The new hinges are allowing for greater frame adaptability, improved wearer comfort and interchangeable sides and in many cases are becoming an outstanding style feature in themselves. Optician presents the latest in hinge design
Face à Face
It was not just the new colour combinations that drew attention to the 20 new Face à Face frames when they were launched at Mido earlier this year. Their new acetate and metal frames incorporated some truly unique hinge solutions. The design of Poème, for example, is based on folded lines, so the top part of the metal temple is folded and revolves around the sides. With the patented Nueva collection, the hinge system involves the temples revolving around a cylindrical side-piece to give a soft spring effect.
Alain Mikli
Alain Mikli has developed the new 'chaam' hinge which is based on a buckle and hook system. As part of this system the rotation axis has been clipped, so there is no risk of the hinge unscrewing, and the design has been optimised so that constant pressure is applied to the wearer's head, meaning the frames are comfortably held in position. The hinges can also be easily adjusted by an optician to give a perfect fit.
Tag Heuer
With no less than 60 patents protecting the final product, the Tag Heuer Sport Vision collection features a design which seamlessly integrates the temples with the frames. This has been achieved with the creation of an 'invisible' hinge. It cuts through the temple at an angle of 27 degrees in such a way that, whether the frames are open or closed, the hinges can not be seen.
ic! Berlin
Unconventional hinges have been a trademark of ic! Berlin frames since they were launched. Their latest plastic! and metallic! collections feature the patented screwless hinge-clasp system, where the sides interlock with the front groove and are secured in place with a small clasp. The hinge joint and the frames, as a whole, are grounded on the elasticity of the acetates and metals used.
Mykita
Mykita's collections feature an innovative technical solution. They have a screwless hinge which is held together by the pressure of a spiral on the temple. This means the frames are easily adaptable, and can be adjusted to custom fit any facial proportions.