Optical and sunwear designs go super-bold with patterns,
color, embellishments galore
In the dead of winter, it’s sometimes hard to know what’ll be hot next season — but we know that the trend for offbeat, exotic and quirky continues to gain ground. Eye-catching animal prints are glamorous, wearable and appealing to a wide range of customers. Color is a perfect pick-me-up for many people, especially when they can choose from a passionate palette of primary hues, tonal effects and patterns. And for those who really seek to stand out, the luxe jewelry trend in eyewear offers a flamboyant mix of custom-made designs. Think frames laden with floral embellishments, sparkling crystals and fanciful gem stones that dazzle and shine. — C L O D A G H N O R T O N
ALL PRICES MSRP, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED.
This article originally appeared in the February 2015 edition of INVISION.
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L.A. EYEWORKS
The Ma Frank is a curious and evocative sunglass, produced in primary hues to maximize the feeling of a deliberately painted form. Riveted cladding elements on the brow suggest architectural motifs, a nod to the elegance of industrial design.
(800) 348-3337 | laeyeworks.com
$480
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RAPP EYEWEAR
Produced in the label’s home city of Toronto, optical style Merrill is a refined handcrafted design in acetate, bold and retro-tinged yet accessible in subtle modern dual colorways. The cat’s-eye shape is edgy, chic and very much à la mode.
(416) 745-0583 | rapplimited.com
$550
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MASSADA
The new customized model Gnossienne features a removable jewelry clip with colored Swarovski Elements to add an especially eye-catching look. Customers may choose a bespoke color composition. Made exclusively in Italy.
(888) 388-3223 | massadaeyewear.com
$635
DITA
Graduated colors are ever popular in eyewear: Dita’s Amora comes in a spectacular violet fading to crystal tonal combo on a round eye shape that is feminine and alluring.
(800) 449-3482 | dita.com
$390
DVF
Looking for a classic with a special twist? Try this fabulous aviator by Diane von Furstenberg, jazzed up with a rich toned silk-screened animal print trim. A metal frame with a subtle logo printed on the temples, style DVF101S Farrah is available in silver, gold and rose gold.
(800) 645-1300 | marchon.com
$136
ETNIA BARCELONA
In collaboration with photographer Steve McCurry (famous for his 1985 Afghan Girl portrait in National Geographic), this Spanish label’s Wild Love in Africa collection is dedicated to the continent. Animal prints define a balanced line full of color and flair. Africa 02 HVRD features natural mineral-glass mirror lenses..
(888) 553-8642 | etniabarcelona.com
$235
DOLCE & GABBANA
Gem encrusted flowers and “magical creatures” trim the temples of the luxurious Dolce & Gabbana DG4247B from the Enchanted Beauties Collection. Each premium acetate sunglass is embellished with cast-metal elements and hand-placed Swarovski crystals.
(800) 422-2020 | luxottica.com
$235
KOALI
It’s no surprise that a brand inspired by nature — in this case, the Morpho Aega butterfly of South America — offers a more understated look in the “wild” category. Model 7715K, a semi-rimless style in stainless steel, uses metallic temple tones to echo the butterfly’s grace in flight.
(800) 526-8838 | morel-eyewearusa.com
$840
