Eyestylist

Look Moda: Italian classics

Two new frames combine classic style and easy comfort

At Italian eyewear company Look, two new optical frames in acetate – with a fashionable “sculpted effect” – have been added to the three best-selling styles from the 4570 series, introduced by the company last year.

Unisex panto shape 04573 in the Look Moda collection, features a keyhole bridge in a wearable yet flattering design, while model 04574 has a softly contoured rectangular design – an easy style for men. By balancing form and function, the styles reflect the company’s heritage in a subtle and unpretentious way. Warm, natural shades, including varieties of classic havana elegantly adapt to any personality and occasion. Above and below: a straightforward Italian-made panto design – combining two classic acetate colours – for enthusiasts of timeless eyewear – the 04573 from Look has just been released

04574 – detail of the rectangular style

The Moda collection has been created to narrate Look’s interpretation of new trends while at the same time maximizing the brand’s cultural roots through a design distinguished by absolute production quality. While the acetate profiles are bold, their qualities such as lightness ensure the all important comfortable fit.

Made entirely in Italy, these frames in the Moda collection are the product of a traditional eyewear company’s tried-and-tested blending of technology and production know-how, and their commitment to excellence in the details and functionality of each design. To find out more about Look visit their new website at: https://www.lookocchiali.it/en

Sunglasses: summer’s bold and colourful looks

In sunwear, the choice of glamorous shapes and colours is particularly enticing this season, as a desire for self-expression  – alongside safe, high-quality UV protection, continues to drive creativity and an individuality of style 

While some say the season’s apparel was about playing it safe, sunglasses this season are served up less discreetly, as the ideal opportunity to add effect, drama, humour, or an individualised expression of style. Enter a whole host of oversized and sculptural shapes – including square, geometric, oval and cat eye, with some tremendous detailing – sometimes subtle and sometimes over-the-top – and a fascinating colour story which is extremely broad, and bursting with exciting colours to enliven any outfit. Above: model Rose Sun by Jisco – the Spanish eyewear brand – is an elegant, oversized square-shaped sunglass style, offered in four colourways – with sun lenses in eye-catching contemporary hues, www.jiscoeyewear.com

Lapima – Lisa in “daisy yellow” – a light, zesty citrus tone

Brazilian label Lapima brings audacious notes of brightness to their collection in models like Lisa, a distinctive rectangular acetate design with thick rims that have a handcrafted “sculpted” finish. The new yellow tone that has been introduced for several models in a limited edition is said to offer an expression of “celebration and vitality, a toast to the summer of ’24!” www.lapima.com

Zaiku 1 by FACE A FACE – a playful concept from the Parisian eyewear brand

The Zaiku 1 by FACE A FACE – in the Japan Now! collection – is inspired by the Yosegi-zaiku “parquet work” – a type of traditional marquetry which resembles a mosaic – and is most well-known for its use in creating Japanese puzzle boxes. The frame combines this influence with a gorgeous combination of several bright and intense tones and transparent coloured acetates. www.faceaface-paris.com

Marni by RSF – Magneticus in the colour “lazuli”

The unisex Magneticus frame at Marni is a bright spark in their new collection for summer: the butterfly shape has a rounded lens design and a 1950s inspired twist in its detailing. Thick temples feature distinctive forked tips while the overall structure is full of character with its sculpted look and natural custom finish. www.marni.com

Odd Fruits by Gigi Studios – the Citrus sunglasses

Tones of bright pink, yellow, red and orange are all part of the mix in the Spring/Summer sunglass collections. The Odd Fruits collection by Gigi Studios has based its colour palette on some of them, inspired by unusual exotic fruits and their beautiful tropical or citrus variations. www.gigistudios.com

theo’s Suprematisme is a striking multicoloured sunglass (unisex) with an artistic theme

In theo’s new Artisme collection, the sun models such as Suprematisme are like miniature artworks, with complex structures, unusual shapes and saturated colour schemes with striking patterned sections, all combined together for the most creative and eye-catching “denouement” to accessorise the eyes! Find out more about this new artsy collection from the Belgian design label at www.theo.be

Coup de Coeur in the Hybrid Collection! – by J.F. Rey

Three creative, colourful additions introduced in the combined metal and acetate frame collection at French design label, J.F. Rey : JF3060, JF3061, JF3059

Fresh, bright, creatively colourful! The new designs, which include the hexagonal shaped model JF3060, offer custom-made acetate laminations in a blend of colours and patterns on a lightweight metal structure in complementary hues. Each style celebrates the possibilities of unexpected combinations and an aesthetic uniqueness – wholly characteristic of the J.F. Rey brand!

For all three styles, the frame fronts are adorned with a bespoke acetate construction: a play of laminations blending colour, pattern, and texture -assembled carefully to highlight the idiosyncratic beauty of each shape. Above and below: JF3060 by J.F. Rey

JF3061 by J.F. Rey – a striking round model offered in bright, alluring colours and contrasts of saturated and crystal colours – pictured above: the JF3059

The velvety satin finish of the metal frame structure enhances the three new designs, adding a contemporary elegance described as “an expressive, distinctive and memorable visual signature” that reflects the essence of J.F. Rey’s dedicated work in colour. Find out more at www.jfrey.fr

Cutler and Gross: new Mercer St. store in NYC

After more than a decade at 110 Mercer Street, Cutler and Gross has announced the opening of a new larger NYC store, located in the same popular neighbourhood. Built in the early 1920s, the pre-war 2,400 square-foot space is located at 71 Mercer Street, and presents a ‘new look’ for the brand, due to be rolled out across the other five locations.

The Soho space was designed by brothers Chris Leong and Dominic Leong of Leong Leong – an internationally renowned New York-based architecture studio. “We envisioned the store somewhere between an informal social club and a minimalist contemporary gallery,” shares Chris Leong, “Customers can either lounge on one of the couches or wander around the space and explore the styles that line the walls.”

Sophisticated furniture and contemporary frame display in the new store on Mercer Street

Described by the company as a social, contemporary store with hardwearing fabrics and luxury accents – the interior has been conceived to simultaneously celebrate the Cutler and Gross’ British roots in 1960s London and ushers in a modern mood. The space will be populated with iconic props by London designers from the 60s and 70s, as well as emerging pioneers, including Axel and Mélissa Chay, and Philippe Malouin. Works by renowned designer Matthew Hilton, Verner Panton, and ceramicist Nicola Tassi will also feature.

Featuring wrapped granite shelving and a curved oak tambour wall, the space offers a refined lobby – a welcoming social zone with soft seating – as well as a bar, where customers can browse the collections. The space culminates in what is described as the “Lounge”, complete with eye examination room and exclusive bespoke area.

The new-look collection presentation at Cutler and Gross – NYC store

Cutler and Gross began in 1969 as a bespoke spectacle maker, and the new SoHo store is also returning to this well-known aspect of its interesting heritage . 71 Mercer Street is to provide customers with the opportunity to create a truly unique frame: they will be able to choose from an array of acetates or specialist buffalo horn and personalize their frames with engraved messaging, pin detailing, and metal hardware.

To mark the opening of the store, Cutler and Gross partnered with Case Furniture, who worked closely with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation to rerelease the iconic Forum sofa. Exclusive to Cutler and Gross, the sofa has been reupholstered in a bespoke fabrication.

Cutler and Gross, 71 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012 / www.cutlerandgross.com

All images courtesy of Cutler and Gross

Handmade for men: Duke by RES/REI

In the Gentlemen collection by RES/REI launched for the current season, model Duke exemplifies the brand’s elegant contemporary take on designing artisan eyewear styles for men – always striving for an inimitable style of sophistication and handcrafted finesse

Distinguished by bi-layer acetates and the blending of horn tones and vibrant blue or green, through the intricate 3d detailing, model Duke is part of the Gentlemen collection conceived to suit the modern man. With its sophisticated shapes, accomplished workmanship and rich details, the frames in the line all feature 5-joint hinges and a decorative metal inner core within temples. Above: model Duke comes in six different colourways including the rich Brown Tortoise variation in acetate from Mazzucchelli 1849’s archives – the additional colourways (not pictured above and below) are – Brown Havana with slate blue and ultramarine blue; black/green; and olive green.

Detail: model Duke by RES/REI, pictured in brown horn with ultramarine blue

Decorations in this collection are inspired by the tradition of the Speakeasies that arose in the United States during Prohibition. The lettering on the inside of the frames follow this theme.

Detail: model Duke by RES/REI, pictured in grey-blue horn and green

The Gentlemen Collection by RES/REI currently boasts twelve models sorted into two main directions: the first features thicker fronts and temples, while the second is characterised by thinner profiles. Both design styles incorporate numerous masculine details. Find out more at www.resrei.com