Spotlight

Cocoa Mint CMS2091 from Eyespace Eyewear

Dynamic and impressive, sunglasses are a charismatic, chic accessory. Protective and provocative, stylish and sleek, sunglasses manifest a positive, sunny mindset. They can instantly energise an outfit for all occasions and in all locations – from the city to the seaside.

Striking frame silhouettes, with an accent on bold chunky styles, tend to dominate the design spotlight this year. Clearly, oversized shapes are in the forefront – while distinctive detailing adds more romance and allure to designs.

Much-loved classics, including tortoiseshell and black, pop up in many collections. However, modern interpretations in unexpected materials and colourations also bring exciting, riveting glamour to 2022 sun specs. Familiar and favoured materials, including glossy acetates, titanium and other fine metals, are joined with modern interpretations for sunglasses – including 3D printing.

With the growing awareness of wellbeing, exercise and healthy eating, people are increasingly more informed of light reflection from the sun, and the potential damage created by harmful glare – whether driving, playing sports or simply walking outside. Without vigilant sun protection, a variety of precarious sight issues can ensue. Good quality sunglasses are not only essential – but a fashionable and coveted accessory providing essential eye protection.

STREAMLINED SILHOUETTES Vintage inspired designs with fresh concepts highlight Cocoa Mint sunglasses from Eyespace for 2022. Among the latest addition to a collection, with fashionable diversity, is CMS2091 in luminous chocolate acetate with marbleised detailing artfully laminated on the frame front and temples. The contemporary styling is easy and

Sunglasses 2022 Protective and powerful

By Joan Grady

Palma by LGR from the Palmerie collection

Götti Dimension Sabia by Götti Switzerland

Lanvin LVN605S from Marchon

comfortable to wear for a variety of face shapes. The frame is also available in seablue crystal acetate with coordinated marble lamination.

Götti Switzerland’s Dimension collection of sleek eyewear beauties crafted with 3D printing, brings a strong statement to sunglasses with model Sabia. A bold front sensuously curves with edges and corners that fit perfectly over ultra-thin metal temples. Elegant monochromatic colours include nine superb shades: intense Denim, ripe Berry, tempting Mocha and radiant Ruby among others.

The lightweight, durable designs are constructed in Switzerland, with attention to sustainable production methods. The smooth, velvety matt finish on the frames confirms the beautiful shaping and refinement in a collection that includes

Ana Hickmann AH3250 from Go Eyewear

both sunglass and optical designs. The Dimension collection by Sven Götti is a concert of innovation, amazing technology and embraces the unlimited possibilities in superb eyewear designs.

The beautiful, sun-kissed volcanic island of Ischia is an influence in the sleek sun specs with the island’s name, by Jeremy Tarian. Graphic accents in acetate on the top of the frame front and temple ends and bursts of colour provide a sleek contrast with the round metal shape. Artisans in the Jura region of France craft all the designs. Since the launch of the Tarian label, Jeremy has received numerous international eyewear awards.

DASHING AND DRAMATIC Dashing, voluminous frame shapes characterise designs in many collections. Sunglasses allow designers the freedom to explore the possibilities with dimensions and proportions that might otherwise be excessive if used in optical designs. Sunglasses have their own sense of liberty along with glamour and charm.

The venerable couture house Lanvin, the oldest French fashion house, unites heritage and contemporary with its latest sun collection. The beguiling LVN605S fuses 1980s aesthetic with current trends. The generously crafted acetate sunglasses feature the emblem of the French Maison – the mother and child gold plaque, that also adorns the beautiful Lanvin perfume bottle.

Sunshine is a major inspiration for Luca Ruscone Gnecchi. Having spent extensive time in both Africa and on the Italian coastline, he understands the importance of quality lenses to protect eyes from strong sunrays. The new Palmerie sun selection is characterised by new light-coloured gradient lenses that provide 100 per cent UV protection. The frames are sculptured from glossy 10mm thick Italian acetates, and exude opulence being handmade in Italy with perfect syntheses.

Navy and white is a much-loved colour combo for spring and summer. French designers Coco Chanel and Jean-Paul Gaultier often presented fashions in smart navy/white clothing for city and seaside wear. Elle Eyewear, distributed by Charmant, is influenced by Parisian life, and the latest sun styles include a nod to nautical charms with an oversized acetate frame with a navy front, and temples reminiscent of a nautical rope. The streamlined frame is elegantly classic yet so fresh and modern.

Nowadays, collaborations with eyewear designers are very much in the forefront of fashion. Sol Sol Ito in Switzerland has connected with Tamy Glauser, who travels the world, and is a model and muse for fashion designers in various countries. Tamy has definite, statement theories, and her sunglass design for Sol Sol Ito is daring and striking in acetate and metal, yet superbly uncluttered and slick.

COLOUR EXPRESSIONS Colour accents on frame fronts and temples are among the sunglass trends that guide designers. Streamlined silhouettes are enlivened with pops of colour, particularly on frame fronts. Bright, vivid tones are displayed, or more subtle colourations for a refined accent with polished results.

Compelling sun specs are in the forefront at Ana Hickmann, distributed by Go Eyewear, with generous shapes, beautifully curved in acetate and metal. The Brazilian former model, career woman and entrepreneur excels in both optical and sunglass designs that reflect the relaxed, easy yet distinguished styling that has great appeal to working women like herself. Style AH3250 is composed of an acetate frame front with colour accents and metal temples.

The ambiguity of light is a dominating theme at Jisco from Spain. The famed Spanish sun influences model Faro, which means lighthouse in Spanish, with glowing, translucent sunglasses that express a dreamy poetry. A flirtatious cat-eye sweep adds to the mystique of the silhouette. Jisco is an independent eyewear label influenced by the beauty and light of the Mediterranean landscape, and focuses on quality production and working with renewable resources.

Particularly this year, people are keen to return to travel and enjoy holidays. Superbly styled, quality sunspecs add to the 2022 fun and fashion excitement. ■

Faro by Jisco Eyewear Spain

Elle EL14916 from Charmant

Tamy x Sol Sol Ito Switzerland