Toronto based Rapp Eyewear has been a highlight on the Canadian optical scene for over twenty years with their unique shop. Several seasons ago, they started creating their own collection, and Wim is a new release, expertly crafted with acetate and titanium temples. In addition to this feature, is the round shape with its vintage flair, and finely curved nosepiece. The tortoise acetate and crystal combination is a beloved classic. www.rappoptical.com JG

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Classic shaping with the decorative touch of lace inlayed in the arms, model Safira from the Vera Wang collection is one sunglass style that is now on my wish list. The on-trend design has a subtle affinity with the bridalwear designer’s design aesthetic and expertise in working with luxury fabrics. The black version is perfect and a good investment if you want something for all seasons, while the Safira in Umber has a very flattering pairing of cream lace and tortoise and would make a lovely choice for a special occasion such as a summer wedding. To see the complete Vera Wang Salon collection, visit www.kenmarkoptical.com www.verawang.com CN

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From the Vintage archives at Kirk Originals, this frame was created in 1995, and the inspiration behind the design was the timeless chic of Princess Grace of Monaco. She wore glasses – both sunglasses and ophthalmic – and was frequently seen in photos wearing sunglasses. Grace, with its distinctive textured acetate and elegant cat eye shape remains a lovely tribute to a style icon. www.kirkoriginals.com JG

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Fresh spring green highlights this frame by design duo Ciro Tugnoli and Guya Montermini. Based in Bologna, the history and environment of the city frequently inspires their designs. Classic lines and intrepid detailing feature in the above style, and tortoiseshell is a spring favourite  – Eyestylist spotted numerous tortoise eyewear variations at London Fashion Week. For more on the lovely contemporary collections by Blue Magic Eye visit: www.bluemagiceye.com JG 

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Another traditional specs shape, made famous by Malcolm X and a men’s style that is always very popular, interpreted here by the luxury eyewear label Matsuda, a company that produces its designs in Japan. This is the M3022 style with a dark brown browline in Japanese acetate combined with titanium. The carefully engraved temples are finished with a hand-applied lacquer. Very much one of the key looks for Spring 2013 and a great alternative if the round shapes aren’t your thing. Colours include brushed silver/matte black, brushed gold/matte natural and brushed dark brown/matte dark tortoise. CN

www.matsuda-eyewear.com

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I love this colour and it works beautifully in this high-quality combination design by Face à Face, the Parisian eyewear label. A shade that will be strong for this year, here it is layered onto a very pale contrasting and delicious looking mint. A delight and very pretty on many complexions, this whole collection is one that holds many surprising colours for the new season and particularly interesting combinations including some much loved tortoise designs for women. www.face-a-faceparis.com CN

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Leather is unusual in eyewear or more often used as a trim with other materials. I tried this design on a few weeks ago, and it felt soft and pliable and looks incredibly unique as it is made from one piece and has no hinges. Handmade in Paris, the style pictured here in a gorgeous rich purple is one of the colours that stood our for me in the new collection from Undostrial and designer Lucas de Stael, who already produces some very special designs featuring wood. 4 shapes and 5 colours are featured in 2nd Skin. The frames have an invisible metal core giving them their strength and easy adjustability and making it easy to clip in the lenses. Innovative! http://undostrial.com/ CN

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There is a colour concerto in full swing this season at Orgreen, with the newest collection of Titanium frames. The Danish company loves to experiment, and the results are frames with seductive character and aristocratic charm. Insider(above)unites matt olive brown with matt dusty blue, for men who desire signature styling, and handmade craftsmanship. www.orgreen.dk JG

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Graduated colours or gradients such as this acetate example by the label Tom Stevens are a must-have in the coming months. This colour scheme is very soft and gentle on the face, while the shape offers the right level of statement for girls who like their frames bang on trend. For more on this boutique brand by Dutch designer Tom Stevens, visit their website: www.stevenseyewear.com CN

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This smart optical collection was inspired by the desire to create a high fashion, contemporary line of frames for the design-oriented man and woman. Even though the shapes are obviously inspired by the past – you’ll find the classic panto, the Jackie O and curvy butterfly shapes represented – the collection remains fresh and relevant, because of the cool colour choices and the way in which the acetate layers are combined. There are nine shapes in the collection; two come in two colours and the rest come in four. Suitable for progressive lenses. CN

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Not new, but definitely a classic from the British KO label, Blaze is one style that will turn heads…the Beam collection is psychedelic and this is because the frames are made entirely from acrylic, which polishes up to shine like glass. It has a completely unique style, and is quite a change from traditional acetate if you want something that is statement-making and light and comfy. Kirk Originals launched their Beam Collection at Silmo in 2011 to celebrate their 20th Anniversary in 2012; it looks very fresh, and the amethyst colour of this model is very much on-trend as we look ahead to Autumn/Winter. 6 styles are available in the range, and they are retailing at around Euros 420. CN www.kirkoriginals.com

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Each time I see a new Lafont Collection, I am very impressed with their inspired use of colour – always inventive and creative. Idole in turquoise and tortoise acetate blends two lovely shades in a classic frame shape that will enhance autumn wardrobes. The cut-out temple detailing adds an extra distinctive touch. Lafont frames fit so well too — they are always a pleasure to wear! Available in Paris at their chic Lafont Boutiques and www.lafont.com JG

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I have looked at a few hundred luxury frames to get up to speed on what’s available in terms of very high level craftsmanship and quality. I was also looking out for some of the more unique proposals here. This one from Lunor jumped out at me. I love the 4Rivet detail which is functional and aesthetically interesting, and the matt black acetate, which brings this cool classic shape into the 21st century…balanced perfectly with titanium arms. This frame comes with an elegant leather case. Very distinguished and perfect as an everyday luxe style. www.lunor.de CN

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Vintage and rock ‘n roll are the perfect partners, and Varvatos captures it so well in this crystal and black acetate frame – with a square shape that is beloved of retro wearers. The award-winning designer is a passionate music lover, so Varvatos has inserted his signature guitar pick hinge on the temple – a unique touch – and a design that merges vintage and current trends most effectively. www.johnvarvatos.com In the UK, go to www.eyerespect.com JG

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Robert Marc is using elegant vintage acetate in some of his styles, a trend that has been taken up by a few eyewear companies this year. This model for men features a vintage crystal front with olive havana temples. The 50s look vintage crystal has a warm translucence and combines seamlessly with the  darker temple contrast. The latest collection by Robert Marc which I viewed during Mido also includes these colour combinations using vintage acetate which we see  as on-trend for guys this year. The temple is the classic signature Robert Marc design, for an additional contemporary twist. Available in selected opticians in Europe including in the UK, Icon the Opticians, Isis and Viren Jani.  CN  www.robertmarc.com

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Rolf Spectacles creative team specialise in creating unusual frames – in unique materials. The woodstone series is the result of painstaking attention to detail, and combines both ancient and modern techniques to achieve the smooth finish on the frames. The graceful shape is contemporary, so there is a harmonious mix of a natural, earthy material in a design that is effortlessly stylish. Handmade in a small Tyrolean village, the frames are a distinctive delight – a work of art. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG

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2012 sees some new interpretations using carbon in eyewear…this material tends to have an industrial feel but Lafont has come up with something quite different to create a very chic finish. Spotted at the trade show Silmo in the autumn, (and I’ve been eager to show it), model Horde conbines carbon temples with a colourful transparent acetate…both materials are patterned but in such a way that it avoids being flashy and manages to capture an elegant feeling….and a refreshing one that moves away from classic black and the slightly overplayed geek chic formula. Lafont has also created handsome “Riviera” sunglasses using the carbon, which combine French class and a touch of innovation with the clever use of the material.   www.lafont.com  CN

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Beautifully muted tones of purple and smoky taupe merge elegantly in this lovely frame from Anne et Valentin. Created especially to fit small, feminine faces, the frames have a vintage spirit with a smart retro shape, cut out nose detail, and the two-tone end tips follow through on the bi-colour theme. The totality is a harmonious mix of colour and design. The Anne et Valentin collection is available at Cappelle Opticien in Brussels – www.cappelleopticien.be, and in Innsbruck – www.krischan-panoptikum.at. Visit www.anneetvalentin.com for further information. JG

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Anne et Valentin’s acetate frames have always been a favourite of mine; the aptly named “Effect” is an example of the brand’s work in titanium that stands out for the two-tone colour work and lightweight, accessible design, which works with all faces. The small modified shape features a key hole nose detail, a stylish accent that lends character to the design.

The outlining colour contrasts come in warm tones of orange, turquoise blue and lilac….among others. To find Anne et Valentin frames in the UK, we recommend Adam Simmonds, Primrose Hill, London, Melissa Conway, Temple Fortune and Jones and Co, Manchester. Other stockists include Les Createurs d’Opta, Paris and the eponymous Parisian store Anne et Valentin Optique, 4 Rue Ste Croix de la Bretonnerie. CN

www.anneetvalentin.com 

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