eyewear

ROLF Spectacles Opens in Vienna

“A Shop in Vienna is a Dream Come True”

6th May 2015 An exciting new chapter in ROLF Spectacles unfolds tomorrow – 7th May – when ROLF opens a chic little boutique in the heart of Vienna. Located in the historical Franziskanerplatz, only a few steps from The Stephansdom, ROLF’S eyewear gem features the original wooden storefront, perfect for a company that is the champion of natural materials. A cosy, friendly ambience is assured for the handcrafted speciality frames by the Austrian creators.

Major from the evolved wood collection by ROLF
Major from the evolved wood collection by ROLF

While at work on preparations for the boutique opening, Roland Wolf was pleasantly surprised when John Malkovich popped by (top photo) The shop is officially open for business on Friday, 8th May. Watch this space for further updates on ROLF’S latest adventure. www.rolf-spectacles.co/en/about-rolf/rolf-shop JG

3 of the best…

out-of-the-ordinary reds

24th April 2015 Red has long been a top contender in eyewear, alongside other classic shades of black, brown and tortoise. This season sees several glam interpretations that take the colour straight into the realms of out-of-the-ordinary. The Italian label Pollipo releases Style n. 596 this month, an acetate with a red pixelated effect on front and temples. www.pollipostore.com

Anni Shades / model Laura
Laura / Anni & Anni Shades

At Anni & Anni Shades, optical frame Laura combines an asymmetrical colour pairing of violet and red – in fine dyed natural wood. Made by hand in the label’s workshop in Ohio, this frame has a wonderfully unique shape, and attractive matte finish.  www.annishades.com

Topas / Veronika Wildgruber
Topas / Veronika Wildgruber

In the same vein, Topas by Veronika Wildgruber combines a minimal optical shape with flat top and two-tone effect where red is used under the horn-effect browline to circle the eyes. Dramatic and memorable. Wear as an optical or with sun lenses. www.veronikawildgruber.com CN

Sleek and Streamlined

Wafer-Thin Designs in Graceful Shapes

17th April 2015 Slender, superbly light frames are among the cool and confident designs captivating spectacle wearers. Frames with a new perspective in colour nuances and shape bring fresh appeal to the designs. Spectacle Eyeworks in Canada blends modern and modish in the latest additions to the RETRO line with Sandra (above) in acetate with beautiful blue tonalities. “Dimension, not distraction,” says designer Mehran Baghaie. www.spec-eyeworks.com

 

Slim and Sleek - Sunny by Götti Switzerland
Slim and Sleek – Sunny by Götti Switzerland

Think Thin is the motto at Götti Switzerland. Lightness and shape perfection highlight wafer-thin frames that include Sunny in hand-polished purple acetate. Sunny especially emphasizes feminine contours with the sleek, dashing shape. www.gotti.ch

 

Slim Silhouette - Winona by Orgreen Optics
Slim Silhouette – Winona by Orgreen Optics

Winona by Orgreen makes a dazzling style statement in Emerald Green in a super-slender silhouette. The shape is generous in scale, but light as a feather. www.orgreenoptics.com JG

Trend watch: hot metal

15th April 2015 Alongside the trend for metallic touches in accessories and fashion, metal frames are making a smart statement for the warmer season with sleek refined styling in evidence at the top end of the spectacle spectrum.

Veronika Wildgruber is an interior and product designer with a fascination for materials. She describes her own work as “simple and surprising”, a phrase that sums up her frames. The current collection – made entirely in Italy and France, includes metals used in unexpected ways, such as model Empty, where “empty space” defines the volume and produces a light, attractive filigree effect. www.veronikawildgruber.com/eyewear

Salt Optics model Pratt
Model Pratt / Salt Optics

A favourite classic themed sunglass shape this season, model Pratt by Salt Optics shows similar artistry in metal. This luxurious lust-worthy aviator – pictured in Honey Gold, is produced in Titanium/Beta Titanium in Japan and exhibits all the attention to detail and luxury finishing of a fine piece of handcrafted sunwear. Model Pratt is fitted with Polarized CR39 “Lovers Soul” Gradient lenses. Full details at www.saltoptics.com CN

Optical Impressions

Irresistible Optical Frames

13th April 2015 Beautiful designs and details enrich optical frames, with a wonderful selection of styles, shapes and colours. Bold and dramatic is the theme for Ainjali Fine at Finest Seven (above), wearing Style 04 in black with a distinguished gold brow bar. www.finestseven.com

 

Venezia from the Bridges Collection by Coppe & Sid
Venezia from the Bridges Collection by Coppe & Sid

Travel is the inspiration for the elegant new Bridges Collection from Coppe & Sid.  Lagoon blue acetate – Style VCE Venezia – transports the wearer to dreamy destinations, with handcrafting and luxurious details. www.eyedesignclub.com

 

Eyewear Harmony - SPX Illusion by Silhouette
Eyewear Harmony – SPX Illusion by Silhouette

Silhouette’s latest collection for men includes handsome frames that are ultra light – including the SPX Illusion – a true modern classic in tortoiseshell. www.silhouette.com JG