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While the European and international companies showed plenty of flair and innovation, some of the best new frames were from the UK.
Co-owner and designer Peter Booth was keen to show off the large number of new styles that Booth & Bruce launched at the show. Talking about the collection as a whole, Booth says that the new designs represent a move beyond the prevailing idea of what retro is. 'The retro theme is still big,' he says. 'But it is moving beyond just squares to incorporate different shapes. Our collection reflects a combination of eras we are moving from the idea of just the 1960s being retro to anything goes.'
Among the frames attracting the most attention on the Booth & Bruce stand included model 903, which featured a kink in the temple.
Tom Davies' impressive stand was lavishly adorned by pieces from his latest limited edition collection, which features new double bloc titanium frames. 'The double bloc titanium frames involve two overlaid pieces of titanium. It is a technical look, achieved through technical processes and utilising the hand working skills we have gained from our Bespoke service,' says Davies. 'It is a different approach for us, as the frames appeal due to a demonstration of technical expertise rather than solely design expertise.'
Children's frame favourites Zoobug presented multiple ranges in Paris. Gaining most attention was the Official London 2012 Sunglass Collection for children of 2-12 years of age, which Zoobug produced after winning the licence in an agreement with the London 2012 Organising Committee.
Two frames are available: Daisy 2012, a distinctive flower design for girls, and Buzz 2012, a wrap unisex shape. Both frames feature the official London 2012 logos embossed on the hinge area of the frame. Each frame is presented in a box with transparent front, and accompanied by a practical, protective London 2012 Microfibre Pouch.
Olympic contenders
Supplementing the London 2012 frames was the Olympic-related range of official Team GB sunglasses for kids. The three shapes feature brightly coloured designs based on the Team GB colours and logo featuring the Lion's Head and Olympic Rings.
Zoobug also presented its new Super range of sunglass models in oversized aviator designs. Said to be ideal for the beach and outdoor lifestyle, the frames feature a new flexible hinge innovation.
'The Super range provides children with fashionable sunglass shapes without compromising the core protection values of Zoobug,' says Julie Diem Le, director of Zoobug.
Claire Goldsmith's approach to children's sun eyewear is to scale down exact replicas of its adult frames in the Oliver Goldsmith sunglass range. The new OG Mini Icons features five models available, in five colourways each.
'The Lord frame that Michael Caine wore for his famous shoot with David Bailey back in the 1960s, is a good example of our children's frames,' she says. 'The Mini Lord is exactly the same but smaller. As a mother I know that kids today want real style.'
In the optical Legacy collection from Claire Goldsmith the new frames were Wing and Dale. 'These are vintage inspired but updated to reflect a more modern sensibility,' notes Goldsmith. 'We've also added new colours to the existing frames in this range.'
After 12 years of development, Kirk Originals presented Sunbeam and Beam, two new collections of eyewear made entirely from acrylic. As the name suggests the Sunbeam collection consists of sunglass styles, while Beam is made up of optical frames. Both collections contain six different models (including Ray and Blaze for Beam, and Star and Angel for Sunbeam) which are available in amber, coral, aquamarine, amethyst and emerald.
According to Karen Kirk, partner at Kirk Originals, the use of acrylic polished to shine like glass allows for an incredible range of colours not found in traditional eyewear. 'The frames are translucent with two colours melding into each other,' she notes. 'The use of acrylic also means the frames are very light.'
The extensive new Cutler & Gross collection drew much attention in Paris. 'It is always a progression from the previous year,' comments Marie Wilkinson, design director at Cutler and Gross. 'But this year there is softer colour, more harmonies. Overall it is about passion and style. We don't sell on technical detail at all - just beautiful design.'
Standout frames included model 1057, a bold sunglass designed for motorcyclists available in dark turtle, black, humble potato and honey tort.
Titanium frame specialists Zuma London, brought three new styles to Paris, developing the design ideas established in previous products.
'Our new Berkeley Model TJ comes in eight different colour combinations and five shapes,' comments Harvey Dhadwar, commercial brand director of Zuma London. 'The Aviator Model JD is the first full rim frame we've done and offers a subtle titanium take on the classic design.' Also new is the Duke Model DS which is available in a piano black combined with silver or gold. ?
