Design & Inspiration

Kuro Athletics: “where action creates clarity”

29th July 2024

In an interview with eyewear expert Kayla Heersink, Gary Black of Black Optical – creators of Kuro Athletics – reveals why they have launched a sports eyewear collection designed for Olympic level performance. The collection marks a new departure for Black Optical, the renowned US independent optical retailer.

What inspired you to create an athletic eyewear line? The inspiration came from three main sources. Firstly, we identified a significant market opportunity for rx-able sports eyewear, which was less crowded compared to premium everyday eyewear. Secondly, we aimed to elevate product standards within this space. Lastly, as a runner and cyclist myself, there was a personal motivation. We wanted something that aligned with our brand values– clean design, premium materials, and logo-free aesthetics that were missing in the performance eyewear space. Above: Kuro specialises in single lens products offering fully integrated prescription capabilities – designed with the technical attributes required by Olympic athletes – the brand is a new project by the team behind Black Optical

Kuro Athletics: Kuro Rx single lens architecture is “peak of innovation”, utilising digital free-form Rx technology

What sets Kuro apart from other sportswear glasses on the market? Kuro stands out due to first of its kind features. We employ a single lens architecture and incorporate co-inject nylon rubber temples with adjustable stainless-steel inserts for a customizable fit. Additionally, beta titanium tension nose pads offer further adjustability. We approach the collection with an optician’s perspective, ensuring each detail is meticulously designed. The absence of logos and our commitment to Japanese craftsmanship further set Kuro apart.

Kuro Athletics: designed for sports performance – made in Japan

Which USA Olympic athlete would you like to see wearing Kuro in Paris?Hometown favorite, Sha’Carri Richardson, would be a dream. Devin Booker has the best eyewear style in the NBA, so we would know Kuro ‘made it’ if he was spotted wearing a pair. Anna Hall and her multi-sport discipline aligns perfectly with Kuro’s design principles. Nia Atkins, as she is an inspiration to all young athletes. We had athletes like Nyjah Huston in mind when designing the Kestrel. And, we have to include the fastest man on the planet, Noah Lyles.

Where are Kuro products manufactured? All Kuro frames are engineered in Japan and the lenses are crafted in Taiwan. These lenses are available in 6-base, 7-base and 9-base spherical configurations, all meeting and exceeding Ansi and EN specifications for safety and performance.

Find out more at https://kuroathletics.com This interview feature is by Kayla Heersink, exclusively for Eyestylist.com. Follow Kayla’s Instagram page at www.instagram.com/opticali_style

Design & Inspiration

Paris Olympics release by Woow Eyewear

27th July 2024

The Wo’Olympics collection by Woow Eyewear marks the Olympics in Paris – for summer 2024

A new edition at French label, Woow Eyewear pays homage to the prowess, nobility and creativity of the Olympics hosted by the city of Paris this summer. In typical Woow fashion, each of the sun and optical styles in this range reflects a mood through its style, colourways and its name, and features signature wording in tiny circular inserts on the end tips. Above: one of the highlights of the Olympic themed collection is the sunglass style Super Olymp’, Olympic sunglasses with a fashion edge. The sunglasses have diamond-like facets representing “the true flagship of the Olympics: like a firework display or an Olympic medal-style sculpture”

Woow Eyewear “Olympic sunglasses”: model Super Swimm

The Super Swimm sunglasses also standout in this special July “Olympic” release: the frame has a retro design in a combination of stepped wave-like milling with the aesthetic of synchronized swimmers’ nose clips – in a striking colour combo of bright red and light blue. The new collection also offers several optical frames including a round design inspired by hurdles and a refined multi-sided frame called “Go Further” – a design which encourages “going beyond one’s limits”. Find out more about these models and more by visiting the Woow Eyewear website at www.wooweyewear.com

Design & Inspiration

Inspiring dreams: Mes Bozyeux

15th July 2024

Chris Galha, the creative designer behind Mes Bozyeux works with mixed media – new, recycled and vintage materials – to create original colourful, flamboyant design pieces for homes and interiors, inspired by the human eye and heart…

Eye-catching, bold and full of colour and flamboyant detail, each design piece by Mes Bozyeux is unique. Working from a natural cement base, the pieces come to life as the artist adds layers of colourful, luminous texture…with pieces of polished blown glass, crystals, chandelier pendants, porcelain, leather, fine stones, showers of seed beads, handmade ornamental jewellery, and even natural feathers. Above: in France, Mes Bozyeux are gaining recognition with optical retailers as decorative pieces for their stores…they have also featured in the consumer press and Gala magazine – the creations are available in different designs and colours – according to particular inspiration and colour themes

Handmade from new, recycled and vintage materials: the designer imagines how each piece will be eye-catching, surprising – and a beautiful way to brighten every day

According to the designer, her passion for representing the eye or the mouth in art has been a long-term fixation: “I have always drawn them. Since childhood, I have always nurtured a vivid imagination and a thirst for learning and discovery, naturally gravitating towards the beauty that surrounds me.

Architecture, art, beautiful books, decor, design, haute couture, flamenco, haute pâtisserie, gastronomy, jewellery, photography, music, nature, vintage, and a love for Italy are all tremendous sources of beauty, emotion, and endless inspiration for me, enriching my curiosity, sensitivity and zest for life!”

Find out about the latest eye-inspired art works by Chris Galha at her website www.mesbozyeux.com and @mesbozyeux_objetsdeco on Instagram.

This feature was written by Clodagh Norton exclusively for Eyestylist.com

Design & Inspiration

Colour Clash Capsule: released by Tree Spectacles

4th July 2024

Embracing the power and uplifting allure of colour

Inspired by the philosophy of minimalism and contemporary artistic movements, Tree Spectacles combines an alluring set of colours in its new Colour Clash Capsule, an eye-catching, small-batch special edition designed for summer 2024 release. The frames have been conceived for eyewear enthusiasts and connoisseurs who seek an exciting, colourful frame with a powerful visual impact – produced with finesse according to the traditions of “made-in-Italy”. Above: close-up showing the dazzling effect of three bright tones combined, fuchsia and lilac with aqua blue

Midas by Tree Spectacles: in dark red, light grey with a pale tone of rust

“Colour, with its ability to evoke emotions and communicate without words, lies at the heart of our Colour Clash Capsule Series”, explains Marco Barp, Co-Founder, Tree Spectacles. “Each shade is carefully selected, not only for its visual beauty but also for its ability to create harmony and contrast within the overall design. Like brushstrokes on a canvas, the colours blend delicately to create a wearable work of art…”

Two classic shapes – the rectangular Midas and Vedra styles – which are existing bestsellers in the Italian brand’s collection, are featured in this line. Their clean lines and luxury finishing – thanks to the use of high-quality Italian acetate by Mazzucchelli and Japanese stainless steel, harmonize with the interplay of unpredictable and “clashing” colours, creating frames that can be perceived as a form of self-expression, enhancing and flattering the wearer’s gaze.

Tree Spectacles is known for its curated eyewear collection with models designed for men and for women. The brand has developed a distinctive, minimalist design style with frames crafted from beginning to end in Italy according to traditional and new and innovative techniques for the different elements and details of each frame. Find out more at www.treespectacles.com

Design & Inspiration

Smart glasses: Even Realities and G1 Digital “Panto” Glasses

3rd July 2024

Eyestylist Exclusive – The G1 Digital Glasses are described as the first pair of everyday-wear smart glasses that “uncomplicate life”

Launched end of June 2024, the new G1 Digital Glasses by Even Realities – the first product by the new company – represents a new direction in wearable technology, integrating advanced digital features (viewed on a virtual display) into everyday eyewear, designed with a desire to create a much more sleek and style-oriented product than has been seen before in the category. Evolving beyond the current state of play and a smart glasses category that has tended to offer bulky and over-featured designs with AI companions that lack practical functionality for everyday use, the Even Realities team say that the G1 Digital Glasses can be seen as a new product nexus, prioritising wearability and usability.

“The G1 helps redefine the way people interact with technology,” said Will Wang, Founder of Even Realities. “Our vision is to enable users to see what matters in the merge of digital and physical realities, all while staying connected to the world around them.” Above: the new G1 Smart Glasses by Even Realities, launched just days ago

G1 Digital Glasses – a lightweight, state-of-the-art panto design with a suite of digital features viewed on a green monochrome display (above)

The G1 frame is lightweight, produced in premium materials such as magnesium alloys and a sandstone coating. Its adaptive temple support is made with hypoallergenic titanium alloys and silicone parts, offering a velvety feel. Available with either prescription or non-prescription lenses, the G1 can also be transformed into sunglasses with a clip-on, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

The G1 Digital Glasses are powered by Even Realities’ own UI, Even OS. Its key features include the Translate for real-time spoken language translation, the Navigate for integrated turn-by-turn directions, and the Teleprompt for an AI-powered virtual teleprompter, aiding in speech and presentations. The QuickNotes and Reminder features can enhance productivity by allowing users to capture notes hands-free, and view instant messages and upcoming events without needing other smart devices. The G1 also works with LLMs like ChatGPT, further extending its functionality. A noteworthy feature is the rechargeable battery which provides, according to Even Realities, 2-3 days of battery life on a single charge.

The high-tech smart product has been designed by a team with a broad spectrum of expertise in optical display technology, optometry, design and manufacturing. They include Will Wang, CEO and Founder, who has a background in consumer electronics, Nikolaj Schnoor, Principal Strategy Officer and Philipp Haffmans, Principal Eyewear Designer. For more information visit: https://www.evenrealities.com/en-GB/company

This feature is an Eyestylist Exclusive published on 3rd July 2024 / Written by Clodagh Norton