l.a. Eyeworks - Dublin
Highlighting the breadth of Optrafair’s fashion eyewear offering were the frames from iconic leftfield brand l.a. Eyeworks. Very much at avant-garde end of the frame spectrum was the Dublin acetate model, which taps into the trend for creating the look of two silhouettes in one. However, it wouldn’t be an l.a. Eyeworks frame without its own take on a trend. Here, that creativity manifests itself using contrasting hues and graphical patterns within the Italian-made acetate. The frame’s form is rectangular, but experimental curvature on the brows makes the frame suitably non-conformist.
Lyle & Scott - Inver 2
Lyle & Scott is the British lifestyle brand with a modern outlook, says distribution partner, Dunelm Optical. It distinctive ‘golden eagle’ is instantly recognisable has been seen on high profile celebrities such as David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Hardy and Idris Elba.
Dunelm introduced 36 new styles at the show, but say reaction to the collection was so good, four new models had to be added. The Golden Eagle logo is featured on all frames.
Inver 2 utilises the brand’s logo, with a gold coloured emblem on the temples combine with subtle bevelling and an easy to wear silhouette.
Kenzo -KZ2277 and KZ5514 sun
High fashion brands often have their ups and downs in terms wearer profile. After a rough patch in the late 1990s, Kenzo has re-established itself as one of the premier labels, residing on high end retail portals such as Oki-ni and Mr Porter.
The metal Kalifornia Kenzo logo is at the centre of the women’s KZ2277 ophthalmic frame.
The metalwork has been opened up and forms part of the temple. Machined acetate shows contrasting hues from the front.
KZ5514 also features the iconic logo, albeit in a more conservative fashion.
Instead, the aviator-themed sunglass uses minimal bevelling around the edges to create a squared off, modern look. A cutaway nose bridge section that exposes the edges of the lenses also increases modernity.
Eyespace - Jensen Black JNB400
The premium Jensen Black collection for men is where Eyespace designers get the opportunity to experiment with high-grade materials and construction.
The result of the latest round of design sessions is the Fluidflex collection. The concertinaed titanium temple hinges have a fluid-like motion, which provide patients with high levels of comfort through the lack of overall weight and the flex in the hinge. For JNB400, these technical details have been paired with a retro panto TR90 silhouette, which is available in a semi-transluscent grey and a modern looking tortoiseshell.
J.F. Rey - JF1427
Residing on the Mac Agencies and Pure Eyewear stand were the collections from French luxury eyewear producer, J.F. Rey.
For the latest collection, the brand has explored new technical and aesthetic ways of using metal and acetate combination frames. The concept focuses on the cutting of acetate, creating sculpted geometry with clearly defined separation in materials.
On women’s style JF1429, this separation can be seen on the outer eyewire, dropped nose bridge and temples.
Adidas - Zonyk Aero Pro Movistar
The Zonyk Aero range is the latest line of specialist cycling products from Adidas and has been designed with input from the Movistar UCI cycling team. The Movistar special edition is available in the team’s blue and while colours and blue mirror Vario lenses, which adapt to different light conditions.
The company says the half-rim lens design delivers better peripheral and lower vision to pick out details in the road and nearby riders. A new Lens Lock system allows the lenses to be replaced quickly.
Adjustable Tri.fit temples feature flwex zones to increase grip and a Double-Snap nose bridge can be altered to achieve a customised fit. The Pro edition features a detachable foam sweat bar that maintains ventilation but prevents sweat from entering the eyes.
The Zonyk Aero frame is prescription ready with clip-in inserts.
Orange Eyewear - Zen Barcelona
UK eyewear supplier Orange used Optrafair to showcase the latest addition to its portfolio of brands.
The Spanish producer manufactures in several countries, including Italy and Japan, depending on the material. Its designs are heavily influenced by Barcelona, from both cultural and architectural perspectives.
ForZ380, the brand uses its proprietary polyamide Tecnomol, which is like acetate in makeup, but can benefit from up to 40% reduction in weight and additional elasticity. The visible internal stainless steel inner core structure is very much in line with the current trend for technical aesthetics.
Neubau - See and do good
Neubau says See and do good stands for its efforts to respect the environment through conscious consumption and forward looking production, but to enjoy aesthetics at the same time.
New models Bob, Valerie and Dani premiere the use of a material called naturalPX, where two-thirds of the raw materials used in its production are renewable and organically sourced. Production has also been tailored to create as little waste as possible, through material reuse.
Even the accessories are manufactured with an eye on utility and ecology. Apart from the case, which is manufactured from a cellulose base and without any need for glue, the cleaning cloth is made from recycled bottles. The delivery box can also be transformed into an ‘eyewear sofa,’ providing a place to store glasses at home, prolonging the lifecycle through usefulness beyond its original purpose.
Silhouette - Racing Collection
For patients that want a minimalist eyewear experience, rimless frames are still the best option.
The men’s Racing Collection from Silhouette contains a series of restyled designs aimed at the sophisticated patients. Styles are constructed using the company’s proprietary SPX material with titanium earpieces, with colour highlights between the individual frame components aping the decorative seams you might find inside the cockpit of a sports car.
The collection offers a choice of six new models, with a mix of sharp, angular lens shapes for a strong, masculine look or softer, rounded lenses for a subtle but on-trend look. Colour combinations include dark grey matte and deep red, spa black and gold and red and burnt orange.
Optical Service - Ferrucci Sport RX
Optical Service has been operating an in-house glazing lab for just over a year, but the Ferrucci Sport RX collection has allowed to the company to develop and utilise its lens production capabilities.
The collection is offered as an all in one glazed packaged. The Q-Thin lens design is said to focus on the visual field performance of the lens as well as optimising thickness. Lenses are made from 80 or 100mm blanks, with a visual field area of 55mm created in the centre. A smoothing process beyond this space reduces the edge thickness of the lens, while maintaining minimised distortion levels. Lenses can be produced up to a maximum of 10mm inset decentration and feature a back surface hard multi anti refection coating and front hydrophobic/oleophobic coats.