Givenchy, Ermenegildo Zegna, Carolina Herrera, Lavin, Loewe, Escada Fila, Vuarnet, Alain Milki, Philippe Starck
Midtown, NYC
words/images Judith Ecochard
As the catwalks start getting non-stop busy for the Spring 2013 collections, the fashionable types will zero on the clothing trends, but we think the big sales (and the coveted earnings for the labels...), come courtesy of the accessories.
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| Givenchy |
MARR International is an Italian company that has exclusive North American rights to distribute some of the top luxury names in sunglasses from the ultimate fashion and sports' apparel brands, worldwide.
The media preview we attended was most impressive...
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| Givenchy-crystals |
The ability to capture the essence and style of each 'name' be it a designer or an acclaimed company with a heritage of excellency---and then craft the eyewear with the best lenses and materials out there-with innovative details...clearly a reason MARR International/De Rigo Vision, S.p.A. has some of the dominant/prominent labels as clients.
Styles varied -depending on the brand. Aviators and cats-eye shapes-always popular...as well as some architecturally distinct shapes. Lense tones varied....as did the materials of the frames....depending on their function.
We noticed...less oversized eyewear...but many bold, avant-garde
statements, none-the less---and as outfit impact making as a piece of jewelry.
Givenchy ---Audrey Hepburn's 21st century incarnation would look just as elegant and polished in these....
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| Givenchy-sculptural and elegant...the retro-chic frame details are exceptional...and the sunglasses are suprisingly lightweight-giving their distinct frames---flattering color most skin tones |
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| metal/crystal hinges of these Givenchy frames are jewel-like---so glamourous...with bit of edge |
LANVIN...is one of our favorite fashion labels---and the sunglasses are worthy of the Albert Elbaz designed apparel...modern and feminine...
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| LANVIN- a rather complex lense and frame shape to make--- and made so well too...we tried these on, and the shape actually is flattering... |
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| metal frame is textured...industrial edge to aviators |
Ermenegildo Zegna is known for its plush Italian fabrics and precise tailored apparel...and their
sunglasses are worthy compliments to the luxurious attire...contemporary and on trend...
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| Aviators with beautiful horn effect acetate rims |
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| the gold hardware attachments and frame detail add an upscale flourish to these sunglasses |
FILA is an upscale Italian sportswear line---that is under a major re-development...we think--- since its heydays back in the 80's. Its performance wear is known for its style...and the sunglasses are a blend of sporty chic too.
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| very light weight-the frames have rubber compositions so as to grip the head when all sweaty |
Optical offerings too....
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| Feminine, timeless, polished-not over-done, these posh horn rims with subtle gold logo detail epitomize the effortless elegance of the designer, Carolina Herrera-herself. |
LOEWE is an LMVH-owned Spanish label (since 1846, based in Madrid) that has a revered history of sumptuous leather offerings-particularly its must-have Amazona handbag .
We think these sunglasses represent the modern glamour of the label, now under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers and Lisa Montague (originally of Brit label Mulberry). LOVE---the boxy shape, softened with curves, AND enough gold details as to elevate the horn rims from utilitarian to truly glamourous.
German label
ESCADA's glamorous attire clothe many executive women we know. The flattering blush of these rose tinted lenses, the horn rim frames with block gold hinges-substantial but not bling-y.
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| subtle cats-eye shape fits many facial shapes...and 'lifts' |
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| Escada |
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| Escada---lovely mauve-y grape-ish color-intricate frame detail |
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| striated gold metal ---industrial touch to beautiful frames...one of our favs |
We still have our iconic cat shaped
VUARNETs from school days waaay past...and MARR International continues the sporty heritage of the brand with hand made in France frames of acetate and metal lenses---street-chic and functional.
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| FUN-new bright neon color frames in retro shpaes-Vuarnet |
Philippe Starck is a modern industrial/architectural designer- a man with an empire...who has his name on the finest modern 'items' from furniture/lighting/vehicles/prototypes/tableware-to hotel/buildings/restaurants/bars/clubs/museums...etc.
Of course...the sunglasses (including sold-out collabs of les lunettes with fellow Frenchman
Alain Milki) are amazing too-with flexibility like no other pairs we have ever seen. Seriously-twist it around...like Gumby...they don't break/snap. The designs are wearable classics---with multi-directional freedom of movement inspired by the human clavicle.
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| Shield sunglasses up top-love that style |
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| hinges/frames-modern wonders are super comfortable |
Alain Milki and Milki by Milki---are sunglass collections that continue to set a very high HIGH bar for quality and whimsical design... with the genius constructed, masterfully made, perfectly polished acetate and industrial innovative metal frames.
Retro chic...quirky cute...Milki by Milki...
