces, handmade from upcycled waste spectacle lenses, encompass wall lights, table lights and frosted finish pendants as well as spectacle frames made from Delerex®, a material comprised of 100% recycled lenses developed by the designer. Above: the Lonely Halo light is suspended from a brass tube

Lens Lights: designed for any living environment – when illuminated the repurposed lens material has an attractive translucency

In conjunction with the fish-scale like surfaces he has been creating with the lenses, the new edition of Lens Lights introduces innovative new granulated surfaces. “The development allows higher material turnover, more efficient shaping, and an increased production capacity. Consequently, the quantity of discarded lenses that can be recycled sees a significant rise,” the designer explains.

Delerex® eyewear, designed by Yair Neuman, is produced by the French eyewear company La Maison Bourgeat (www.atelier-bourgeat.com), the only producer in the world currently making frames from recycled lenses. Find out more at www.yairneuman.com /

For more on Yair Neuman’s work visit https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/01/eyestylist-exclusive-delerex-frames-made-from-100-waste-lenses/

Photography by Jonathan Minster

Copyright disclaimer: this Eyestylist feature first appeared on EYESTYLIST.COM on 25th October 2023.

Arts + travel

LOFT 2024 to take place in March

24th October 2023

The LOFT eyewear show returns to New York in March 2024 – the organisers of the show have also confirmed that going forward, the event will continue in New York City

The 2024 New York event will take place from 14th to 17th March 14 2024 at the current Hudson Mercantile event space at the corner of 10th and West 36th St in New York City. LOFT NYC always runs from Thursday to accommodate buyers and optical professionals throughout their stay in the city. The event is well-known for its impressive showcase of independent eyewear designers and its themed industry parties which will once again take place in 2024.

“We are very excited for our upcoming New York event which is what we are primarily focused on at the moment. We’re soon to announce some new collections for 2024 which we know will be very popular with our customers,” said Marketing Director, Louis Fullagar. “In regard to the latest news, we are strongly committed to our New York event and look forward to taking on any new challenges and opportunities in the future. Our show is an established ritual for many people in the industry, especially in the North East and we don’t foresee that changing.”

VAVA Eyewear exhibited at LOFT NYC in 2023

Update for 2025 and beyond – In light of Vision Expo East moving to Orlando, the organisers of LOFT have confirmed this month that in 2025 and beyond, their event will continue to take place in New York City. Richard Mewha, founder of LOFT Eyewear Shows, said, “Like many others we were surprised by the recent news that Vision Expo is moving to another state. We want to let all of our vendors and loyal customers know that our event will definitely remain a fixture on the eyewear calendar here in New York. We love this city, and after 23 years, cannot imagine holding our event anywhere else.”

Since 2000, the LOFT events have showcased exclusive and cutting edge designers from around the world. The established brand has been successful in providing an alternative to mainstream eyewear events and has grown exponentially over the years to include events outside of New York, most recently the event in San Francisco – since 2019. For more information, visit www.lofteyewearshow.com

Design + Inspiration

FACE A FACE: Japan Now!

23rd October 2023

A new collection by FACE A FACE looks to Japan for its design inspiration – discover Japan Now!

Issey Miyake’s pleats, NENDO’s intriguing minimalist design language and Shiro Kuramata’s armchair with cylindrical backrest are just some of the iconic Japanese references to which the designers of FACE A FACE have paid homage in the line. The new references arose as the French independent brand continued its exploration of the Italian 1980s-era Memphis Movement – its key characteristics and links to a wider creative universe beyond. Above: Pleats2 in the FACE A FACE Japan Now! collection is inspired by the Pleats Please collection by Issey Miyake, a great admirer of Sottsass’ work. The frame is characterised by solid volumes counterbalanced between two coloured lines – see more on the Pleats1 at https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/09/trends-geometric-frames-shapes-combined/

Nendo1 in the FACE A FACE Japan Now! collection

Model Nendo is informed by the design style of the Japanese design studio Nendo. Most notable is the skilful milling of the frame front which creates a halo at the back of the structure of the frame front – and a clever “chiaroscuro” effect of colour and colour contrasts, highlighted further in the highly decorative acetate temples.

Kyoto3 in the FACE A FACE Japan Now! collection

The Kyoto3 sculptured glasses are 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 makes up part of the hinge and the sides. The colour combinations are bold, in seasonal trendy tones such as the bright yellow and translucent mauve above. www.faceaface-paris.com

Design + Inspiration

Leimann Eyewear: seasonal pieces for men

20th October 2023

A fusion of classic features and contemporary edge from a brand that produces its styles exclusively in France

A new name in the fine eyewear segment, Leimann Eyewear has a cool sleek style, developing a collection of frames (for men and women) rooted in the French tradition of quality, finesse and handcrafting, and made in Normandy by one of France’s premiere manufacturers. Above: Leimann Eyewear – sunglass models Leim XII, XIII, and XVIII in crystal grey feature temples which reveal the temple core and its fine lines beneath

Leimann Eyewear’s LEIM V: understated luxury with a lightweight build

The LEIM V model is one of those sunglasses which feels ultra classic and easy to wear; it features high-quality sun lenses offering 100% UVA and UVB protection with anti-reflective and hydrophobic treatment.

Leimann Eyewear: exploring modern classics – made in France

The round unisex metal style – LEIM XVI – is a failsafe classic, a desirable look this season for those who lean towards a slightly more intellectual eyewear shape. This product will pack a punch worn as sunglasses or optical frames, with its classic references and well-proportioned round shape that stands out from the crowd. For more information visit www.leimann.fr

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