Kreuzbergkinder: Folklore frames
Berlin-based brand Kreuzbergkinder launches the Suspirium collection, which takes its inspiration from Suspiria, a cult-classic, Italian, witchcraft movie released in 1977 and remade in 2018.
Designer Ioana A Serbanescu aims to reflect otherworldly fairy tales and folklore, a dark style deeply rooted in ‘underground’ Berlin and intrinsic to the Kreuzbergkinder identity. The frames are made of Mazzucchelli M49 bio-acetate, available in rich colours of burgundy, petrol and classic polished black, with options in both optic and sunglasses.
They are said to have striking elements that demand attention. A slot in the shape of a ‘K’ is carved out of the temples so the wearer can accessorise with a chain as a more comfortable, yet stylish, addition.
Markus T: 100 seasons
German eyewear brand Markus T created a limited-edition collection of four frames, inspired by each season, as part of its 25th anniversary celebration. All spectacles are made of titanium and TMi, a self-developed lightweight material that is recyclable, anti-allergenic and enables the development of ultra-flat and narrow frames with high flexibility. These bespoke designs are exclusively given out as prizes in a social media lottery at tradeshows throughout the year.
Sandra Rohrbeck, head of marketing and communication, says: ‘We are here for 25 years now, manufacturing and handcrafting eyewear based in Germany. We didn’t want to do something so normal as saying this is our 25th anniversary, so, instead are saying, “We’ve been here for 100 seasons”, which is 25 times spring, summer, autumn and winter.
‘The frame designs take a step away from Markus T’s traditional, simple styles and more towards fantasy. The spring frame is very flowery, for summer there are sunrays; autumn is inspired by leaves from a tree, and then the winter shape symbolises ice layers. We included colleagues in place of models in the graphics and photo shoots for the whole campaign to better represent the company,’ she adds.
Vinylize: Musical tones
The Budapest-based eyewear maker Vinylize produces made-to-order spectacles out of recycled vinyl records laminated with acetate to create a dual tone frame, recycling approximately three tonnes of vinyl a year. All collections are based on a collaboration with a musical artist or band, including a four-year partnership with AC/DC. The latest limited-edition collection is themed around Australian music project Tame Impala’s fourth album Slow Rush. The spectacles create a unique finish with a white vinyl front and produced 35 boxes of frames globally. Five frame shapes are available, with options for both optical lenses and sunglasses.
Dick Moby: Temple waves
Established in 2014, the Dutch brand Dick Moby uses 82.1% recycled stainless steel, recycled acetate or bio-acetate as part of its mission to reduce waste on the ocean. It recently began production of stainless-steel frames in Italy for the first time, as part of a move away from Chinese manufacturing due to global market changes and to differentiate itself against competitors. This collection uses electric laser soldering instead of auto soldering, with PVD coating.
Robbert Wefers Bettink, co-founder at Dick Moby, says: ‘We started it because we grew up on the water by surfing and sailing. Now, the better we get the more details we’re going to incorporate into the frames. For example, with the [Tokyo] frame, which is quite abstract, a wave was incorporated into the rim, and similarly on the temple. So, in every frame, we have a reference to the ocean.’
Gotti: Bionic based
Götti founder Sven Götti says the Swiss brand’s new Bionic collection is an exercise in reduction and simplification. Produced using 3D printing and entirely from seed-derived castor bean plants, the Bionic collection streamlines the eyewear production process by using shorter transport distances, reduced energy consumption and recycling.
Single material construction aids the recycling process, as it means plastic and material no longer have to be separated when the frame’s life is complete. However, using only polyamide 11 meant a new hinge system had to be developed. Taking its inspiration from human ball and socket joints, the new hinge has a smooth open and close motion and can be removed easily from the frame’s front. Along with the environmentally friendly frame, Götti has produced a vegan leather case and new paper packaging.
