Reviews

The Forsyth sunglasses are back in new limited-edition colours in custom acetate 

Known for its distinctive heritage style, US independent eyewear label Erker’s have just announced new colours in the STL Flag collection, a line which was created in homage to the city of St. Louis. Part of this edition, the Forsyth sunglasses represent one of the sophisticated thick rimmed styles in the selection, designed with a wide frame, and a rounded nose bridge, features which make it particularly well suited to larger faces.  Above: the Forsyth sunglasses in Crystal – a masculine sunglass design – ideal and flattering for larger face shapes

Erker’s is well known for its 48-step manufacturing process, with an attention to detail and authentic craftsmanship that deserves special mention – as a signature of the collections that the Erker family has been perfecting for 145 years. The details in a frame such as the Forsyth include special authentic rivets produced in the traditional way, and a sophisticated finish to the acetate material which is polished by means of a proprietary hand polishing technique.

Originally introduced with four colours in Autumn 2021, this new release doubles the colorways of the Forsyth sunglass with four additional blends: Crystal, Matte Olive Tort, Sugarfire, and White Black.

Like each frame from Erker’s 1879, the sunglasses model is also built with a custom 3-rivet German hinge engraved with their year of inception on the end, which can be seen through the translucent faces of the Crystal and Sugarfire blends. The Crystal, Peach, and Matte Olive Tort colours also display the custom-designed wire core along their translucent temples, which give strength and flexibility to each acetate frame from the collection. As part of the STL Flag collection, each new piece features a gold emblem of the St. Louis flag inlaid on the temple tips, inspired by the family’s rich history in their hometown. Erker’s 1879 will be exhibiting in London at 100% Optical – the UK trade only eyewear event – from 24th to 26th February 2024. For more information, visit www.erkers1879.com

The eyewear brand by Tris Ottica in Italy realises bold and colourful acetate frames with a signature style created with intriguing bonding – a signature technique of the eyewear producer

The new Lamarca collection by Tris Ottica – which debuts at Mido 2024 in Milan –  is fresh and colourful, featuring contemporary touches and sophisticated colour variations and transitions, created through bonding techniques in the Italian acetates.

Divided into several different collections, the Fusioni range is based on the concept of blending, combining and uniting things as one. Model Fusioni 142 uses acetates to replicate the ripple effects of water. Curved sections of the frame feature solid colour and crystalline effects, passing through an opaline finish. Each colour is milled at a different angle creating a dramatic and dynamic finish and an elegant play of light. Above: Fusioni 142 is a new entry in the collection – it is not unusual to see several tones combined in one frame design at Lamarca

A brand new example of a square-shaped frame for women in the Mosaico collection, model Mosaico 136 is characterised by a thin and lightweight frame design where crystal and opaline colours are combined in a patchwork effect on the upper section of the front. Tris Ottica has developed and perfected this technique of gluing the acetates together over many years, create different looks that are particular to their brand.

About Lamarca Eyewear – Lamarca was first launched as an eyewear brand in 2015, by the Italian eyewear makers, Tris Ottica. The line originated as a showcase for the production techniques and colour embellishments that the company was able to offer; gradually the collection developed into a range in its own right. Today, Lamarca includes several different series including Mosaico and Fusioni, collections with particular and recognisable characteristics, colour effects and decorative styles. Find out more at the Lamarca Eyewear website at www.lamarcaeyewear.com

At Gigi Studios, the Vanguard collection proposes a set of sophisticated, sustainable sunglass designs, including richly toned Italian acetates, launching for Spring/Summer

Light, elegant, statement designs feature in the new series of designs in the  Vanguard collection, including Italian acetate shapes with a fashion aesthetic, informed by popular sunglass styles of the 60s, 70s and 90s. Among the six new designs, the three stand-out sunglasses in acetate are named Vittoria, Alfa and Piper. The Spanish eyewear company has incorporated high-quality recycled and organic acetates by Mazzucchelli for these designs, which it says it will continue to highlight through its lines to ensure its commitment to sustainable materials for the future. Above and below: the glamorous Vittoria sunglasses in the Vanguard collection by Gigi Studios – the gradient colour effect and bold sculpted or faceted shape creates a dramatic design

Gigi Studios’ Vittoria sunglasses have a full sculptural squared front with bevels which are subtle yet unequivocally on trend for 2024. The frame comes in several cool colourways, including Honey, Brown and Tortoise.

The elegant tonal effects of the Alfa model (in blue pattern), a squared shape with thick frame, is a flattering variation of the style designed for women. It is also available in a luxurious Bordeaux, or classics like Black or Tortoise.

Piper is a slim oval model made in four signature tones, a stand-out design that will be available only online. Like the other acetate styles, the frame features Gigi Studios’ sleek new “G” logo. To find out more about the Vanguard collection by Gigi Studios, visit https://gigistudios.com

About Gigi Studios: Gigi Studios is one of Barcelona’s leading and fastest growing family-owned eyewear companies, now present in more than 45 countries. Patricia Ramo, CEO and Creative Director has combined her contemporary vision of eyewear design with the savoir-faire of her father, Lluis Ramo, reshaping and transforming the company founded by her grandfather in 1962.