Eyewear as Jewellery

Larma Eyewear, a fashion eyewear brand dedicated to creating sunglasses with an avant-garde look using recycled materials, is only three years old!

Larma is a fashion eyewear brand committed to creating sunglasses with an edgy look using second choice materials. The frames are carefully handmade in France and Italy, combining cutting-edge craftsmanship with avant-garde design. Guided by their desire to blend design, craftsmanship, and eco-responsibility, Swiss creative duo Ania Marincek and Julia La Mendola founded Larma in 2021. The designers are based between Paris and Geneva. Their journey spans various fields such as fashion design, jewelry, product and accessories design, as well as fashion and luxury management. For their first commercial collection, the studio created five eyewear models with bold, colourful designs, each available in three colours. Imagining their eyewear as jewellery, the designers created this collection with colourful, beaded acetates made from industrial waste. Combining texture, bright colours and expressive designs, every step of the design process is thought through with the aim of offering responsibly made unisex frames.

Larma is the result of research and dialogue around fashion, responsible design and regenerative production. The brand’s objective is to be part of a fashion that distances itself from the established codes of fast fashion and mass production cycles by offering a high-end accessories and eyewear brand with a responsible approach. Their design team is committed to produce the most ethically possible while ensuring high quality products at fair prices. Being at an early stage of their journey, making fully sustainable products constitutes a real challenge. However, in order to reduce waste and carbon footprint, they are committed to continuously look for innovative solutions to improve their impact and their eco-responsibility guidelines are circularity, exclusivitiy, proximity, quality and transparency.

When it comes to circularity, Larma frames are exclusively made of deadstock or recycled acetates from the eyewear industry. This process allows to reduce waste and re-purpose it into new products. The long-term objective is to produce exclusively with recycled materials. Exclusivity is also guideline for Larma. The amount of same-colour acetate is variable with deadstocks and offcuts. Therefore the brand can only produce a limited amount of each, which is why they offer exclusive models and limited series. Another way to avoid overproduction. The other guideline is proximity. Larma Studio makes it a point of honour to remain the most local possible in their supply and production chain. Working with companies within a small radius allows them to collaborate with the local traditional craftsmanship and generate low carbon dioxide emissions. All their suppliers and manufacturers are based in Europe; Their packaging and sunglasses are made in Northern Italy while their acetate supplier is based in France.

It is essential for Larma to work with high-quality materials and craftsmanship in order to offer long-lasting products. Accordingly, they exclusively work with the best quality materials as well as suppliers and manufacturers known for their expertise. Latest guideline is transparency and Larma are convinced it is possible to be part of the fashion industry while contributing to building an eco-positive approach to production and consumption.

They don’t claim to be fully sustainable yet but believe honesty and communication with their customers about their journey is key. The brand hopes it can encourage people to seek ethical choices when they consume.

The First Series of Larma / Genesis

For Larma’s first collection Genesis, the Geneva-based studio created five models of bold and colorful sunglasses, available in three colors each. Imagining eyewear as jewellery, the designers created this collection with pearled and colorful acetates made out of the eyewear industry waste. Combining texture, bright colors, and bold designs, every detail is thought to offer high-end genderless shades manufactured responsibly.

Design, Eco-responsibility, Craftmanship / Bloom

Guided by their desire to fuse design, craftsmanship and eco-responsibility, Swiss creative duo Ania Marincek and Julia La Mendola presents their brand new new eyewear collection Bloom by Larma Eyewear. This series of four shape variations maintains the elegant spirit of their first collection Genesis while adding a sporty touch and assertive volumes with elegance. The designers have taken on the challenge of creating sunglasses with a focus on three core values. First value is design. They prioritize bold, colorful, and sophisticated designs for their eyewear, allowing customers to express their individuality through unique styles. On the other hand Larma gives importance to eco- responsibility. Larma is committed to environmental respect by actively recycling acetate waste and materials from dormant stocks. By doing so, they avoid the consumption of first-choice materials, reducing their impact. Finally, Larma designs exclusive collections produced in limited series. This approach creates a sense of rarity and uniqueness, appealing to consumers looking for one-of-a-kind eyewear. By manufacturing their eyewear in France and Italy, Larma not only ensures top-of-the-range quality but also honors and supports local craftsmanship.

Source: The Eyewear Forum

June 2024

The Visionary Designs

While the independent Spanish brand expands its XS collection with new models for spring 2024, it welcomes the summer season with its brand new series, Odd Fruits.

Gigi Studios is a global independent brand that designs and produces unique, handmade eyewear. Hailing from Barcelona, the lifestyle capital of Spain, the brand is constantly inspired by art and new trends. The constant search for innovation, the visionary use of materials and years of experience in eyewear design are the defining elements of Gigi Studios’ collections. Over the years, with its original and consistent image, Gigi Studios has consolidated its place in the eyewear universe. Gigi Studios’ eyewear frames are made of noble materials such as natural acetate, made in Italy and Japan. The cotton content in the materials ensures comfort, flexibility and durability. In addition, acetate offers countless possibilities for colors, structures and shapes. These characteristics of the Spanish brand make its Dna completely unique. Gigi Studios, which proves its talent to the eyewear world with its vibrant, young and fashionable designs, attracts attention with its new products and collection in the Spring/Summer 2024 season.

XS Collection for Small Faces
Gigi Studios presents the new designs for prescription frames and sunglasses in the XS collection, which summarizes the essence of the brand in small models. The XS collection comprises elegant silhouettes in compact, bold designs that encapsulate a powerful spirit in a small size. Handcrafted with great attention to detail, the new models are perfectly suited to smaller faces, enhancing their individuality and style. Made from the best noble materials, such as natural acetates from Italy and German stainless steel, the XS collection will be expanded in March 2024 with eleven new models: seven optical glasses and four sunglasses. Each design decision has considered the individual character of each model and the necessary technical adaptations to achieve a harmonious and perfectly integrated result. Among the new optical proposals, the four new Italian acetate models stand out. XS’ designs have distinctive shapes that offer maximum lightness and sophisticated bevels and angles that help reduce their weight.

The new acetate optical designs are available in a palette of innovative colours, including sophisticated translucents and warm havanas. There are also three new stainless steel frames with acetate Windsor rings, which, in addition to new shapes, are also available in surprising shades of steel, such as red or blue. The new sunglasses in the XS collection are Larisa, Zenaida, Catalina and Genesis, whose reduced weight is achieved thanks to thinner acetates, new bevels and rounded contours.

Odd Fruits Embrace Summer
Hot on the heels of the new additions to the XS collection, Gigi Studios presents the Odd Fruits collection, with six models that capture the eccentricity and uniqueness of fruit. The Odd Fruits collection is inspired by the expressive power of fruit and its infinite wealth of colours and textures. It comprises six acetate models: three optical designs and three sunglasses. With their intense tones, unexpected colour combinations, strange shapes and diverse textures, fruits are a constant source of inspiration for their expressive and evocative power. All their details and nuances are the epitome of beauty, and that natural richness has become the essence of the Odd Fruits Collection. The Odd Fruits Collection by Gigi Studios comprises six Italian acetate models, each inspired by the various shades and tones of different fruits. 

Meticulously created by the Gigi Studios team in Barcelona, the six new designs incorporate bold colours and delicate sculptural shapes with soft bevels and geometric silhouettes, a statement of style and personality. The three Odd Fruits optical designs – Fresh, Acid and Tender – are available in an innovative colour palette. Acidic and luminous colours are combined with translucent acetates and subtle laminations on the inside. Fresh stands out for its oversized and slightly geometric shape; Acid is an oversized design with laminations on the sides that give it a unique character; finally, Tender is a square model with thin ridges. The chromatic and formal richness of fruits is emphasised in the three sunglasses, which present inspiring silhouettes and colours. The oval-shaped Bitter stands out for the variety of thicknesses and laminations that add depth and new nuances to this design. Lush is a more rectangular model with the same side and top laminations. Finally, Citrus is a hexagonal design. The collection has been intensively worked on with bezels that add lightness to the new designs. Their CR39 lenses have been developed in new tones to match the acetates. The Odd Fruits campaign celebrates the eccentricity of fruits and their unique characteristics which are, without a doubt, the creative force that inspires this collection and a tribute to the infinite richness of Nature’s forms.

Kaynak: Spectr

May 2024

The Sky is not the Limit

Silhouette celebrates the 25th anniversary of the iconic Titan Minimal Art series with new models. Silhouette says “Many look to the stars, only visionaries reach them” with this exclusive series.

One of the most important stops on Silhouette’s journey to success is the iconic Titan Minimal Art collection. First launched in 1999, this exclusive collection revolutionised the global optical market. Silhouette is now celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the revolutionary and iconic collection by adding new models. Titan Minimal Art frames are feather-light designs weighing just 1.8 grams with no screws or hinges. The frames in the Titan Minimal Art collection offer a level of comfort unmatched by any other eyewear to date. The Austrian brand’s approach “Eliminating all that is unnecessary makes what is necessary unique” is the basic design concept of the Titan Minimal Art collection.

Born on earth, worn in space

Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art collection attracted the attention of the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) with its lightness, advanced technology, material quality, screwless design and suitability for use in space. As a result of the cooperation with Nasa, the brand left the earth’s atmosphere with the space shuttle Endeavour on 11 February 2000. This collaboration was a milestone in the history of the brand. Astronauts carry at least 5 optical glasses and 5 sunglasses on their space journeys. A space shuttle accelerates up to 4 times the speed of sound during its flight to orbit. Therefore, the weight of people and equipment increases eightfold. Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art series models weigh only 1.8 grams and are ideal for astronauts thanks to the comfort provided by high quality titanium. A year later, Titan Minimal Art appeared on international catwalks. It became a worldwide hit as sunglasses and was favoured by many celebrities. In the 2010s, Silhouette took this success to a higher level and presented Titan Minimal Art Special Editions. The Austrian brand was not surprised by the interest of famous stars as well as eyewear wearers worldwide in these premium eyewear. Titan Minimal Art’s iconic, timeless design has been honoured with 18 prestigious international awards since its launch. Over the years, the basic concept of the Titan Minimal Art collection has remained unchanged, but Silhouette continues to work on the details with passion and dedication.

Celebrating its silver year…

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic line, Silhouette takes Titan Minimal Art to the next level, introducing a dynamic, rimless aesthetic designed specifically for visionaries seeking unparalleled precision in premium eyewear. The Titan Minimal Art collection is adorned with a new creative lens coating technique, a more precise nose bridge, effortlessly adjustable titanium temples and other cosmically exciting features. These developments create a rejuvenated, exciting look that can be customised with contemporary accent shapes to exude a youthful, trend-setting vibe.

The four trendy shapes can be infused with an especially distinctive flair through tinting and the inventive Partial Color Groove. Every shape is associated with a specific constellation. Rose Andromeda embodies a futuristic butterfly design, radiating feminine elegance and confidence. Mint Pheonix draws inspiration from the oversized glamour of the 70s, presenting a feminine silhouette with low lens glazing. Blue Pegasus stands as the quintessential shape in the collection, featuring a rectangular and masculine geometry. Embracing both genders, Grey Taurus boasts a double-bar glazing that injects an extra dose of coolness into the new aviator style.

In the 25th anniversary year of the Titan Minimal Art series, Silhouette has also made significant progress in technical developments. The temple trim zone now boasts improved adjustability. The nose bridge has undergone refinement for a more delicate and aesthetically pleasing appearance – 20% thinner and flawlessly aligned from bridge to trim. This titanium eyewear, hailed as the world’s most adaptable and flexible, snugly fits into a premium case that envelops it like a protective energy shield on a spaceship. At Silhouette, this is science without fiction.

For the 25th anniversary of the Titan Minimal Art collection, in addition to the new models in the optical range, Silhouette 2024 Titan Sun introduces five new members to the sun range. Nash is a sporty aviator with a double bar and athletic lines; Avior is a classic masculine shape for stylish and elegant business people; Adara is a chic and feminine model with a wide, timeless look; the unisex Caleum is a modernist arrangement, sleek and slightly oversized, while the professional unisex Felis takes its place in the Titan Sun range as an aviator-shaped model reflecting the signature Silhouette style.

Source: Favrspecs

April 2024

On the Trail of Legacy

Luxury British eyewear brand Linda Farrow welcomes the Spring/Summer 2024 season with the new Black Series collection, which has masculine lines.

Founded in the UK in 1970, the Linda Farrow luxury eyewear brand quickly gained acclaim. Originally a fashion designer herself, Linda Farrow was one of the first to treat sunglasses as fashion and always produced cutting-edge collections that were always on the pulse of the times. After a twenty-year hiatus, the Linda Farrow brand was revived in 2003 when the designer’s son Simon Jablon, at the age of 24, unveiled a collection of his mother’s original designs. When Simon Jablon launched in 2003, the collections consisted of similar models with the same general characteristics. There was no one challenging the market. Jablon, who changed the market and brought color to the market, actually achieved this success by following the Dna created by his mother. He combined design, creativity and luxury to create engineered products. Simon Jablon’s following Dna, which gave soul to his mother’s pioneering designs, enabled the Linda Farrow brand to regain its rightful position with a breath of fresh air. Initially relaunching the brand under the name Linda Farrow Vintage, the original archive offering quickly gained stockists in leading department stores such as Browns and Harvey Nichols. The unprecedented demand for the archive collection led Simon to fully revitalize the brand and begin crafting his own Linda Farrow eyewear collections that continue his mother’s commitment to visionary design that consistently and consistently pushes boundaries. Today renowned for its collaborations with many of the world’s most acclaimed designers and its uncompromisingly luxurious mainline collections, Linda Farrow has established itself as one of the most exciting brands in fashion with over 30 standalone stores and concessions and 500 global wholesalers. With frequent celebrity sightings including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Beyonce, Kendall Jenner and Lady Gaga to name a few, and a list of new and exciting collaborations in the future, Linda Farrow’s pace shows no signs of abating.

Welcomes New Season with the Black Series
Linda Farrow is thrilled to introduce the exclusive Black Series collection for the new Spring/Summer 2024 season. This collection is primarily geared towards a more masculine audience and is aimed at delivering a fresh sense of understated opulence alongside exceptional technical precision. Crafted for the discerning customer with a taste for subdued elegance, the Black Series comprises meticulously designed items, all finished in a sleek all-black aesthetic. This results in a discreetly stylish appearance where intricate layers and details slowly reveal themselves to the wearer. Within this range of 11 distinct sunglass designs, the Enzo model stands out as a testament to the artistry and groundbreaking design principles encapsulated in this collection. Meticulously handcrafted in Japan using pure Japanese titanium, this frame boasts a captivating aviator silhouette. The layered titanium design is adorned with eye-catching side shields, featuring intricate engine-turned embellishments. Additionally, the frame is equipped with high-performance Zeiss sun lenses to provide optimal protection against UV rays, ensuring comfort and visual clarity. Furthermore, the trademark tapered temples and adaptable nose pads are designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind.  The Edano aviator sunglasses exemplify Linda Farrow’s unwavering commitment to precision craftsmanship. These rimless sunglasses feature solid grey lenses with a thickness of 3mm, meticulously hand-polished to achieve a glossy rounded edge.

The titanium framework is intricately detailed, extending along the inner top brow and seamlessly blending into our distinctive tapered temples. These sunglasses are thoughtfully finished with adjustable nose pads and subtle logo embellishments on the top bar. In contrast, the Fletcher sunglasses embrace subtlety in their design to create an air of intrigue. Crafted in black acetate with matte nickel accents, these angular acetate sunglasses are adorned with facets leading to a squared titanium bridge detail. Linda Farrow’s optical collection offers a diverse range of 15 ophthalmic shapes, spanning from classic pantos and minimalist round silhouettes to more substantial square and rectangular designs. The Danilo model stands out as a finely engineered pure titanium frame, layered with a delicate acetate rim to create an angular optical design. It comes with adjustable titanium nose pads flowing from a subtly logoed nose bridge and the iconic Linda Farrow graduated temple. The slim Cedric model boasts a titanium detail at the bridge and raised pins on wrapped hinges, with subtle titanium tip detailing on the temples. Model Bay offers a lightweight frame sculpted from slim black acetate. This elevated essential features custom nickel titanium hinges with discreet logo detailing, along with adjustable titanium nose pads set into the acetate front for a tailored fit. The brow is adorned with the engraved Linda Farrow logo.

Source: Favrspecs

March 2024

“Techno-Futurist”

Vava is distinguished by its unique, futuristic look, enthusiastically embraced by fashion-conscious individuals and avant-gardists worldwide.

Vava is a Portuguese eyewear label known for its progressive designs inspired by minimalism, techno-futurism, and the Bauhaus movement. The brand creates unisex eyeglasses and sunglasses that flatter both male and female faces with understated, well-proportioned form language. All Vava frames are made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials in family-owned Italian factories, and feature lightweight aluminum hinges and Barberini Mineral Crystal Lenses. The brand’s minimalistic designs are inspired by the Bauhaus movement, sci-movies, and techno music.
Futuristic Eyewear
Portuguese eyewear label Vava is at the forefront of progressive eyewear design. Inspired by minimalism, techno-futurism and the Bauhaus movement, the independent brand creates eyeglasses and sunglasses with a unisex philosophy. As a result, the frames flatter both male and female faces with understated, yet well-proportioned form language. Vava is defined by lightweight, eco-friendly and recyclable materials that come to life in eyewear shapes based on function, concept and design principles.
Genderless and Progressive
The roots of Vava go back to the year 2013 in one of the world’s most bustling cities for design: Berlin, Germany. That’s where Portuguese designer Pedro Passos da Silva started Vava in a first cooperation with fellow eyewear designers Giordano Cazzola and Beate Leinz. The team brought a set of unique expertise into the brand: Pedro Passos da Silva had been an active part of the fashion industry since earning his degree as a textile engineer in 1997. Over the years, he had worked in senior management positions for global brands such as Boss and 7 For All Mankind. With Beate Leinz as a former eyewear designer for Prada on board, the team was ready to set out on a new path: A brand equally inspired by the arts and a futuristic aesthetic that is genderless and progressive.
One common denominator between the inspirations from techno music and neo-futurism is the vision of a genderless future. This reflects in unisex designs – without distinct male or female collections on the portfolio – that aim to be truly gender-neutral. This vision also affects the Vava color palette, which gravitates towards monochromatic, basic hues. So for everyone who wants to be part of the genderless, revolutionary future with an eye for ecologically sustainable products, Vava is the eyewear you are looking for.

Artistic Designer Eyewear
Behind the mysterious and futuristic name Vava lies a world of artistic inspiration. First of all, there’s the Bauhaus movement and the influence of artists such as Malevich, Josef Albers and Sol LeWitt. Second, Vava is inspired by sci-movies and 1980s neo-futurism, which reflects in basic and angular shapes that can go into oversized territory. The third inspiration may come as a surprise: Techno music! Whether it’s Detroit-style hard techno or the clubby Berlin sound, techno resonates as a deep part of the Vava brand DNA.
Eco-friendly Materials
Vava has made a name for itself with basic shapes such as squares, circles and rectangles. But behind the scenes, the minimalistic designs rely on advanced manufacturing processes and eco-friendly materials. That’s why all Vava frames are manufactured at family-owned Italian factories in the Treviso area from materials such as eco-friendly and 100% recyclable Mazzucchelli bio acetate. Another technical standout consists of the brand’s super lightweight aluminum hinges in a patent-pending design. For full UV protection, the brand trusts in Barberini Mineral Crystal Lenses.

Vava’s Visionary
Founded by designer Pedro da Silva, the Vava label is distinguished not only by its graphically reduced word logo, but above all by its unique, futuristic look, which has been enthusiastically embraced by fashion-conscious individualists and avant-gardists worldwide. In just a few short years, Vava has created its own visionary style of eyewear that masterfully embodies the balance between inspiring creativity and functionality. Vava’s collection represents the fusion of the present and the future, the perfect interplay of craftsmanship and high technology. Characterized by technological dialectics, the eyewear embodies a contemporary look that is subtly futuristic, conceptual and timeless. In production, Vava uses advanced technologies and combines them with craftsmanship. This approach, combined with the highest quality materials, is what makes Vava special.
Vava also makes no compromises when it comes to lenses, using mineral crystal lenses for the highest optical precision and timeless transparency. But Vava’s unmistakable trademark is its unique design, characterized by clean lines, simple shapes and streamlined forms. Inspired by minimalism and the Bauhaus movement, Vava strives for a genderless aesthetic. This applies not only to eyewear design, but also to visual communication. Vava is not only an eyewear brand, but also a symbol of social progress. The glasses also represent deceleration and purism. They offer not only technical function, but also a certain spiritual asceticism and renunciation. The Portuguese designer label is finding its way onto the shelves of more and more high-end opticians.

Source: Favrspecs

February 2024

“Eye for Change”

The Avantguard offers luxury designs with the goal of protecting the eyes. It does not compromise on meticulous craftsmanship and environmentally friendly approach in production.

About The Avantguard…
The story of UK-based eyewear brand The Avantguard began when its founder, Faiza Seth, a 1977 Indian-born American entrepreneur, was diagnosed with the onset of cataracts and embarked on a journey to create a sustainable, fashionable and accessible eyewear brand based on eco-friendly principles and aesthetic beauty.
The Avantguard eyewear are made in Japan with a sustainable approach. Faiza Seith, the founder of the brand, believes that eyewear fashion will be strengthened by the presence of aesthetically pleasing, trend-setting and beautiful designs, and that eyewear should be produced in a sustainable manner with minimal environmental impact. For this reason, The Avantguard only works with the most experienced manufacturers and is not afraid to put forward the most experimental ideas in the industry. The brand believes that combining new and exciting materials with old artisanal hands can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Design loved wearing sunglasses, but soon realized that the lenses weren’t providing enough protection for his eyes. When she visited an ophthalmologist, despite her young age, she was diagnosed with the onset of cataracts, and the ophthalmologist advised her to always wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days, to prevent the cataracts from worsening, and that’s when the entrepreneurial spirit of Faiza Seth’s passion for sunglasses took off and paved the way for a new brand. Precisely because eyewear is not only an accessory but also a very important health tool, The Avantguard uses premium lenses that offer UV400 and blue light protection in line with its founding purpose. Thus, The Avantguard offers aesthetically fashionable designs to the luxury segment, with the primary goal of protecting the eyes. The Avantguard does not compromise on meticulous craftsmanship and environmentally friendly approach in production.

Botanical Series and Eco-Friendly Approach
Botanical, The Avantguard’s plant-based eyewear collection continues to dazzle, with The Avantguard opting to work exclusively with cellulose bio-acetates rather than the commonly used plastic acetate alternatives. The detailing in this elaborate collection is presented with many selected features, from bespoke triangular hinges to customized metal wire-core temples. All handle ends are laminated with a subtle accent color and the inner temple ends feature laser-etched lines on acetate for extra grip. For the user, this allows The Avantguard to promise even more luxury and comfort. The brand’s signature “Eye for Change” text is laser-etched on the inside of the frames and filled with ink to be visible when worn. The inner thickness at the temples also offers a varied and curved look for extra comfort.
Made from cotton and wood pulp fibers produced under a new formulation using bio-acetates, substances derived from renewable resources, the collection has a positive impact on the brand’s success graph. The Avantguard designs its eyewear using environmentally friendly bio-acetate, effectively eliminating the use of excess plastic. This bio-acetate is 100 percent biodegradable, meaning that it can be mineralized into carbon dioxide, water, methane, organic salts and decomposed into new substances, thus being returned to nature. This process truly ensures sustainable development by returning resources back to our planet. 

Bio acetate is fully biodegradable within 115 days under industrial composting conditions. By sourcing recycled acetates and giving them new life, The Avantguard turns nuisance waste into a viable material, reducing plastics that go straight to landfill. The Avantguard team is also exploring recycled metals going forward.  The brand’s packaging is made using FSC-certified recycled paper. Unity antistatic chemical-free microfiber cleaning cloths are made from recycled plastic bottles and naturally dyed vegan leather pouches. Inspired by intentionality and the connection between nature and the positive role fashion can play, The Avantguard is constantly learning, growing, changing and evolving.

New Rewilding Collection
The Avantguard introduced the Rewilding collection for the highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2023-2024 season. The Rewilding collection explores nature, science and Japanese craftsmanship through three distinct parts, Bloom, Grow and Blossom. The brand reiterates its concept, offering quality eyewear that lasts while making a positive impact on the planet. The Rewilding collection consists of eleven new sunglass designs in three colorways, made using only recycled, biodegradable and green plant-based acetates.
The Avantguard’s campaign for the new collection is inspired by the positive connection between nature and fashion when working in harmony. The brand’s new campaign is a symbol of the brands’ desire to constantly learn, grow and evolve. Set to celebrate nature and The Avantguard’s role in it, the stunning zero environmental impact campaign was created with artificial intelligence.

Kaynak: The Eyewear Forum

January 2024

Authentic and Innovative

We take a closer look at the best 4 of the Netherlands-based brands that meet all the needs of their users, showing timeless, sustainable features full of technological innovations.

Dutz Eyewear: Distinctive designs
Dutz Eyewear embarked on a journey in 2005 with the vision of living the dream. Since then, the brand has remained committed to delivering exceptional eyewear that stands out from the crowd. By listening attentively to their customers and going the extra mile, Dutz has established itself as a distinctive and dynamic force in the eyewear industry. With in-house design and quality supervision, Dutz controls every step of the eyewear creation process, ensuring a high-quality collection of frames that are not only comfortable but also aesthetically pleasing on any face. The brand prioritizes durability by using solid stainless steel materials that are allergy-friendly. This attention to detail results in frames that are built to last. Dutz caters to men and women of all ages, with a special focus on providing options for those with larger or smaller faces. The brand recognizes the struggle of finding frames that fit perfectly, without compromising on design. By meeting these specific needs, Dutz empowers individuals to embrace their unique style with confidence. Celebrating over 15 years of excellence, Dutz continues to offer eyewear that captivates the world with its distinctive charm.

Suzy Glam: Three-dimensional aesthetic
Suzy Glam, founded in 2013 by Etienne Frederiks and Susanne Klemm, is a Dutch eyewear brand that blends artistry, design, and craftsmanship to create eyewear that captures attention. Etienne, with a background as an optician and experience in the optical industry, joined forces with Susanne, a Swiss-born designer and optician, to embark on a creative journey together. What sets Suzy Glam apart is its unique approach to design. Instead of starting with drawings or computer renders, the brand shapes its models by hand, fitting and adjusting them until they perfectly complement the wearer’s face. Suzy Glam believes that this three-dimensional design process, combined with an exceptional fit, yields styles that harmonize as both objects and accessories. While acknowledging the history of eyewear, Suzy Glam goes beyond the retro aesthetic, creating a collection that resonates with a new generation of eyewear enthusiasts.

Dick Moby: Both eco-friendly and chic
Dick Moby is a renowned Dutch eyewear brand committed to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Founded in 2012 by Tim Holland and Robbert Wefers Bettink, Dick Moby aims to address the plastic waste issue in the ocean by creating stylish eyewear from recycled and biodegradable materials. Their sunglasses and prescription glasses are meticulously designed in Amsterdam and expertly handcrafted in Italy.
Driven by a love for our planet and a passion for looking good, Dick Moby encourages individuals to make a positive impact while maintaining their sense of style. The founders were inspired to take action after experiencing a disheartening surf trip surrounded by trash-laden beaches and polluted waters. This led them to embark on a mission to reduce waste by transforming recycled and biodegradable materials into high-quality eyewear. Dick Moby offers a diverse range of sunglasses and prescription glasses in various shapes and colors, ensuring that eco-conscious individuals can express their unique style without compromising the environment. By choosing Dick Moby, you not only enhance your appearance but also contribute to the preservation of our precious planet.
Helden: Timeless elegance
Helden, a distinguished Dutch eyewear brand, stands out as a personal and unique creation within the realm of independent eyewear companies. Founded by Joey Diekman, who spent years as a sales representative for some of the finest eyewear brands, Helden embodies timeless elegance, sober design, and purism. The brand’s name itself was suggested by Joey’s wife, reflecting his aspiration to create eyewear that can stand on its own. Helden believes in the enduring nature of great design. While trends may evolve, a well-crafted frame maintains its essence over time. Helden frames, whether in panto or other classic shapes, possess a distinctive style and recognizable proportions that age gracefully. The brand caters to those who appreciate eyewear designs capable of making a statement independently.
With a deep commitment to quality and aesthetics, Helden focuses on delivering eyewear that surpasses the ordinary. The brand’s emphasis on timeless appeal, authenticity, and craftsmanship ensures that each frame embodies the essence of a hero. By choosing Helden, you embrace a brand that epitomizes style and sophistication, embodying the vision and passion of its founder.

 

Source: Favrspecs

Kaynak: Favrspecs

December 2023

50 Years!

Austrian eyewear brand Robert La Roche celebrates its 50th anniversary with the Essentials collection, which pays homage to its history and underlines its unique character.

With roots in the seventies, Austrian brand Robert La Roche represents designer eyewear at the intersection of art and fashion. Founded by the iconic designer of the same name, the independent label became a darling of celebrities and VIPs practically overnight. The secret to this success is, first and foremost, the brand’s fashion-forward designs based on classic and contemporary trends and its deep commitment to quality.
Robert La Roche was established in 1973 in one of the world’s hotbeds for art and style: Vienna, Austria. The on-trend frame designs soon hit the international spotlight worn by celebrities such as Andy Warhol, Meryl Streep and Yoko Ono. That’s also because Robert La Roche has always celebrated the good life via his designs. As a result, the roaring Vienna party scene of the 1980s brought in more Hollywood followers like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with VIP ambassadors documented in legendary advertisement RLR campaigns. In 1999, Robert La Roche retired after a successful career. But the brand returned in 2014 with a relaunch and the same commitment to cutting edge technology and artistic designs. It’s important to note that Robert La Roche advertisements are considered art in their own right. In 2016, the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts dedicated an exhibit to legendary campaign photographs by the likes of Gerhard Heller in tribute of the Austrian eyewear design legacy.
Over the years, certain Robert La Roche eyewear models have become valuable collector’s items. And even today, the brand prefers limited edition colorways and models, produced at 100 pieces each, to mass production. Plus, exclusive features like spectacle chains elevate Robert La Roche eyewear into the realm of luxury products. It’s that special something that keeps the global fan base coming back for more on-trend designs that pay tribute to the classics.

A Tribute to 50 Years with Essentials
Austrian eyewear brand Robert La Roche is marking its 50th anniversary with a collection that pays tribute to its history and underscores its unique character. La Roche’s own brand gained international recognition by capturing the spirit of the New Wave era, much like how Helmut Lang left an indelible mark on fashion. These Austrian talents revolutionized their respective industries globally.
Now led creatively by Kamilia Kusz, the brand is honoring its origins by resurrecting iconic models from the 1980s and 1990s. These daring acetate frames – ranging from round and oversized to narrow and rectangular – arrive in four captivating color schemes: black, off-white, red, and green. These colors accentuate the signature shapes, reintroducing them for the upcoming era. Robert La Roche’s fresh Essentials line, exclusive for 50th years, has undergone a significant transformation under Kusz’s meticulous guidance. This classic assortment of extraordinarily lightweight sunglasses and optical frames, inspired by bestsellers from recent years, possesses an inherent Italian essence with gentle natural tones and understated shades. The diverse array of shapes, from rounded to rectangular

and small to oversized, ensures a perfect fit for any preference. Newly introduced rounded bezels elevate comfort, making the Essentials collection an ideal companion for day-to-day wear.
For our 50th anniversary collection, the brand wanted to touch on the ever-flowing cycle of trends and highlight the fact that truly ingenious design will always come back in style. That’s why utmost craftsmanship has always been its number one priority. Kamilia Kusz, Creative Director of Robert La Roche, mentions she is confident that the models in Essentials will look and feel as good 50 years from now as they do now. Across its five decades of existence, Robert La Roche has consistently been renowned for its flawless craftsmanship. Regardless of whether they are crafted from Italian acetate or Japanese titanium, each stage of the process adheres to the highest standards to guarantee unparalleled comfort. Even the hinges and wire cores are custom-made. Likewise, the Essentials collection with its bold frames offers lightness and comfort as well as uncompromising brand standards.

 

Source: Favrspecs

November 2023

Reflecting Diligency and Quality

We take a closer look at the top five Belgium-based eyewear brands that stand out for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, meticulousness, high quality and artistic aesthetic designs.

Pure craftsmanship: Henau Eyewear
Henau, a Belgian eyewear brand, embodies the perfect blend of craftsmanship and imagination. Their eyewear couture showcases avant-garde designs that seamlessly integrate optical functionality, elevating them to the status of haute couture. With a keen eye for detail, designer Marc Delagrange brings his expertise in optics and modern art to create glasses that are not only fashionable but also comfortable and functional. Since its establishment in 2000, Henau has glorified Belgium as a brand dedicated to producing architectural frames that exude timeless elegance. The brand’s rich heritage is built upon the unique hand-drawn designs of Michel Henau and Marc Delagrange from the eighties. Marc Delagrange has continued to carry the torch and has further refined the brand’s aesthetic, resulting in refined forms, geometric abstractions, and designs that can be considered artistic objects. Henau Eyewear is a true testament to pure craftsmanship, tradition, and uniqueness, which have positioned them at the forefront of the industry for over three decades.

Details and ergonomics: Kinto Eyewear
Kinto Eyewear, an independent Belgian brand founded in 1978, is committed to crafting eyewear frames with utmost attention to detail and ergonomics. From their humble beginnings in a small workshop in Brussels, Kinto has evolved while staying true to its core values. The brand’s eyewear frames are the result of 40 years of expertise and dedication, offering a combination of affordability and technical excellence. Kinto’s designers have mastered the art of omitting the superfluous and focusing on the details that truly enhance the overall look. Their frames are designed as distinctive signs, making a bold statement and reflecting the wearer’s individuality. With tin-plated details and subtle blends of colors and materials, Kinto Eyewear frames are both stylish and comfortable. By prioritizing design, ergonomics, and affordability, Kinto ensures that everyone can enjoy eyewear that fits perfectly and expresses their unique sense of style.

Forward-thinking aesthetic: Komono
Founded in 2009 by ex-professional snowboarders Anton Janssens and Raf Maes, Komono is a Belgian brand that brings innovation and contemporary design to the world of accessories. Komono’s inspired style, surprising color palette, and forward-thinking aesthetic have allowed the brand to push boundaries and offer a fresh perspective. With an emphasis on accessibility and affordability, Komono makes avant-garde fashion accessible to all. Deeply rooted within the Antwerp fashion environment, Komono is renowned for its distinct and radical vision. Their boundary-breaking designs have been embraced by some of the world’s most recognizable faces and are stocked in high-profile concept stores, department stores, independent opticians, and fashion boutiques across more than 80 countries. Whether it’s sunglasses, opticals, watches, or ski masks, Komono embraces experimentation and offers a glimpse of the future in the present. With Komono, anyone can express their style, personality, and imagination.

Bold and unique designs: Theo
Theo, one of Belgium’s top eyewear brands, is renowned for its unique designs and exceptional craftsmanship. With a fusion of creativity and functionality, Theo has pushed boundaries in the industry, captivating customers worldwide. The brand’s headquarters in Antwerp serve as a hub for designing and manufacturing eyewear, where collaborate with talented designers. From their quirky designs to their vibrant slogan “Theo Loves You,” the brand has created a loyal following among independent opticians. Theo’s philosophy centers around bringing happiness and individuality to their customers, reflected in their extravagant and bold frames. Managed as a family business, Theo values stability and long-lasting relationships with both employees and customers, continually releasing tasteful collections accompanied by unique storytelling. In 2023, Theo became a joint shareholder of Komono through a collaboration. The global optical industry described the collaboration of these two famous Belgian brands as a real ‘match made in Antwerp’.

Artistic vision: Binoche
Binoche, designed in Antwerp and produced in France and Italy, combines the expertise of production partners with its vision and know-how. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, Binoche’s eyewear is more than vision-correcting tools, but artistic creations designed to evoke emotion. Binoche believes that just as art resonates with the viewer, eyewear should shape ideas and reveal the wearer’s hidden self in all its glory. Binoche’s designs allow wearers to fully appreciate their unique style and personality. Founded by Belgian designers Biche and Gino, the brand ensures that all its frames are manufactured in France, Italy or the Netherlands in accordance with European standards. Embracing the values of quality, durability and elegant finishes, Binoche strives for a timeless style and sophisticated look.

Source: Favrspecs

October 2023

Architectural Charm

Lool, one of Etnia Eyewear Culture’s new brands, stands out by offering ultra-light technical eyewear weighing just four grams and a patented hinge system that facilitates assembly.

To meet new consumer trends and strengthen its position in the eyewear sector in 2022, the Etnia Barcelona brand created the Etnia Eyewear Culture Group, which includes three new independent brands in addition to Etnia Barcelona itself. The Readers, one of the three new independent brands, offers reading and sunglasses with blue light filters and bio-acetate frames. Focusing on reading enthusiasts, the brand aims to make reading accessible to everyone. The other new independent brand Allpoets includes optical and sunglasses made from bio and recycled acetate (CRT) and metal. The brand’s mission is to promote the values of sustainability and eco-friendly production while helping to minimize environmental impact. Etnia Eyewear Culture’s third new brand, Lool, stands out by offering ultra-light technical eyewear weighing just four grams and 0.5 mm thick, and a patented hinge system that facilitates assembly. Inspired by architecture and product design, Lool prepares creative, functional and lightweight eyewear.

Aim for the best hinge system
The Lool brand was launched with the realization of a project aimed at creating the best screwless hinge. Since its inception, Lool stands out as a multidisciplinary design studio where different profiles collaborate with a common goal. After achieving the goal of creating the best screwless hinge, the brand focused on designing and producing eyewear collections that are both functional, lightweight and unique. The team at the Lool design studio in Barcelona is a mix of different disciplines such as advertising, branding, design, fashion and journalism, giving the brand an innovative and unique vision for optics.

Getting strength from Barcelona
Barcelona has a strong tradition of industrial design, graphic design and architecture from the past to the present. Lool has chosen Barcelona as a creative reference point among other well-established cities around the world and gets strength from the city’s history and cultural fabric in its designs. Lool works diligently and meticulously to reflect Barcelona and its culture in its designs and to highlight the city with this deep-rooted tradition.

Inspired by architecture
Lool looks at the entire process of designing and creating a pair of glasses as the construction of a building. The brand has close ties with architecture, especially the architecture of Barcelona, and draws inspiration from the forms and concepts of contemporary architecture to define the themes of its collections. Lool also believes that every product it designs should have a long lifespan. For this reason, all Lool eyewear is built to be last. In order to achieve durability in Lool eyewear, Lool ensures durability by working with the best raw materials that make sustainability possible. The brand has three prestigious series, Tectonic, Stereotomic and Deco, which meet different needs.

Deco series expanded
Barcelona brand Lool expanded its dazzling Deco range by adding new eyewear with striking decorative temples last month. Made in titanium and premium quality polishes, the new designs are defined by a new diamond-inspired front pin in perfect harmony. Lool carefully uses its innovative technology that makes it possible to create almost any shape in titanium using injection molding. The concept allows it to offer elegant and sophisticated shapes with new colors and edges, maintaining the brand’s vision of aiming for luxury with the qualities of minimalism and lightness. Lool’s famous Deco series is a sophisticated and decorative collection with luxurious finishes. The collection is inspired by the Art Deco movement, with pronounced geometric lines and structures made of shiny materials with lots of detail in the decorative elements.

New collection for the new season
Lool enters the Fall/Winter 2023 season with a new collection that is part of the famous Tectonic series, which stands out with its minimalism and colors. Lool, a brand of Etnia Eyewear Culture Group, uses contemporary art as a source of inspiration in its new collection. Drawing from the movement in contemporary art that aims to express the essence of objects, Lool plays with form and color to transform each of the six new models into works of art for the senses.

By showcasing its expertise in the new collection, Lool consolidates its leadership in the ultra-lightweight frame segment and positions itself as a reference in technology, color and design. With six new models, the brand expands its Tectonic range, lightweight, comfortable and functional, with timeless designs that gain personality through the use of multiple colors designed to complement the face, style and identity of each individual.

September 2023