Eyestylist

Loft NYC 2024

Eyewear presentations, parties and press events…the 2024 edition of LOFT drew in a crowd that was bigger than ever ; the event offered a diverse showcase of independent brands from around the world, an energetic atmosphere for networking and the annual launch of the CFDA eyewear designers’ 2024 Pride Collection – all taking place at the well-known Hudson Mercantile by Manhattan’s Hudson Yards – New York City.  

The 2024 Edition of Loft NYC, the leading independent eyewear show in the Americas, took place from Thursday 14th March to Sunday 17th March, with brands exhibiting over two floors. New additions at the event this year included l.a.Eyeworks, Silhouette, CAZAL and FOLC Eyewear.

On the first day of the event, the designers Blake Kuwahara (Blake Kuwahara Eyewear), Christian Roth (Christian Roth Eyewear), Gai Gherardi & Barbara McReynolds (l.a.Eyeworks), Jeff Press (PRESS), Patty Perreira (Barton Perreira), Selima Salaun (Selima Optique) and Stirling Barrett (KREWE), gathered to show their limited edition sunglass designs as part of the edCFDA Pride Eyewear Initiative. They announced that this year, a portion of proceeds will collectively benefit Bring Change to Mind, an organization dedicated to ending stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. Above: the CFDA eyewear designers gathered for a press event on the Thursday afternoon of LOFT, NYC – the busy event attracted designers, opticians, buyers and members of the industry and the press

l.a.Eyeworks was one of the new additions at LOFT 2024

LOFT 2024 saw multiple launches by the independent designers exhibiting, including a new collaboration line from the British brand Kirk & Kirk with Jason Bell – former professional footballer, and Nicholas Pinnock, the actor/producer; the acid house music inspired SS24 series at VAVA – in neon colours – several lines from theo including the eye-popping Mosaic styles, and ROLF’s exceedingly popular “made in Austria” Wire Collection – with models for adults and children – all produced in plant-based materials.  FOLC Eyewear from Barcelona had some eye-catching acetate sunglasses with stunning sculptural volumes.

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Jason Kirk introducing the new designs by his British label, Kirk and Kirk

SALT. Optics introduced several new series including a collaboration collection with Joshua Sirlin, the Creative Director of the American Black Bear Brand. There were also new collections from RES/REI, Blake Kuwahara, Kuboraum, TAVAT, Bevel, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary, RAPP Eyewear, HENAU and more – for opticians and buyers to discover first hand.

SALT. Optics from California

Founder of LOFT, Richard Mewha has confirmed that LOFT will take place in New York City in 2025, with dates and a new even bigger venue to be confirmed soon. For more information visit https://lofteyewearshow.com

All images provided courtesy of LOFT Eyewear Show

Morel par Jean Nouvel: a fifth edition

The collaboration series sees the addition of new iconic round frames, the favoured eyewear shape of the French architect

Architect’s have long turned their hand to design work and products in other realms, however small in size. In Morel’s latest collaboration designs produced with the architect, Jean Nouvel, the iconic round frame shape – in a variety of materials – is the focus of the line, an expression of bold simplicity, playing with dimensionality and volume.  Above and below: 90045C “rim-to-rim” model from the Morel par Jean Nouvel collection

Morel par Jean Nouvel model 90045C – the coloured rims are visible on the inside and outside of the frame

The 90045C “rim-to-rim” model, an all-acetate frame, features two coloured circles within a transparent structure, creating a design which is minimal and yet striking. The clean crisp crystal acetate material is a tone of particular interest again this year.

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Morel par Jean Nouvel 90007C is a titanium design in this collection

The two-tone coloration is further explored in the titanium models in the series. The new model 90007C features two perfectly round (or pantos) coloured eye shapes connected with a bridge and temples in a contrasting tone. Unisex and universal, the frame is offered in different colour combinations, adapting to all styles, including red with black and gold with black.

The Morel par Jean Nouvel collection is available through selected opticians worldwide. The sunglass collection is now available at the Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a building designed by the architect Jean Nouvel in 2017. For more information: www.morel-france.com

Reframing the conversation – EYECONS Agency Eyewear Event, Soho Works, NYC

The evening event was arranged by Tarrence Lackran, founder and CEO of EYECONS Agency, and connected independent eyewear creatives with the world of Soho House

EYECONS Agency, headed by Tarrence Lackran, hosted an eyewear panel and product showcase event at Soho Works DUMBO (Soho House NYC) last Thursday, highlighting the work of independent designers in the business and their unique experiences for Soho House members and industry professionals, influencers and members of the press. The event marks the first time that the renowned eyewear designers have come together to speak directly to the general public about their profession and how their careers have evolved touching on many aspects of design, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as their vision for the future. Above: in conversation, from left, Anna-Karin Karlsson, Tarrence Lackran, Selima Salaun, and Coco and Breezy Dotson

Coco and Breezy relate their story in eyewear: launching at age 19, the twin sisters have built a highly-successful eyewear brand

The panel included Coco and Breezy Dotson, founders of Coco And Breezy Eyewear; Selima Salaun, founder and creative director of Selima Optique – the NYC optical emporium with four locations across the city; and Anna-Karin Karlsson, the Swedish founder of luxury eyewear brand, Anna-Karin Karlsson Eyewear. Tarrence Lackran was moderating the discussion which touched on some fascinating topics including how the designers show their culture in their eyewear designs.

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Left: Selima Salaun, eyewear designer and the creative vision behind Selima Optique, pictured with Lackran

Tarrence Lackran told Eyestylist: “Celebrating innovation and style in eyewear, our recent panel event at Soho Works is part of EYECONS Agency’s ongoing commitment to bringing eyewear content to fashion enthusiasts both in and outside of the eyewear industry.

As we continue to champion creativity and craftsmanship, we’re committed to shaping the future of vision, by reframing the conversation around eyewear. We look forward to continuing these discussions with other consumer facing groups.”

Guest tries on Anna-Karin Karlsson’s Crystal Mirage. Karlsson describes her designs as her “poems dressed as eyewear”
The EYECONS Agency Eyewear event took place at Soho Works, Soho House, Dumbo, New York City –  https://www.sohohouse.com/soho-works/55-water . Photography courtesy of @jcrdan and @shotbycaitlyn. For more information about EYECONS Agency visit https://www.eyeconsagency.com
For more information about the eyewear designers featured, visit their respective websites: www.annakarinkarlsson.com / www.selimaoptique.com / www.cocoandbreezy.com

Graphicolor at J.F. REY

At the French eyewear brand, the concept in acetate for 2024 is bright and bold, with a graphic aesthetic

Exploring new ways of working with acetate laminations for both the fronts and temples of every style, the new concept at J.F. REY entitled “Graphicolor” this season focuses on fluid or contrasting graphic lines, with a wide range of colour combinations punctuated by fresh hues. Above: a selection of styles in the Graphicolor collection

JF1549 by J.F. REY – an angular shape in a purple/red acetate combo

The colour palette includes flattering shiny finishes and subtle transparencies designed to suit all faces. Pastel shades such as pink and blue, pops of mint green and fashion patterns or touches of purple – see JF1549 above – are all featured with details adding a refreshing and modern accent to the collection.

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JF1551 by J.F. REY – asymmetry in the colour details, creating a playful mood

Notable in the collection are the asymmetrical details such as the topline of colour introduced in JF1551 – on the left, with an amber crystal shade and on the right, a delicate lilac. While less usual, the colours combine harmoniously to create a look that feels natural and refined. To find out more about the collection visit www.jfrey.fr 

Art inspiration: Corridoio by Nathalie Du Pasquier

Milan Design Week artist preview: MoscaPartners will present Corridoio by Nathalie Du Pasquier – art and design join forces in a site-specific installation for the entrance of Design Variations 2024 

From 15th to 21st April 2024 MoscaPartners will welcome visitors to Design Variations 2024 with the site-specific installation Corridoio by the French, naturalized Italian, artist Nathalie Du Pasquier at the entrance to the 2,500m2space of the ex-garage in Viale Gorizia 14 at the heart of Milan’s Darsena area.

The artist has created a work especially for the entrance corridor made up of twelve large, decorative panels printed on MEG. This versatile material produced by Abet Laminati is resistant to light and harsh weather conditions making it perfect for outdoor use and the building sector. The installation, which was designed specifically for this location, will create a boldly graphic tunnel with vivid colour contrasts that will guide the visitor into an imaginary world. Above: Corridoio by Nathalie Du Pasquier – one of 12 large panels created for the space

Corridoio – Nathalie Du Pasquier

Like previous editions, the artwork will not be limited to Milan Design Week but will be given a second life to ensure the continuity and dissemination of art through sustainable projects.

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About Nathalie Du Pasquier – Nathalie Du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux (France) in 1957 and she has lived in Milan since 1979. Until 1986 she worked as a designer and was a founder member of Memphis. She designed numerous “decorated surfaces”: textiles, carpets, plastic laminates, and some furniture and objects. In 1987, painting became her main activity. Find out more about the artist: https://nathaliedupasquier.com

Images provided courtesy of MoscaPartners and the artist.