A revival of timeless materials means new ways
to please your luxury-minded customers
Wood, buffalo horn and leather continue to trend in eyewear, but the intrinsic elegance, beauty and historic significance of these materials are nothing new, and the experience of wearing them on the face is pure pleasure. Although natural frame craftsmanship dates to the Middle Ages, today’s sustainable and durable choices are perfect for people who want eyewear that’s built to last. When it comes to unique design, woods such as bog oak and walnut lend themselves unequivocally to spectacle production. New wood labels emerge frequently, offering a wide choice of looks at varying price tags. Horn and leather, still very much in niches of their own, add more options for luxury. Look for styles that are both traditional yet crafted with the latest techniques to fuse functionality with refinement. — CLODAGH NORTON
ALL PRICES MSRP, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED.
This article originally appeared in the June 2015 edition of INVISION.
FEB 31st
With Italian flair and commitment to artisan design, Feb 31st styles Apus Air (top) and Ara Wide (bottom) represent the new breed of stylish, well-made premium wood designs. Color blocking produces a two-tone front to add a new twist to the age-old material.
(877) 649-9775 | feb31st.it
From $700
PROOF EYEWEAR
Handmade from not one but three luxurious exotic woods (ebony, red ebony and pear wood), Bannock Premium features timeless styling with quality polarized Carl Zeiss lenses and stainless steel spring loaded hinges. Made to last, the frame comes with a lifetime warranty.
(208) 514-0069 | iwantproof.com
$205
WOODONE
Wych elm leaves define the innovative and limited-edition Ulmus series of wood frames made from acacia, cherry, walnut or dark ash. Each leaf is applied face down to highlight the veins, then treated with a natural lacquer to protect and preserve the work of natural art.
+39 0472 613 612 | woodone.it
$840
SPECTACLE EYEWORKS
Canadian design house Spectacle Eyeworks pays homage to the indigenous people of North America with model Gwaii, its exquisite temples inspired by the work of artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. Available in teak, black walnut, ebony or padauk.
(888) 722-3322 | spec-eyeworks.com
$500
ANNI SHADES
Handmade in Alliance, OH, model Harvey features five woods cut in asymmetrical shapes on the face with elegant coloring, fitted with mirror sun lenses and temples of koa wood. It’s a statement piece to cherish and wear.
(330) 829-9550 | annishades.com
$1,400
GöTTI
A dynamic feminine style with softly shaped edges, model Baeo from Götti Switzerland shows all the attributes of finely crafted genuine horn. Each style in this collection is polished by hand for a superior natural finish.
(407) 415-0778 | gotti.ch
$1,443
TD TOM DAVIES
Ultralight buffalo horn, a highlight from British bespoke label TD Tom Davies, stands out in model 22573. This combination design pairs thin pieces of layered horn with titanium temples.
(630) 499-7955 | tdtomdavies.com
$1,500
J.F. REY EYEWEAR
And leather, too! Jean-François Rey’s Au Masculin Collection features style JF 1348, with distinguished Old World charm. The real Italian leather is a new addition for this line, laminated onto acetate for a fresh interpretation of a classic material.
(877) 889-1429 | jfreyusa.com
$520