Designers dig deep for retro and
vintage details to pair with modern materials
With rich history to inform the present, eyewear designers continually glance backward for creative inspiration … all while using new materials and today’s technical know-how to create fresh, inspiring looks for your customers. Vintage details and flavors of the past remain completely current in 2015, from pure shapes like the cat’s-eye for drama, handmade acetate with nods to the 1950s and 1960s, and exceptional design twists — all updated for old-is-newfound eyewear style in a wide range of price points.
— 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 January 2015 edition of INVISION.
LUNETTES KOLLEKTION
This two-in-one style So To Speak is a wonderfully refined blend of the classic panto and aviator styles. There’s a hint of the ’70s and ’80s, but the colors — leo, olive amber and tortoise — clearly update the style.
+49 30 247 81610 | lunettes-kollektion.com
from $355
BENNER
Eye-catching Cosmo Duo 15 is a German made beauty, with its cat’s-eye shape updated by a gentle upper line. Shiny gold flexible stainless steel offers a brilliantly cool contrast to cellulose acetate in matte black.
(888) 722-3322 | lunettes-kollektion.com
$480
FACE À FACE
For leading ladies, Stars from Face à Face has cat’s-eye sophistication and Parisian charm. Perfectly balanced proportions and delicate color combos make this a true statement design — and in a limited edition of just 300 pieces.
(888) 388-3223 | faceaface-paris.com
$635
DOLABANY
For easy day wear, marbled Italian zyl creates a distinguished look in the Dolabany Eyewear collection. The Hugo frame is characterized by vibrant coloration such as this “green demi” dual-tone front.
(800) 688-7661 | bestimageoptical.com
$180
BLAKE KUWAHARA
A perfect example of modern design reflecting on past achievements, model Rohe has a slightly elongated shape reminiscent of the ’60s, but with a “frame within a frame” effect inside the acetate structure.
(949) 637-3087 | blakekuwahara.com
$599
DRAGON
Get a sporty vintage vibe via California label Dragon Alliance’s Rx Collection. Model Kenny’s rich custom color palette includes Black Slate, for a variation on classic black, with just a hint of LP vinyl. Smart and current.
(800) 645-1300 | marchon.com
$243
PLAN B EYEWEAR
A vintage look with a twist, the semi-rimless Glacée 6731 (seen here in brown pearl with mill sheet) mixes classic colors with retro geometric, snake and stone-like patterns along the brows and temples.
(888) 399-7742 | alternativeeyes.com
$299
JOSEPH ABBOUD
Handsome herringbone inside the temples teams with sleek stainless steel in model JA4040. Modified rectangular shape with a retro design in blackjack, olive and tortoise acetate; the coordinating pattern is a signature of the designer’s suit collection..
(800) 505-5557 | altaireyewear.com
$167