catwalk. Jo Gallacher reports on Safilo’s retro-inspired A/W17
collection
Fendi - FF0245
Fendi’s latest collection blends metal and acetate to create a contemporary look with bright colour details. The Fendi FF0245 model comes in a solid black acetate with pink and black stripes at the edge, highlighting the strong retro cat’s eye shape.
Havaianas - Rio
Seasonal sunglasses are perhaps a tough sell for a brand which bases itself on a summer shoe: the flip-flop. As it is the first autumn and winter collection, Safilo will be keeping a close watch on how Havaianas’s bright colour wheel and summer feel will translate into the different seasons. The Brazilian flag theme of the Rio model (pictured below) takes noticeable inspiration from the flip flop design, made using the same rubber as the shoe.
Dior - Montaigne 48
Having recently taken on a new designer, the A/W17 Dior collection has gone back to the archives to develop a distinctive range with impressive colour wheels. The Dior Montaigne 48 model mixes shades of gold and blue to create a Havana texture to its frames, complete with a gold metal nose bridge and lining on the top of the frame.
Kate Spade - Karris
Kate Spade is a popular and trusted brand among independents opticians and their patients claims Safilo. Strong shapes are at the heart of the collection, as well as patterned frames like the Karris style, which combines gold coloured metal with a purple patterned acetate in a chunky cat’s eye. The arms feature the Kate Spade logo to finish the look.
Safilo - SA6050
Re-launched as an own-brand label of optical frames Safilo aims to celebrate ‘superior design, functional innovation and made-in-Italy know-how’. The optical collection will only be available to independent practices and will feature a titanium inch hinge which was developed for Safilo to add more flexibility and create a sense of unity among the collection. All frames will come with a service kit with spare parts for hinges and frames, allowing the optical supplier to make immediate repairs if necessary. The collection focuses on a minimalist feel, like the SA6050, which features a subtle combination of black and white on a lightweight metal frame.
Carrera - 173v
Vintage inspired frames are always popular and this year Carrera has pushed for a 1980s retro feel for its collection. Using film star Jared Leto as its ambassador, the collection focuses heavily on the classic pilot shape with solid acetate colours, like the Carrera 173v model which features a combination of black acetate with gold metal trims and the distinctive Carrera logo on the temples.
Oxydo - O.No1.2
American artist Francis Bitonti, who is well known for his 3D printing creations, helped create the latest Oxydo collection.
Ultra-light 0.No1.2 model features a metal frame with a statement 3D print detail over the lenses, available in purple with a baby pink arm tip.