Eyestylist

Eyestylist Exclusive: Woow Eyewear adds bio-acetate

25th April 2023

‘Be Green’ is the new message at Woow Eyewear as the brand introduces biodegradable materials on its 10th anniversary

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, the team at Woow Eyewear has revealed to Eyestylist that its latest project is a release of iconic and quintessential concepts from the last 10 years, produced in biodegradable acetate – a first departure in this collection. The specific material – produced by Mazzucchelli – has been selected by the Woow Eyewear design team on the basis of its verifiable provenance and its content which they explain includes cellulose powder from wood, and plasticizer (with bio based content). Above: new bio acetate model – HOLD UP by Woow Eyewear is part of a 10th anniversary edition ‘BE GREEN’ for 2023

Bolly Wool by Woow Eyewear, one of Woow’s most famous creative models, is included in the new Be Green edition

The designers Claire Ferreira and Marianne Dezes who shared a preview of the collection with Eyestylist at Mido 23, told us that they have worked hard to produce a striking display of colours and colour concepts in the new material, giving the collection radiance and style.

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Feminine and feline: Come On by Woow Eyewear is one of the cat’s eye shapes in the line

Trendy highlights in the colour schemes include a graduated effect for the Come On style, combinations of bright tones which transform into gradient crystals in the model Marry Me and dazzling colour blocked tones using hues of bright pink or bold blues and greens for models Roof Top and New Rules. The classy re-edition shapes include designs for men and women, well known amongst fans of Woow, and featuring their catchy names embedded in temple tips, in customary Woow style! To find out more about the French label’s latest bio-acetate collection, visit www.wooweyewear.com

Creative spirits

Eyestylist Exclusive: Alexander Capote, Capote Eyewear

23rd April 2023

The young Venezuelan-born founder of Capote Eyewear is catching the attention of connoisseurs of eyewear. Among the attributes of the Capote collection are a totally unique craft and design philosophy, with vitality and feeling inspired by Ibiza – magically wrapped up inside every frame. Here, Eyestylist talked to Alexander for the first time.

Capote Eyewear is becoming noticed internationally for its fusion of ideas, qualitative production and its one-of-a-kind design and design philosophy. Can you explain a little bit about how it all started? I’ve always been a vintage sunglasses collector. In 2014, I decided to open my own vintage sunglasses store, a key transition to the building of my own brand that started that summer. Capote slowly started in 2015.

What does Ibiza mean to you and how is it so intrinsic to the feeling of the brand? Ibiza’s fascinating art scene attracts inspirational and fashion-conscious people. It is therefore fertile soil for pushing the boundaries of conventional design and fashion. It was thus through a natural process that Capote flourished on the island.

Capote animism collection: Kenaz 999 in antique gold

Has Ibiza always been your home? Ibiza has been my home since 2008. I grew up between Caracas and the countryside. After leaving Venezuela, my interest in getting to know different cultures pushed me to travel around the globe. That’s also why Capote’s community is so diverse and multi-cultural.

Capote has a store in Ibiza and it has existed for some time. Can you tell us about it and what your plans are for it? It is a flagship store that we are currently renovating to bring in some freshness for summer 2023. The main idea behind this store is to represent as much as possible the Capote vibe. The space is divided in two: the physical store is downstairs, and our lab occupies the first floor. The lab is dedicated to the development and customization of the frames.

As a brand, what have been your challenges in getting to this point? The main challenge is to bring an innovative approach and materials to our collection. This is why we’re taking the best out of aluminum, acetate, recycled material, stainless steel, titanium, rubber, etc. We explore a variety of techniques to shape those into frames and make them unique. Another challenge is keeping the link between the brand and the custumer as direct as possible, by encouraging a micro-production that involves few intermediaries. Last but not least, we aim to develop and maintain a strong community around Capote, which is an enjoyable journey but sometimes quite tough.

ACX285 by Capote Eyewear in antique gold

You have a particular notion of eyewear design, materiality, harmony and inspiration such as nature…how would you describe the frames in your current eyewear collection for Spring/summer 2023? By incorporating nature-inspired silhouettes, colours and textures, the new collection’s roots mirror Ibiza’s natural architecture. The new frames are formed by the combination of two or more simple shapes, giving more dimensional strength to our designs. In this geometrical collection, angles meet natural shapes and lines cross curves. Harmony is found in an area of contrasts and juxtapositions, providing fertile ground for limitless creativity.

Details of Walking Dreams by Capote Eyewear: a highlight for 2023

We noticed you recently did a cool looking pop-up in Paris. How did that go, and what did you learn about the Parisian consumer? We decided to develop the Parisian pop-up during Fashion Week. This super exciting new chapter is meant to get closer to our community by offering the Capote vibe within easy reach.

Adding a touch of eccentricity and wit: the Amour sunglasses in the Area collection by Capote

About the Capote Eyewear collections for 2023: This year’s collections comprise ‘Animism’ titanium and acetate ranges and ‘Area’, inspired by the sun-soaked landscapes and architectural style of the island of Ibiza. The selection of angular, textured frames includes titanium/beta titanium geometric pieces in a palette of black/brown/bronze and antique silver. The Amour style breaks up the minimal direction, but perfectly sits with it as a charming, heart-shaped design worked artfully in titanium. Quite a different story from the ubiquitous ‘commercial’ heart glasses, the result is an eccentric artisan statement of design, fun and free-spirited.

The Animism Collection – Animism derives from Latin, anima means ‘breath, spirit, life’ – perfectly embodies the feeling of the brand with the concept which attributes inner life to both animate and inanimate elements of the world. The eyewear in the line – which includes nicely proportioned artisan styles in acetate or titanium, suited to sun or optical lenses – also presents the INCUBUS mask, constructed in steel and rubber with Carbolite lenses – and originally designed by Capote for the desert festivals and Burning Man. Find out more about Capote Eyewear on our link at https://www.eyestylist.com/2021/02/mens-glasses-capote-eyewear and at www.capoteeyewear.com

Design + Inspiration

Article One: expanding the ACTIVE collection

18th April 2023

For sports, this is one of few collections to merge tech with a qualitative vintage-inspired style

Article One is extending its one of a kind ACTIVE collection which delivers performance eyewear with an artisanal approach and style. The US label has added three distinct styles, bringing its athletic category to 12 models. In line with its ethos to challenge traditional performance eyewear aesthetics, the new Avalon, Bancroft and Hoffman sunglasses have the appearance of fine quality lifestyle frames, but are engineered with innovative, technical features needed for sports or outdoor pursuits.

Avalon from Article One – performance details are built-in

The new Avalon, Bancroft and Hoffman frames include the technical features of Article One’s entire ACTIVE Collection, engineered with hexetate – a patented acrylic resin that allows for improved flexibility, enhanced shape memory and added durability – and constructed with CR39 polarized lenses with backside anti-reflective coating to block 100% of UVA/UVB rays and prevent road glare. The frames also boast the brand’s signature adjustable nose pads, rubber temple tips and spring hinges.

Moon (above) inspired by 1950s sunglasses, and the new Emeline and Avalon – Article One ACTIVE

Each of the brand new styles has three frame options ranging from the classic tortoise, modern crystal and several patterns that create depth and texture. Paired with a range of protective polarized and non polarized lenses in eye-catching colours like pink ombre, gold, deep blue, grey or black, technical perks also include the backside anti-reflective coating to block 100% of UVA/UVB rays and provide effective protection from glare on the road. To find out more about Article One at www.articleone.com

Boutiques

Dr. York, Colonia Americana, Guadalajara

12th April 2023

Eyewear, tequila and an artsy vibe at Dr. York’s second fine eyewear destination in Mexico

With a neighbourhood that’s been dubbed the coolest in the world, Guadalajara is the place to be in Mexico in 2023. The city has a vibrant, fast-evolving art-and-design scene and cultural energy and charm – centred around the unique neighbourhood of Colonia Americana.

Dr. York opened in the locality in March 2021. Having built a reputation as a leading independent eyewear store in Mexico City, owners Jose Castellano and Elena Orestano had set their sights on something new, with a bold independent spirit and a different point of view. “We had started hearing through customers and friends about this peculiar neighbourhood and community in Guadalajara that was blossoming with an attention towards design, gastronomy, art, and architecture. We thought, and still do think, that it really was something special and we wanted to be part of it, so we started our research around 2017. Good things take time and we were lucky enough to find our spot in 2020 and finally opened (a little delayed because of Covid) in 2021.”

A destination for fine eyewear in Guadalajara’s popular neighbourhood Colonia Americana

The space itself is more like a gallery studio than a straightforward store. “It definitely feels more like a studio than a store,” explains Castellano. “And that was the approach we were looking for. We wanted to have a space where we could express our personal point of view of our trade and where we could work on another project that we had not been able to make progress with before. So we though that the idea of a studio / store would be at least, unconventional.”

For the interior design, the couple commissioned Regina Pozo (founder of @txt.ure.mx) who they had already worked with for the remodelling of the Mexico City store. “She helped us to materialize this desire to design a Mexican experience for an optical shop. Her project helps artisans in small Mexican communities to have a platform where the world can enjoy and appreciate their craft. It felt right to work with her again; she helped us create this ambience where someone can feel that they are not only in an optical shop, but also in a studio where something special is blossoming, with an appreciation for local design, art and style.”

The space is like a gallery or artist’s studio

So far, the space stocks a choice of frames from Ahlem, Theo, Garrett Leight, Kuboraum and Labor. “We are looking forward to showcasing Lapima, Lazare and Vada in the coming months,” Jose adds. “As we started, we believed that there was no other space in Guadalajara that was presenting independent eyewear exclusively. We did not want to make an exact replica of our Mexico City collection, although it’s pretty hard not to because we are lucky to work with some of the best out there…we wanted to present something organic to our new community. And so there are some surprises from our original selection.”

View from the exterior of Dr. York, Guadalajara

The Castellano family have now made Guadalajara home, with Jose travelling to Mexico City every 10/12 days to spend 4/5 days with the Dr. York team and customers there. They say it works really well and that the team in MC is really well established and doing very well. “This year Dr. York Mexico City turns 12 years old. We are very lucky because since the beginning we were backed up by a great community, with many of them still trusting in us to take care of their eyes. The neighborhood there has evolved, and changed, like Dr. York, but something that we have always trusted and built on was the warmth of our service and our peculiar point of view towards our craft. Hopefully we have been able to communicate that precisely and we will continue to do so – in both cities – now and for the future.” Dr. York, C. Manuel López Cotilla 1234-Local B, 44160 Guadalajara / Dr. York, Álvaro Obregón 187-B, México, D.F.

Read more about Dr. York on Eyestylist at https://www.eyestylist.com/2011/07/dr-york-mexico-city/

Design + Inspiration

Diffuser Tokyo: cord collection extended

10th April 2023

The Japanese accessories label has introduced its latest designs including a series of new elegant cords

Diffuser Tokyo expands its elegant eyewear accessories collections with a broad choice of pieces made in Japanese materials, with colours and designs informed by Japanese culture and art. Among them are new silk Sumi glasses cords are produced in the colours of Japanese ink paintings. They come in shades of light blue, red and olive green, as well as natural tones of white and brown. Above: a delicate and luxurious colour palette and soft, tactile materials at Diffuser Tokyo – handmade styles for Spring/Summer 2023

Silk Sumi Glasses cords – the cords have a smooth texture, and come in delicate colours

Sourced in Japan, the brand uses brass for the metal parts of the silk sumi cords which are branded with small lettering like fine, handmade jewellery. These precise details that make these items a perfect pairing with high quality, artisan eyewear.

In addition, the metal chains introduced this season, produced also in brass, come in silver, black or gold. The composition of the chain has a luxury jewellery finish which is eye-catching from many different angles.

Diffuser Tokyo accessories are stocked by some of the world’s finest optical boutiques in Japan, Europe and the USA. The brand is a regular exhibitor at the Paris trade fair, SILMO and will return there at the end of September. Their range of accessories includes chains, cords, natural leather and suede cases and eyewear holders to store several frames at one time. A new discreet eyewear ‘sacoche’ produced in artificial suede has also been introduced to the line.

To read more about the brand visit our interview with the founder, Masaki Hirose at https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/05/diffuser-tokyo-masaki-hirose-on-handmade-accessories/ Find out more about Diffuser Tokyo at https://diffuser-tokyo.com

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