The triumphant ascent of eyewear in the fashion accessory rankings is driving aspirations for more than just a ‘pair and a spare.’ Stylish specs-wearers are now proud owners of an ‘Optical Wardrobe,’ replete with styles and shapes for every occasion, mood and trend. With this in mind, choosing a patterned frame this season is clearly on point.
The spring 2017 ready-to-wear shows featured a riot of print both abstract and figurative in accessories, with hard surface detailing being especially directional. As with footwear and bags, eyewear trends are embracing the detailed highlight. If a full print frame is not what your optical wardrobe needs right now, a patterned brow or marbled temple may be the answer.
On the runway, deconstructed and pimped tortoiseshells usurp animal prints, while florals become ever bolder and increasingly naturalistic.
Amidst the unapologetically brave motifs there are more subtle iterations showcasing surface design techniques where pattern creates an illusion of depth, softens a colour statement or evokes a painterly mood. Such artistic inspiration in our featured frames is realised through hand painted designs and creative collaborations. Whether bold or blended, demure or dynamic, there’s a space in the wardrobe for a pattern this season.
Effects on the Frame:
PAINT AND PRINT
Author: Sam Donnachie
Trends
November 29, 2016
WOOW EYEWEAR
As the playful younger sibling of Parisian eyewear brand FACE Á FACE, WOOW Eyewear embraces pattern in the kooky Super Star 2 frame. A multi-toned tortoiseshell sweep across the brow of a circular wire frame mimics exuberantly made-up eyelids for a flirty, youthful vibe.
SALT. OPTICS
Marrying Japanese craftsmanship with a Californian aesthetic, premium brand SALT. eyewear seeks to infuse each design with inspiration captured from the beauty of nature. Subtly evoking ocean waves through tonal printed layers, the Sandy Sea Green acetate frame – model Billingsley - is showcased against classic smokey polarised lenses and sleek titanium temples.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Echoing the fun and sexy spirit of her ready-to-wear collection and a commitment to sustainability, Stella McCartney’s A/W16 eyewear styles feature ethically sourced bio-acetate and light-hearted interpretations of vintage silhouettes. Model SC0036S, a modern round lens cat eye, is enhanced with Jackson Pollock style pops on a cool black ground.
RVS HANDMADE EYEWEAR
A collaboration between Turkish brand RVS Handmade Eyewear and Ecuadorian born artist and eyewear designer San Sigüenza marries an exquisite attention to style and detail with the spontaneous fluidity of the watercolourist. Handmade in Japan and, as with all RVS styles, limited in quantity, model TIA nods to 70s icon style incorporating Sigüenza’s painting within the acetate frame.
LU.PA STUDIO
From the imagination of Lucia Pasin, Lu.Pa designs are a labour of love. Colour and hand drawing is at the heart of this luxury collection inspired largely by the beautiful surroundings of her studio in the Dolomites. The painterly qualities of the pattern in the EOS acetate frames reflect the artisan mood of this line.
KUBORAUM
‘Dreamed in Berlin and handmade in Italy,’ Kuboraum, under the direction of multi disciplined designer Livio Graziottin present their collection as ‘Masks.’ Each numbered and signed sun mask in the Ceremony Capsule Collection is decorated with individually hand painted blooms from bright, exotic hibiscus to soft pastel roses and creamy white blossoms. Pictured, Model Mask B7 Blume.
HENAU EYEWEAR
Marc Delagrange at Henau Eyewear has created a frame based on an art work he created earlier in his career. The lively colours of the graphic print are translated onto acetate to create a dynamic creative look in an exciting shape, typical of the Henau brand. Made in France, model Hexaforte Art Print IF3 is a limited edition for 2016/17.
LA FRIDA EYEWEAR
This new eyewear label from Brazilian designer Frida Schaefer is the realisation of a life long passion for glasses. Her intuitive approach to colour and design is reflected across a joyful collection, with the near tropical influence shining through the lush foliage and florals in this glamorously retro model, Sabine Bravo.
