Fresh takes on favorite styles go for new intrigue and glamour
THIS MONTH, we feature sunglasses that delight by looking to the past. For shapes, designers draw on the classic aviator, wayfarer, cat’s eye and P3, with subtle modifications, distinguished detailing and the latest in lens technology. The double bridge is back in the spotlight, and intricate finishing touches in luxurious metals add modern flair to designs steeped in eyewear history. Color-wise, go bright or choose classic tortoise or black for old-style glamour. Try a mirrored lens in a super pink or yellow, and your client will be ready for the bright lights of a brand new year. — CLODAGH NORTON
VERA WANG FOR KENMARK OPTICAL
Gleaming Italian acetate combines with a color scheme that offers intrigue, particularly in this lilac tortoise version. Josifa is typical of the Vera Wang Salon Collection, inspired by the designer’s runway work and featuring handcrafted designs made in Italy and Japan.
MSRP: $350
(800) 627-2898 | kenmarkoptical.com
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PQ EYEWEAR BY RON ARAD
Styles in the Springs collection come in one piece and one material. Each style fits any face, and is distinguished by a unique hinge which is flat on the inside and slatted on the outside. The secret? The frames are made using the latest 3-D printing techniques. Featured here is the Springs Mornington Crescent.
MSRP: $505
+44 (0)207 267 8973 | pq-eyewear.com
SALT OPTICS Black is a staple for all sunglass wearers, and this pared-down design — called Hayley — in Japanese acetate from Salt Optics features PFV polarized CR-39 lenses, antismudge and anti-scratch coatings. It’s an accessible style for all seasons, especially the “oil barked fade” combo.
MSRP: $400
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(949) 574-3800 | saltoptics.com
BARTON PERREIRA
The Feldon is inspired by Andy Warhol’s pop art-style portrait of sultry “Get Smart” star, Barbara Feldon. From the front, solid hues of bold colors pop while the side-view offers a peek of animal print, a pattern designer Patty Perreira always tries to incorporate into her collections.
MSRP: $395
(949) 305-5360 | bartonperreira.com
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REBECCA MINKOFF FOR BAUM VISION
Ludlow was produced in collaboration with Shane Baum, and features a metal temple with geometric shapes and pyramid studs integrated into the front.
MSRP: $200
(866) 415-8842 | baumvision.com
TOM FORD FOR MARCOLIN
Is this the iconic new look for Tom Ford men’s sunglasses? Elliott features smart details and a fusion of metal and acetate materials. Calculated to make a strong impact, it’s a style for the man in search of the unique. Inspired by the vintage pilot with a squared shape, it comes in three colors in shiny and matte textures.
MSRP: $395
(800) 537-9265 | us.marcolin.com
GIORGIO ARMANI FOR LUXOTTICA
Go modern with the AR8026K, with accentuated corners and temples covered in black, blue or chestnut velvet on the interior. More sophistication comes from the gold-plated metal details, like the two circles inside the front, the hinge and the end part of the temples with Giorgio Armani initials.
MSRP: $490
(800) 422-2020 | luxottica.com
GUESS EYEWEAR FOR VIVA INTERNATIONAL
Classically masculine, Guess’s sun collection features sporty designs with retro elements, as seen on the navigator GU 6751 shown here. Highquality Carl Zeiss lenses are finished with interesting gradients, adding intrigue, while rubberized temples and brushed satin finished metals provide a cool finishing touch.
MSRP: $82
(800) 345-VIVA | vivagroup.com
DESIGNER INSIGHTS
PATTY PERREIRA
What’s your direction this year?
“I’ve many pieces in the collection this time, with several different inspirations, including Warhol and pop art. I am particularly interested in Warhol’s work of the ’60s. I have explored layers of lamination, new opportunities in recreating animal prints, and I have incorporated other key elements for 2014 such as gradient lenses, and softer flash mirrors.”
And your inspiration?
“My collection comes from me and my personal experiences. It’s not so much about trends. I draw ideas from art and nature, America’s heritage and frames made in the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s. I have a fascination for vintage eyewear, and I have a great collection from my time in optics over the years.”
