Gigi Studios introduces its new capsule collection, Alchimia, a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation in optical design. This collection embodies the fusion of style and functionality, celebrating the unexpected connections that spark creativity. Inspired by the idea of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, Alchimia invites us to view the world through fresh eyes, where even the simplest details can become unique expressions of style. The collection consists of four acetate models – two optical models and two sunglasses. With a modern, sophisticated focus, it seamlessly blends colors, laminates, textures, and shapes to offer a bold reinterpretation of contemporary design. Part of Gigi Studios’ flagship Vanguard line, Alchimia features bold, meticulously sculpted frames in lightweight acetates and bevels that define its standout look. The models are also enhanced with newly designed temples and a 7-bar hinge engraved with the Gigi Studios logo, elevating both the aesthetic and functionality of each piece.

December 2024

Celebrated for its artistic and cultural lens on eyewear, Etnia Barcelona unveils its most surreal capsule collection, named as Toiletpaper x Etnia Barcelona. Partnering with the provocative Toiletpaper Magazine, this collaboration brings the magazine’s surreal, pop-inspired universe into the world of eyewear with three distinct models, which are Dolly, Roses 1, and Roses 2. By incorporating Toiletpaper Magazine’s iconic pattern of roses with a doll’s eye at the center, Etnia brings an edgy, unconventional flair to this collection. It’s a bold, rebellious collaboration, visible in every striking design. A vibrant editorial campaign, evoking the surrealist and playful essence of Toiletpaper Magazine. Drawing on advertising aesthetics from the 1950s and 1960s, the campaign’s colorful visuals invite viewers into a whimsical world. It captures Toiletpaper’s unique blend of art and humor, transforming sunglasses into wearable pieces of pop art.

December 2024

Design Eyewear Group has launched Dance, a new eyewear collection born from a rare in-house creative collaboration between French Face a Face and Danish ProDesign designers. This dynamic fusion fuels the creative spark of eyewear design and drives creative momentum. Dance is the name of Design Eyewear Group’s design lab. It alludes to the origins of the two design teams, Denmark and France, celebrating the power of joint creative forces. Crafted from premium materials and with distinctive shapes, Dance is truly the choice of design connoisseurs. Each frame strikes a balance between vitality and pure minimalism, capturing the essence of energy and the flow of refined aesthetics. The designers drew inspiration from each other’s cultural heritage and artistic philosophies, culminating in two unique and avant-garde sunglass concepts.

December 2024

Italian designer Cleto Munari’s latest cellulose acetate eyewear collection, Drop Drop Drop explores the consistency of cellulose acetate using bi-layer acetate sheets. A contrast between the hard edges and the very soft is achieved to the point of making the material seem liquid. The technical challenge of Drop Drop Drop involves the use of sharp-edged and very smooth surfaces. Each design also boasts eye-catching chromatic contrasts, which once again highlight how colour is fundamental in compositions by Cleto Munari. The collection first launched at Silmo Paris in September 2024 and is being presented at the independent eyewear stores Punto Ottico Humaneyes this month. During the event, Punto Ottico Humaneyes will also host the preview of a collection of 14kt solid gold jewel-glasses by Cleto Munari. Drop Drop Drop this represents a taste of the eclectic world of Cleto Munari, and the “pop” soul of the collection which was first launched at Silmo Paris in 2023. The Drop Drop Drop collection is composed of seven unique shapes with five optical frames in five colour variations
and two sunglasses in five colourways.

December 2024

French artist and designer Clara Besnard is making headlines with her unique tentacle-like design born from the archive of eyewear brand Parasite and vintage acetate frames. The design won the Silmo d’Or Prix Special du Jury at this year’s Silmo Paris to honor exceptional and innovative designs. The frame is made entirely from spare parts and old frames sourced from Parasite workshops and the Brussels-based vintage optics store Bidules. Young designer Clara Besnard handcrafted her award-winning model Morph Alpha, a system of tentacles with its primary roots in Parasite’s 2003 Morp V01 and secondary roots in acetate temples and fronts from the 1970s and 80s. A graduate of La Cambre’s accessories design master’s program, Clara Besnard is an accessories designer who creates eyewear and jewelry creations from recycled materials. Her newest collection, Blooming of a Face, was selected as a finalist at the Hyères International Fashion Festival. To learn more about the young designer’s work and to see her handmade eyewear and jewelry, visit her website.

December 2024

Charmant Group and premium sports brand Head have announced an exclusive global licensing agreement for the creation and distribution of optical frames and sunglasses. Beginning January 2025, Charmant will exclusively take on the design, development and distribution of Head optical frames and sunglasses, with the first products from this collaboration launching in autumn 2025. Head is an international sport technology brand based in Kennelbach, Austria, which is known for its winter, racquet and swimming equipment; the brand also partners with high performance alpine sports and tennis athletes. Koji Horikawa, president and Ceo, Charmant, said, “We are excited about our new partnership with Head—a remarkable global entity that shares our core values: passion for innovation, craftmanship and high-quality. The collection of Head, as a prestigious and iconic sports brand, complements our portfolio and is a winning enhancement of our eyewear product range.” Michael Huber, vice president of licensing at Head, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Charmant, a company that stands for exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in the eyewear industry.”

December 2024

Carrera, the renowned Italian eyewear brand under Safilo Group, has launched its Fall/Winter 2024 collection, featuring bold new sunglasses that reflect the brand’s pioneering spirit and commitment to exceptional quality. Since its inception in 1956, Carrera has become synonymous with innovative design and a bold lifestyle for those who defy norms. The collection includes the Flag series, which showcases oversized, daring styles inspired by Carrera’s iconic C logo. Notable pieces include the Flaglab 17, a mask design with racing-inspired temples and distinct round cut-out details, and the Victory C 07/S, a flat-top mask crafted in Eco polyamide with the emblematic ‘Victory C’ logo. The Carrera 1071/S features a rectangular stainless steel design with a metal plaque bridge and a distinctive flex hinge for comfort. The Women’s collection introduces new styles designed for self-confident, contemporary women, such as the Ca Unica/Se sunglasses. These feature a bold flat-top shape in acetate and a metal logo plaque on the temples.

December 2024

Bollé Brands, the global leader in the design, conception, and production of high-quality protective eyewear and head protection gear, has announced its recent B Corp Certification. This accomplishment is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The process to earn the B Corp label, governed by the non-profit organization B Lab, requires businesses to undergo rigorous scrutiny, evaluating their performance across various domains such as governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment. Peter Smith, Ceo of Bollé Brands, said: “Bollé Brands is proud to join the B Corp community. Today represents another important milestone on our ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future. This label is not just a badge of honor, it represents our dedication to being part of a global movement of companies using business as a force for good.”

December 2024

The US independent brand Article One adds sunglasses and optical styles with further innovation applied to performance details – their Active Collection has been designed to “embolden personal style” while enhancing movement, from the saddle to the city, trail to town. Article One has added three new Active Suns + three Active Optical styles, informed by elegant retro shapes with finely-tuned details such as nose pads  and spring hinges designed for sports activity and busy lifestyles. The high quality acetate materials featured are selected for longer-lasting comfort and a beautiful finish. Wes Stoody, Founder, Article One said: “In our never ending quest to create the most beautiful athletic eyewear in the market, we have taken our designs one step further. We have upgraded the hinges and nose pads to the best technology, and we were sure to double down on silhouettes and colors we know our customers desire. I’m excited for all Article One fans to see this collection.”

December 2024

Andy Wolf introduces new aviator models to their collection, blending classic design with a modern, avant-garde twist. Handcrafted in France, these new additions redefine the timeless aviator shape, offering a fresh take on an iconic style. Alongside the optical frames, Andy Wolf also unveils new aviator sunglasses, including the standout model ‘Oak’ – an oversized design available in four distinct colors. With these bold new aviators, Andy Wolf continues to push the boundaries of eyewear, combining craftsmanship with contemporary flair. The collection offers pieces that perfectly complement both everyday elegance and professional style. The brand’s innovative approach combines functionality with aesthetics in each model. The new aviator line proves that modern designs have evolved in an eye-catching way.

December 2024