Eight Archives - Page 5 of 6

OO617

1st September 2011

Alyson Magee

Alyson Magee is a delightful, creative Irish eyewear designer whose career I have followed with great interest for the past fourteen years. She was one of the founders of Face à Face, the award winning eyewear firm. Now she has launched a new collection which has just recently appeared in European boutiques, distributed by JDL in France. Alyson loves to work in acetate, her favourite eyewear material, and each pair of elegant, refined frames is handmade in France. With her Irish heritage, green frequently appears in the collections, such as the style above, gracefully paired with tortoise. The soft oval shape is extremely flattering,and the result is a beautifully crafted frame that is a real pleasure to wear. JG www.alysonmagee.com

Available in Paris at Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde. www.lesplusbelleslunettesdumonde.com

Eight

Larkin

1st August 2011

Paul Smith

I’ve got really into this Paul Smith collection and I know a few opticians I trust who are doing extrmely well with it. Apart from the eloquent names of the styles which are all after poets, the line draws part of its inspiration from the British Dandy and musical icons. Larkin is a unisex model with smart vintage lines, perfect as an optical but also well suited to sun lenses. Modelled on the spectacle styles worn by some of the most prolific British poets, the temples have small silver and black enamel round pins. The colour, “golden tortoise ombre” is reminiscent of the more traditional tortoise tones but with a more trendy look than classic interpretations of this patterning in acetate. CN www.paulsmithspectacles.com

www.paulsmith.co.uk

Eight

Patty – the P-series

1st July 2011

Grotesque Frame KG

I first discovered Grotesque eyewear at SILMO several years ago, and thought what a creative collection. A short while later, I was choosing glasses at one of my favourite Parisian boutiques – Les Créateurs d’Opta in Montmartre. Optician Annette Hoffmann showed me a Grotesque design that was a “must have” , and I still enjoying wear it. The newest designs include the P-series, with Patty shown above. Transparent acetate is engraved with patterns on the frame front, achieved with superfine CNC-milling tools. The frame captures light beautifully. It’s available in four candy colours – including the glossy pink featured – plus black. Grotesque recently opened their unique shop in Germany, housed in two sea containers (Eyestylist 5 May 2011). Grotesque frames are also available at Créateurs d’Opta www.opta-createurs.com and Auerbach & Steele in London www.auerbach-steele.com. For more information, see www.grotesque-frame.com JG

Eight

Model 1235

1st June 2011

Lindberg Acetanium

I’ve never worn Lindberg’s Acetanium, but I’ve always seen it as a collection that offers great comfort, along with very classy contemporary styling. If I needed to wear specs all the time I’d definitely try it out. The aim was to combine titanium and acetate in one design, using both to their greatest potential. The result is a design that is light, comfy, and hard-wearing particularly around the bridge and hinges. Model 1235 has a deep rectangular eye shape; there are overtones of the so-called “geek chic” look, but it’s subtly done…and it comes in a wide selection of timeless colours. CN

www.lindberg.com

Eight

Farfale C23/S345

1st May 2011

Francis Klein

Creativity, fun, a sense of whimsy, uniqueness, superb quality and unconventional colours are to be found at Francis Klein. I’ve followed this brand for a long time, and enjoy wearing their sunglasses. Looking at a Francis Klein collection, you feel as if you’re entering Aladdin’s Cave, because you’ll find some new treasure! This is an artisanal family owned brand, who keep craftsmanship on a high pedestal. Farfale, a trendy cats eye in acetate, (FK mixes all their own acetate) is studded with little Swarovski flowers. The frames are hand-made, and this design, (plus many others) is available with a different assortment of beads, flowers, and animal motifs. They are truly Collector’s items! If in Paris, visit the charming Francis Klein shop at 30, rue Bonaparte 75006. www.francisklein.com JG