Designer eyewear is usually the first introduction we have to a namesake fashion brand. How connected an optical collection is to the identity or heritage of the label varies. From deeply connected to completely void of brand characteristics, creating styles that are disconnected, showing nothing more than the brand name emblazoned across the temple to identify the brand it represents.
As a purveyor and optical curator of independent eyewear, my standards for designer frames are high. I expect the same quality craftsmanship, unique details and silhouettes, as well as a strong marriage to the brand that can be seen, sans name on the frame, even if it is naturally there.
With these stringent standards in mind I cannot contain my excitement for a new fashion house collection of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses that is as best a representation of the name it carries as any I have some across.
So let me share with you this FIRST LOOK at the new Missoni collection by Safilo.
To best appreciate how well executed and artistically created this optical collection is, let me start by introducing you to the house of Missoni.
Missoni is an Italian luxury fashion house based in Varese, and known for its colorful knitwear designs. The signature Zig Zag motif, is an angular geometric design signature of the label. The abstract visual gives way only to the unabashfull use of color to create the overall textile.
Missoni MIS 0015/S in color LKS08
What instantly sets these sunglasses apart is the lenses. As an Optician I have a deep appreciation for the important role lenses play in the overall style story of any eyewear, and I have no doubt after seeing these, you will too. Rx lens wearers are going to need to wear contact lenses, because changing the lenses in these sunglasses might just be a sin.
The actual lenses have engraved geometric, linear lines. Creating a tiny dimensional prism shape, that emerges from the lens surface, a connection to the Missoni Zig Zag pattern. The gradient tint of the lens has an ombre effect from dark at the top browline of the frame, to nearly clear along the lower part of the lens. If you look closely, along the sheer portion of the lens is a frosted Missoni signature that follows the curve of the lower frame.
While you might think that the frame would be second to the focal point of the engraved lenses, that couldn’t be further from reality. No part of this frame has gone without an artistically designed detail to connect it to Missoni’s heritage.
Let’s begin with the frame shape, at first glance an aviator, but without the sag, meaning the longest vertical depth is centered in the lens. A more flattering aviator shape, one that is easier to wear on different face shapes and sizes, and won’t create the illusion of pulling your face down.
The soft curve of the narrow bridge has adjustable nose pads, that have long prongs, and while that might not mean a lot, it will allow for great fitting that will prevent the sunglass from touching your cheeks. Of course any aviator would not be complete without a brow bar, in this case featuring T brackets, rather than a straight connection to the frame.
When we get to the profile take a closer look, I say this because full disclosure I wore this frame from a week before noticing that the rose gold frame was actually parallel tracks, encasing a cobalt blue enamel channel around each lens. The shiny rose gold temple has a kinked angle, another example of how the Missoni Zig Zag motif is showcased in different forms throughout the frame. Along the temple a sheer acetate meets the mental in the middle, almost like a stocking, exposing the rose gold temple beneath and revealing another embossed gold Missoni logo.
It seems only fitting to end this FIRST LOOK at a frame so beautifully and thoughtfully connected to the fashion house it represents with the last little detail on these sunglasses that says so much, with so little. Just the tip of the temple wrapped in the signature Missoni Zig Zag motif. A flourish of color that will catch your eye and peak your interest in what’s more to come from this collection.
Usually people don’t associate style with Transitions Lenses, as an avid lover of these lenses I find most people dismiss them based on an outdated impression. But even the naysayers will not be able to resist the amazing style you can create with the new Transitions Xtractive Style Mirror Lenses.
In The Addisons Hamptons inspired backyard, littered with pool floaties, skirted by black and white striped cabanas, overflowing with palm printed pillows; it was the perfect venue to lounge, listen to summer anthems spun by DJ’s Coco & Breezy, all while sipping on refreshing Prosecco Pop cocktails and trying on sunglasses by Coco & Breezy featuring Transitions Xtractive Style Mirror Lenses.
-Eyewear designers, DJ’s and Transitions Brand Ambassadors Coco & Breezy-
This EYEstyle is one of my top 5 trends for summer 2018. Regardless of your style or age you can look perfectly chic in black and white sunglasses. On your way to the office, at the beach, a barbecue or Le Diner en blanc, there is a pair of black and white sunglasses that will elevate any look this summer.
I am continuously finding stand out styles that have me doing a double take in the new collection of CALVIN KLEIN Sun. The new creative director Raf Simons, is perfectly blending all the classics that come to mind when I think of Calvin Klein. Black and white has really always been something I associate with Calvin Klein as a brand, dating back to my first impressions of the brand in magazine ads featuring Kate Moss, and the still unforgettable picture of Marky Mark in his tighty whities. CALVIN KLEIN is re-connecting with it’s roots, while still setting trends.
A gorgeous gold frame in a perfectly round shape, is elevated to show stopping status with black and white striped acetate around the lenses. I have long thought that black and gold is the standout classic frame color combination, but adding white to the color combo may have changed my mind. These sunglasses cannot be celebrated without taking notice of the lighter tint pink lenses. I’ll be wearing these sunglasses for after work patio drinks or evening summer outings, because as dusk sets in I don’t have to lose my eyecessories!
*I have some exciting plans to modify these lenses to make them more practical and versatile in summer light conditions, I’ll be sure to share when they had their upgrades!
In the spirit of the 1970’s, a time when individuality and expression through fashion reigned supreme and iconic trends were formed and forever etched into the style bible. For summer 2018 eyewear is trending in shapes and colors reminiscent of a throwback seventies vibe.
I get very excited for a new shape in eyewear, and although it’s not “new”, the comeback of a Hexagonal frame is a shape trend that is sure to make its mark in eyewear for 2019. The first few signs of the trend are creeping into sunglasses and I have a prediction that the shape will become increasingly popular for both sunglasses and eyeglasses in the year to come.
These hexagonal frames by Mizayke are a light metal frame that allows the strong geometric shape to shine, complete with a bridge shape that compliments rather than pull focus from the geometric outline. The sunglasses have gradient tinted lenses in a deep rich mahogany color. Giving an ombre look that provides the perfect accent to add a layer of 70’s spirit to the frame.
To elevate the style factor in one of my favorite Andy Wolf frames, the “Brigitte”, I decided to take inspiration from the Andy Wolf demo lenses and add a very sheer gradient brown tint to enhance a throwback feel. I wanted these glasses to be customized to meet all my visual needs and be a design all my own. So to make these glasses perfection for inside and outside I added the light tint on a Transition Xtractive brown lenses, thus creating a fab pair of glasses or sunglasses…depending on where you see me!
So whether you experienced the 70’s or just want to live vicariously through the fashions of the era, this summer is the perfect time to visit this groovy decade of eyewear.
Optician About Town 