Rigards and Uma Wang reunited and collaborated again. Rigards and Uma Wang were inspired by exotic Buddhist art for the model UW14, which stands out in the joint collection, and were also influenced by the supernatural figures in the Mogao Caves, such as flying apsaras, swirling draperies and flowing sashes. All the details of the UW14 model emphasize the organic lines of the eyeglass bridge, which not only transforms into an eyeglass necklace, but also looks like pseudo-rope chain earrings. To achieve this earring look, two detachable chains have been added that can be attached to the model. To complement the distilled silhouette of the frame, strong but light titanium is used to create a lithe and elegant structure. The colors of the four available metals are fully restrained in delicate matte finishes. Rigards has collaborated with Uma Wang on numerous collections in a variety of materials including stainless steel, natural stone inserts, titanium, aluminum and wood. The two brands have developed a synergy that consistently produces one-of-a-kind, natural eyewear designs with a remarkable look, color and finish.

February 2024

The Opti fair, which took place in Munich between January 12-14, successfully completed its 2024 edition with a total of 21,500 visitors. Visitors attended the three-day trade show from 70 countries to see almost 390 exhibitors from 28 countries representing the entire optical supply chain. Cathleen Kabashi, Head of Opti, said, “Opti continues on its successful course. The feedback from visitors and exhibitors in many conversations confirmed that our trade show concept is absolutely right. Close cooperation and the development of a joint concept with all trade show stakeholders over the course of the last year were crucial to the event’s success.” Dieter Dohr, chair of the Management Board of GHM, which organizes Opti, commented, “The atmosphere was incredible, the joy of the industry was palpable. Opti serves as a compass for the industry in Germany, Austria and Switzerland when designing its product range and provides orientation for the business year as a whole. During this January weekend, opti reaped the success it has sown over the past 12 months through dialogue with the industry, roundtables, listening and joint development.” Opti will return to Munich next year, scheduled for Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, 2025.

February 2024

The Oakley 2024 Lunar New Year Collection, celebrates the rich tradition of welcoming the good and the new in Chinese culture Drawing inspiration from the powerful spirit of the Wood Dragon, the Chinese Zodiac of 2024, the collection encourages wearers to depart from tradition and boldly embrace the future. The four-piece 2024 Lunar New Year Collection reimagines two iconic eyewear styles, Holbrook® and Sutro, each outfitted with fiery Prizm™ 24K lenses and a custom microbag adorned with a hand-drawn dragon logo print. The styles feature a captivating geometrical pattern on their stems, symbolizing lunar shadows and moon phases derived from the lunar calendar, and a distinctive Lunar Dragon logo adorning the lens. The collection is complete with Line Miner™ Goggles with Prizm™ Snow Torch, also equipped with the signature geometrical pattern on the strap, and MOD1 helmet, with hand-drawn dragon logos on the temples.

February 2024

Modo introduces its latest eyewear collection, which is a celebration of fearless fashion, contemporary design, and the perfect fusion of boldness and lightness. Crafted with precision, this collection pushes the boundaries of eyewear aesthetics, seamlessly blending cutting-edge materials and vibrant design elements. Modo’s commitment to innovation shines through in the seamless integration of beta titanium, ensuring that each pair of eyeglasses exudes a sense of sophistication and comfort. Fearlessly fluorescent hues take center stage, bringing a dynamic energy to each pair. The semi-transparent frames showcase a meticulously curated palette of vivid acetate colors, ensuring that each frame becomes a statement piece. Modo steps into the future with eyewear that reflects the spirit of contemporary fashion with its light, bold and unique designs.

February 2024

Eyewear producer Marcolin and Italian new luxury brand Gcds announce the early renewal of the exclusive global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of the brand’s sunglasses and optical frames. The partnership between Marcolin and Gcds started in 2019, when the brand founded in 2015 thanks to the vision of brothers Giuliano and Giordano Calza decided to enter the world of eyewear, thus broadening its accessories range. The collections designed by Marcolin reflect Gcds distinctive aesthetic codes, characterized by irony, experimentation and street style. In the eyewear offered, great attention to detail and impeccable quality blend together with sporty lines, technical materials and a vibrant color palette. Unique and modern shapes alternate with sporty-inspired oversize shield designs enhanced by the brand’s logo presented in a maxi version. The new agreement extends the synergy and the existing relationship between the two companies until 31st December 2028.

February 2024

The stunning Bajan-inspired Peoples from Barbados (PFB) custom collaboration series continues with the world-renowned British luxury eyewear brand, Linda Farrow, and the release of a new luxurious unisex sunglass style. Continuing the evocative theme of light and colour in the Bajan sunsets of the first edition by studying the nuances of the light of day, the collaboration design represents a new and vibrant interpretation of a timeless classic at Linda Farrow, with a squared unisex eye shape, finished to perfection according to the advanced quality and design standards of the Linda Farrow brand. The frame has been selected for its timeless, versatile style, ideal for many face shapes, and its outstandingly comfortable fit thanks to the precise shaping of the nose bridge – an advanced detail that perfectly suits the diversity of the Barbados demographic.  Designed in 3 custom colorways of sorrel, caramel or emerald green, the gradient colour effects on the temples of the design have been developed with particular attention to detail, radiating with the light effects and colours of three different moments in the day – early morning, mid-day and evening, on the Caribbean island’s paradisiacal shores.

February 2024

Indian-based eyewear brand Lenskart reveals stylish DC Super Heroes eyewear collection. The company introduces unparalleled style with Dark Knight and DC X Lenskart collections. Eyewear brand Lenskart has launched two exclusive collections inspired by DC Super Heroes in collaboration with Warner Bros. The Dark Knight collection, designed for style-conscious adults, draws inspiration from Bat-Tech, featuring statement styles with Batwing lugs, the iconic Bat emblem, and sharp cuts for an iconic look. The DC X Lenskart collection promises to channel the inner DC Superhero with flair. This dynamic collaboration with Warner Bros. and Discovery Global Consumer Products introduces eyewear pieces that not only provide functionality but also elevate style to superhero status.

February 2024

For the 2023-2024 Autumn/Winter season, the permanent collection by L.g.r has been enhanced with new sunglasses and optical frames, distinguished by timeless elegance, quality and craftsmanship, the company says. This season, the highlights include avant-garde design combined with minimalist lines and the introduction of appealing new acetate colours. The L.g.r collection has been expanded with the introduction of new iconic models. The models Giza and Casablanca are new in the optical collection, while model Essaouira is a new entry for the sun collection. Model Atlas, Malabo Bold, and Marrakech are available in both optical and sun versions.
 The Giza prescription frame is a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate retro charm with a contemporary twist. Its classic design is enhanced by modern details, making it suitable for those seeking a timeless look with a touch of elegance. Model Casablanca is an oversized prescription model characterized by an eccentric design made entirely of hand-polished cellulose acetate. With its broad lenses, Casablanca is a distinctive look that will add a touch of versatility to any style.

February 2024

Kuboraum’s latest creation, inspired by the 80s dystopian post-punk cult movie, is highly textured and fanatical about detail. The R4 mask Liquid Sky is an astonishing, highly elaborate piece of craftsmanship. Kuboraum dedicates his new limited edition R4 Liquid Sky to the fluidity of identities, gender, aesthetics and narratives. Rejecting fixed structures and normative notions to embrace the metamorphic state of being, the series expresses Kuboraum’s signature style where each mask is treated as a work of art, richly textured and made completely unique with striking embellishments and embellishments. The masks reveal bold, thick acetate frames, meticulously handcrafted to emphasize their rich textures and uneven sculpted surfaces. To enhance the allure, each structure is embellished with refined metal ornaments or subtle glittering elements for a mesmerizing, shimmering aura throughout the design. The R4 mask, one of several models in the range, is crafted from Mazzucchelli acetate and comes in a variety of finishes, including black matte and black glossy, as part of the Liquid Sky series. The frames are made exclusively in Italy.

February 2024

Kirk & Kirk introduced their latest 2024 Spring/Summer hand-made acrylic sunglass collection. Already endorsed by numerous celebrities, the brand is promising a new sunglasses collection featuring eight styles for the fashion event, with an exciting, daring variety of sculpted looks, thick tailored rims and Spring/Summer colours with a vibrant glow. The acrylic material featured in the collection – which is a signature of the brand – is light and colourful, and allows for a bold, chunky frame to be worn comfortably all day. Creative Director Karen Kirk has a fascination with colour analysis; where colours correspond to seasons, based upon variations of warm and cool tones. The collection includes an array of bright, trendy, characterful tones which range from Crimson Red and Cheeky Raspberry to Classic Tortoiseshell and warmer tones including Tiger Orange and Zen Sage. For men, the collection is big on retro-inspired shapes and bold structured lines that lend individuality and contemporary edge. By means of a unique sandblasting technique, Kirk & Kirk is also able to re-shape their very own grade of Italian acrylic, lending it a refined and highly finished design style that stands out from the crowd.

February 2024