A close look at a bold frame from the Spring/Summer release
Parisian landmarks. Historic buildings. Favourite arrondissements. The new frames in the Spring/Summer collection by Ahlem Eyewear are linked to Parisian life and culture through names of importance, familiarity and striking historic significance, conjured up by memories in the French city where Ahlem Manai-Platt grew up. Typically, the frames in this line are the result of careful study and inspiration, in this case drawing on two subcultures, the original jazz era of the 1950s and 60s, and La Sape, the postcolonial African legacy of self-determination through natty dress.
Among the extensive choice of models, Pont Mirabeau offers a bold and generously proportioned frame style – as an ophthalmic frame it comes in two new shades of petrol light and brown light – both in sync with a sophisticated timeless mood that is permeating through ready-to-wear and accessory trends – and offering special nuances of design at a time when newness and Spring desires are definitely in the air.
The frame is available in two other shades called dark light (nearly black but with a degree of transparency to lift it) and dry pampas – a lovely greyish taupe with a crystal finish. All the styles – sun and optical – at Ahlem are made exclusively in France (and sometimes in Japan, depending on the materials and subtleties of craftsmanship required), according to time-honored tradition; they have an obvious hand finished elegance and charisma only possible via artisan craft. Top image: Photography by Andrea Spotorno for the new campaign at Ahlem Eyewear. Find out more by visiting the website, www.ahlemeyewear.com
Sustainable architecture: Spain
The eyewear company Woody’s has opened a new HQ in Vic, Catalunya / the building is sustainable and fuses design, personality and functionality
One of the latest independent eyewear producers to take a step forward in initiating a bold and sustainable footing for their company, frame company Woodys have opened new premises in a building with three floors and more than 3.000 square metres. The space is part of a commitment by the company to improve services and express the values of the brand. It also represents a reflection of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
“The new headquarters …allow us to advance and improve….it’s a charismatic and attractive place ready to continue growing….”
The new building, which features interiors created by the brand’s own creative team, is designed to reduce environmental impact and ensure greater energy efficiency, adopting a respectful and responsible architectural approach through the installation of solar panels for energy supply and the use of geothermal energy for air conditioning. It is also a welcoming space with bright colours, plenty of light, and interesting details.
Attributes include wide open spaces, a trendy colour palette with shades of pink-orange coral, bright yellow and bold turquoise blue, a showroom with light wood flooring and natural light flooding in, and brightly coloured contemporary furniture, more typical of a home environment than an office, across its different floors.
The pivot towards a more sustainable existence and identity among independent eyewear companies is already an ongoing trend in the optical business. The Woodys House represents further evidence that corporate sustainability and future-oriented projects in this area are increasingly desirable and appealing for those who are looking to future benefits, profitability and all-round success for their company and creative teams.
Subtle colours rising… for Spring
Beyond the obvious Pantone colours, subtler tones in the eyewear palette for Spring work beautifully for diverse skin tones, with varieties which mirror the most subtle and chic fashion looks of the year…we found tones of white, coral, natural green, sea-inspired blue, light brown and taupe…
Designers have introduced light, wearable chic tones for Spring/Summer, alongside the bold palette of colours that continue to encourage self-expression and unique style. Among the new proposals to note are fresh varieties of coral, a colour which fits perfectly with the timeless trends in fashion and a palette of white, neutrals and timeless classics. Above: White and Coral: at the French label, VUE DC, the Mia style comes in two important tones of the year: a stunning ‘milky’ white and a natural fresh coral colour (www.vuedc.com)
Erkers1879 describe their lightweight Dutchtown sunglasses as comfortable, stylish and made to last. The Brown Crystal tone is an interesting alternative to more sombre, darker hues, introducing a delicate, and softer fashion-oriented look with the transparent translucent finish. – www.erkers1879.com
Green and blue tones and subtle varieties are fast evolving in the eyewear collections, with fresh mixes in fine acetate which offer a beautiful clarity and definition of colour, well suited to natural skin tones. RES/REI’s Spring Summer 2023 acetate frames are multi-laminates which explore combinations and sometimes many subtle tones in one single frame. www.resrei.com
The Spanish label Kaleos has introduced fresh green tones and variations of nude and taupe into their line for Spring/Summer – a close reflection of new fashion colours and a style mood that is minimal, clean and rooted in a timeless aesthetic for simple, pared down shapes. The neutral colours and taupes in eyewear tend to suit warm skin tones and hair colourings, but the obvious rules don’t always apply so it’s best to try on a variety of frames in the colour to find the best variation and combination for each unique complexion.
The Spencer frame by SALT. Optics is a good example of how the colour palette evolves for the season. The timeless Spencer frame is available in this pretty pinkish tone and taupe as well as a very light smokey grey. Find the frame at www.saltoptics.com
Watch this space for new colour trends!
In Memoriam – Anne Valentin – 1953 to 2023
Following the announcement by the Toulouse based eyewear company Anne & Valentin of the passing of Anne Valentin on 24th January 2023, Eyestylist pays tribute to one of the eyewear industry’s inspirational creative talents.
Born in December 1953, Valentin was co-founder of the eyewear label Anne & Valentin. “The pair followed their intuitions, their desires, with a unique shared vision inspired by their love of art and of artists,” said Sylvie Jicquel, President and current owner of Anne & Valentin, who took over the brand under Anne’s guidance and tutelage. “When I met Anne in 2010, I discovered a woman of true character and charisma. There was always something radiant about her, an astounding strength…her talent, her sure taste, her ambition and her determination have inspired me since.”
Valentin was a talented creative who was hugely admired across the eyewear business when the brand shot to fame as a leading independent French label and proponent of unique, artistic eyewear styles, which quickly gained a following around the globe. In an exclusive interview in 2012, she told Eyestylist in her own words how the business first started (2012):
“It just happened one day, from a desire to break with boredom…. A first collection made as beginners, then another, then another, until beautiful objects appeared: great eyeglasses! For over fifteen years, we have been designing them, constantly renewing our shapes and colours. Convinced that uniform grey is nobody’s dream, and that this profession is a pleasure only if it is accompanied by some spirit with lots of heart. Today, our brand Anne & Valentin is available throughout Europe, in the United States, Canada, Korea, and Japan…in the most innovative boutiques of the world…..”
Eyestylist pays tribute to Anne, a true artist of the frame. We extend our deepest sympathy to her friends and family around the world. Eyestylist interviewed Anne Valentin in 2012. To read the interview visit: https://www.eyestylist.com/2012/10/anne-valentin/
Lapima’s Vela Collection
A new line from the Brazilian eyewear brand explores inspiration from sailing rafts and their lateen sails typical of Ceará State in north east Brazil
A new line featuring sunglass shapes with statement sculpted structures and a bold colour palette has been launched by Lapima, a luxury eyewear brand from Brazil created by Gisela and Gustavo Assis.
Taking inspiration from the sails, in particular the lateen sail, used by Brazilian rafts, the creative director of Lapima, Gustavo Assis, has created eight new eyewear models that play with duality: on the one hand the rigidity of geometric lines and on the other the malleability and softness of the materials with which they are made.
The defined, almost rigid features of the sails are visible in the two most iconic models in the collection, Antonia and Stella, and are reinterpreted throughout the line. Above: the Vela collection by Lapima, launched Spring 2023
The distinctive style of the surfaces, in organic cellulose acetate, replicates the lightness of fabrics while the colour palette takes its inspiration from the state of Ceará, in the north-eastern region of the country, where the sails of the boats are particularly striking. From the colours of the horizon, and tones of red, orange and amber, to the deep ocean blue of the Atlantic, the frames offer a bold and charismatic Spring/Summer feeling from a brand that has become well known for its quality and unique and imaginative style. www.lapima.com
To find out more about Lapima read our interview from 2021 at www.eyestylist.com/2021/03/lapima-brazil-gisela-and-gustavo-assis/