sunglasses

Maison Martin Margiela x Cutler and Gross Sunglasses

Filed under: Apparel

Experimental, provocative, avant garde French fashion label Maison Martin Margiela has teamed up with London-based luxury eyewear manufacturer Cutler and Gross on its first full collection of sunglasses. The collection, handmade in Italy for both men and women, features two distinct concepts, "Wrong Size" and "Anatomic", both offered in acetate and metal varieties. The "Wrong Size" range highlights Martin Margiela's pension for deconstruction and the experimental. Classic Cutler and Gross aviator-style frames are deconstructed then reconstructed with wrong sized lenses, making for a decadent and distinct pair of sunglasses. The Anatomic range features extra-large futuristic, functional wraparounds that "anatomically" wrap around the wearer's whole face providing absolute coverage. Prices for the collection, now available via haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies, range from $550 – $680 per pair.

Gallery: Maison Martin Margiela x Cutler and Gross

Tags: accessories, aviator sunglasses, Cutler and Gross, designers, Eyegoodies, eyewear, fashion, London, Maison Martin Margiela, Martin Margiela, sunglasses

After All, No Regrets: A Sexy New Sunglasses Campaign From Carrera

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Sunglasses are usually an important part of the morning after the night before, hiding tired eyes from the cruelty of daylight and adding a touch of presentability to a face that perhaps has had better moments. The new Carrera eyewear campaign takes that concept up a notch with a new ad concept that's a bit like "The Hangover" redone with a cast of languid models. The slogan "After all, no regrets" is designed to inspire live led intensely and without apology. The sexy Euro-styled ad is directed by a young Italian film talent, Marco Gentile. It's on-air starting this month along with a print and billboard campaign as well as a social media angle and other features on www.carreraworld.com.

Tags: carrera eyewear, carrera sunglasses, sunglasses

Alexander Daas: Smart Shades For Sunny Days

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

San-Francisco-based sunglasses designer, Alexander Feldman, who is an optician, is so committed to eyewear that he designed sunglasses for his bride-to-be, Stephanie, and himself for their wedding last year. Their guests also received pairs. Were you not on the guest list, Feldman's Alexander Daas line is now available for the rest of us.

Feldman has been working on the collection for four years. The sunglasses from his first collection (women's sunglasses are called "eye do"; men's sunglasses are called "eye do II") are crafted in Japan using zyl acetate and European hinges and have a unique signature cut-out at the temple tips that allows them to be hung on the eyewear chains that accompany the collection. The face-flattering shape is fashionable without being too trendy. The men's glasses are a softened take on the aviator while the women's glasses, shown above, are oversized and curved for a woman's face in a shape that takes the best of aviator and cats-eye profiles to create something new. The sunglasses sell for $399 and come in four colors for women (black, tortoise, chocolate and olive tortoise) and three for men (moss, tortoise and gray blue).

Tags: alexander daas, alexander feldman, sunglasses

The Classicist: Celebrating the Season in Style with Range Rover at Wheatleigh

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

Click above for high-res image gallery. Photos exclusive to Luxist.

Winter can be a long, cold interlude verging on a test of endurance in the Northeast, and it's all too easy to get bogged down by the doldrums. Plenty of people either hibernate by their hearths or hit the beach until the mercury makes its ascent, but there are myriad ways to keep warm with style, verve and panache. We recently gathered some of our favorite accessories of the season at Wheatleigh, the majestic mansion-turned-luxury hotel in the heart of the Berkshires' winter wonderland. Getting us there in style and comfort through anything the weather cared to concoct was the 2011 Range Rover Sport, a luxurious way to see the landscape safe in the knowledge that the elements have met their match. The pedigreed SUV's smooth, refined, performance and rugged good looks mark it as a thoroughbred in all respects, a suitably stylish conveyance for arriving at a desirable destination like Wheatleigh. And we had the great new Olympus PEN E-PL1 compact, versatile digital camera on hand to record it all for your vicarious enjoyment.

Wheatleigh, located in Lenox, Mass. next door to Edith Wharton's famed country manor The Mount, is a grand estate based on a 16th century Florentine palazzo built in 1893 by New York financier Henry H. Cook for his daughter who married a Spanish count. Many of the materials and over 150 artisans were brought from Italy to produce intricate carvings and design flourishes for the grand interiors and facades. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, was responsible for creating "Wheatleigh Park" on the land surrounding the palazzo. Following a four year multimillion dollar renovation it was transformed into one of the most unique luxurious small hotels in the world. The nineteen suites, guest rooms and baths artfully combine antiques and custom furnishings with original museum quality contemporary art. The baths are finished with English limestone, marble and hand-blown glass fixtures, and most rooms feature fireplaces and Bang & Olufsen TVs. Check out the gallery to see the perfect accoutrements for a stylish seasonal sojourn – from books to watches, champagne to cashmere sweaters, and boots to bags – no matter where your journey takes you.

Gallery: Range Rover at Wheatleigh Dec. 2010

Graf & Lantz wool felt Boat Bag, personalized Tumi Alpha wheeled case.

Tumi Alpha case; Dom Perignon Tribute to Andy Warhol edition; Private Stock jeans; Graf & Lantz Quiver wine carrier w/ Robert Mo

Tags: Bang Olufsen, Berkshires, Brooks Brothers, Central Park, champagne, Dom Perignon, Edith Wharton, estates, Frederick Law Olmsted, gardens, Holiday 2010, L.L. Bean, Lenox, luggage, luxury hote, mansion, Massachusetts, mens style, New England, Olympus, Olympus PEN E-PL1, palazzo, Persol, Ralph Lauren, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, spirits, stolichnaya, sunglasses, SUV, teNeues, The Mount, Tumi, vodka, Wheatleigh, winter

David Yurman Luxury Aviator Sunglasses

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

My colleague Annie Scott anointed aviator sunglasses one of the top fashion trends of 2010. If you haven't gotten yours yet you can splurge on a pair that also doubles as fine jewelry. David Yurman has designed some very special sunglasses, the 18k Gold Waverly Aviator. The luxury rendition of Yurman's classic Waverly aviator with the distinctive Yurman cable features solid 18 carat gold frames with pave diamonds set along the bridge and temples. These one-of-a-kind frames retail for $7,500 and are available at the David Yurman Townhouse on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Tags: aviator sunglasses, david yurman, sunglasses

Moss Lipow, Genius of Eyewear Design

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Moss Lipow (above), the avant-garde eyewear designer whose celebrity fans include David Bowie, M.I.A., Elton John and the Olsen Twins, was recently named a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, the first eyewear designer to be so honored. He appears in the November issue of Vogue photographed by Norman Jean Roy with Victoria's Secret stunners Jessica Stam (left) and Caroline Trentini (right) sporting his unique creations. "Moss really found a way to make eyewear and sunglasses creative again," Stam tells Vogue in a video documenting the shoot, "and for that he's really a genius." Describing Lipow's innovative designs Vogue notes their look "suggests the wearer is shielding superpowers from mere mortals." The New York-based designer is also working on an authoritative history of eyewear, replete with 1200 images from his museum-quality collection of vintage and antique pieces, as well as examples of his own incredible custom creations, to be published by Taschen next year.

Tags: Caroline Trentini, CFDA, designer, eyewear, Jessica Stam, models, Moss Lipow, sunglasses, Vogue

Prada Launches World's First Customizable Sunglasses

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

In time for the holiday season Prada is introducing the world's first customizable sunglasses, providing fashionistas with the opportunity to transform a classic pair of Prada shades into a gift that is truly unique. The PradaPrivate collection sunglasses feature two removable plaques on each temple featuring letters, numbers and a variety of symbols including hearts, stars and skulls. Thanks to the uniquely engineered and patented system, one can substitute the detachable symbols on the arms of the glasses with others bought either at the same time or at a later date. The frames are available in black, white and tortoiseshell in both men's (above) and women's styles starting today exclusively at Sunglass Hut and Prada boutiques in Milan, Rome, Venice, London, Paris, New York, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Dusseldorf, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Gallery: PradaPrivate Sunglasses

Tags: custom, Italian fashion, Milan, Prada, skull, Sunglass Hut, sunglasses

New '50s-Inspired Shades from Dolce & Gabbana's Gold Edition

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

New '50s-Inspired Shades from Dolce & Gabbana's Gold Edition

Last winter we wrote about the exclusive new collection of Gold Edition sunglasses plated in pure 18-carat gold from Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. Now the duo has added some new designs to the luxe collection - whose fans include Brad Pitt – including two cool new Fifties-inspired styles (above) for Spring / Summer 2011. The slick shades starred in Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2010 / 2011 men's fashion show in tribute to the 20th anniversary of their men's collections. There are two versions, one with rounded lenses and one square, available in black or tortoiseshell. Made in Italy, the sunglasses feature polarized glass, and a certificate of authenticity comes with each pair of glasses attesting to the originality, design and quality and the use of 18-carat gold. Each pair is presented in its own jewelry case featuring a plaque with the words "Dolce &Gabbana Gold Edition". Inside there is a portable case in black leather, decorated with a plaque and logo. The Gold Edition models are available at ILORI Luxury Sunglass boutiques with prices ranging from $490 - $580, except for the squared version which will be on sale exclusively in Dolce & Gabbana boutiques.

Gallery: Dolce & Gabbana SS2011 Gold Edition

Tags: Brad Pitt, Dolce Gabbana, eyewear, gold, ILORI, Italian fashion, Italy, mens style, sunglasses

Bvlgari Parentesi Diamond and Gold Limited Edition Sunglasses

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Sunglasses are one of those accessories that although small have the uncanny ability to make or break an entire look. Bvlgari's limited edition Parentisi Diamond & Gold Sunglasses are both classic and glamorous, and all but guaranteed to upgrade any ensemble they're paired with. Boasting temples embellished with 18k gold and 206 pave diamonds (2.5 carats total) they also feature a strong geometric twist design and the iconic Parentesi pattern. And the best part? Only ten pairs exist in the world.

Presented in an embossed Bvlgari gift box with a case, cleaning cloth, and certificate of authenticity treat someone special to a pair of these this Christmas and you're sure to score serious brownie points. £20,000 ($31,000)

Source

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, sunglasses

Holiday Gift Idea: La Loop

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

I've reached that age when reading glasses are a must. One problem is that I have a tendency to leave them places. One solution comes from designer Elizabeth Faraut, of La Loop. She has created pieces that are necklaces with a handy circle for keeping your glasses in place when not in use. The jewelry collection includes oval shells from New Zealand, round matte black Onyx from Mexico, cylindrical Pyrite from Spain and a Marcasite loop in steel leather.

Prices range from the $22 Sport Loop to the $200 St. Tropez that pairs Swarovski crystals with an iridescent gold Italian leather to the $430 square sterling link chain, handmade in Germany, shown above. The brand can now be found in more than 500 stores across 16 countries that includes museum stores and specialty boutiques such as Le Bon Marche in
Paris, Isetan in Tokyo and Harrods in London. They are also available online.

Tags: glasses, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts, la loop, sunglasses

$10,000 Skull Cufflinks & More from Ralph Lauren for the Holidays

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Ralph Lauren is offering a number of exclusive, ultra-luxurious gifts this holiday season, starring an eye-popping pair of skull cufflinks for $10,995. The luxe links, with a skull in a top hat motif, are finished in white gold with diamond eyes. The designer's new Holiday Collection encompasses chic decorative accents, entertaining accoutrements and luxurious travel accessories. Iconic tartans, a signature palette of cashmere cable-knits and rich velvets have a classic appeal, while items like the cufflinks and crystal barware appeal to a more modern sense of sophistication.

The skull motif also appears on a velvet throw pillow for $195 and even a cashmere dog sweater at $115. Other items of note include tartan leather bags and accessories for both men and women, including a men's Cooper Bag at $3,995; a women's Tiffin Bag in black alligator for $16,995; retro style sunglasses finished in red tartan for $375; and exclusive timepieces priced from $17,500 – $32,000. In addition, RalphLauren.com will be offering multiple programs under the RL Custom Boutique for the ultimate in personalization, while the designer's Gift Vault site features a collection of rare and one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from $650 - $55,000.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Holiday 2010

Tags: cashmere, cufflinks, diamond, gifts, gold, Holiday 2010, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, holidays, mens style, Ralph Lauren, sunglasses, timepieces

$25,000 Sama Sunglasses Giveaway for Breast Cancer Awareness

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Charity

ILORI is donating a percentage of purchases through November 7 to Breast Cancer Research, so to encourage shoppers, they're putting a $25,000 pair of sunglasses up for grabs!

Just buy any pair of Sama Eyewear, Badgley Mischka Eyewear or Loree Rodkin EyeCouture at any ILORI or Optical Shop of Aspen (ILORI's co-sponsor) before November 7th, and not only will a percentage of your purchase be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, but you'll also be automatically entered to win the $25,000 Samas in a random drawing.

The one-of-a-kind "Pink Pyramid of Diamond" Sama sunglasses (pictured above) feature 1.75 carats of white diamonds in an 18k rose gold frame with 18k rose gold micro-coated lenses. That's right: rose gold micro-coated lenses. These are actual rose colored glasses, and they're sparkly to boot.

Click here to find an ILORI near you.

Tags: Badgley Mischka, Breast Cancer Awareness, eyewear, ILORI, Loree Rodkin, Optical Shop of Aspen, Sama Eyewear, sunglasses, Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Persol Launches Limited Edition Steve McQueen Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Men's Style

Legendary Italian eyewear brand Persol is re-issuing the classic foldable sunglasses made famous by the great Steve McQueen. An updated version of the brand's 714 model in tortoiseshell fitted with the King of Cool's custom blue lenses will be available in exclusive Sunglass Hut stores nationwide for $360. McQueen first sported the now-iconic shades in 1968's The Thomas Crown Affair. In 2006, a pair of Persol 714s from the actor's personal collection sold at auction for $70,000. The new Steve McQueen collection will be limited to just 10,000 handmade pieces.

In addition to the blue crystal lenses, the new 714's have an updated folding mechanism and McQueen's signature emblazoned on the inside of the temple arm as well as on the elegant accompanying leather case. The special edition models go through ten additional production phases compared to the original model. In addition, Persol will be launching a new ad campaign for 2011 featuring classic pix of McQueen sporting his Persols, shot by photographer William Claxton.

Gallery: Persol Steve McQueen Collection

Tags: ad campaign, celebrity, Italian style, Italy, Persol, Steve McQueen, sunglasses, The Thomas Crown Affair

Gold & Wood Anniversary Edition Aviators

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Fine eyewear is an accessory both men and women covet, framing their faces and bringing their style personality out in front. This October luxury eyewear designer, Gold & Wood, will celebrate fifteen years as an elite craftsman in the industry. As part of this milestone event the company will release a Special Anniversary Edition Aviator in both a men's and women's unique style. These signature spectacles will both showcase 24-carat gold coated lenses in yellow gold on the women's version and white gold on the men's. The women's pair will also feature luxurious Acajou wood temples while the men's pair is highlighted by polished buffalo horn temples. Known for their extreme care during the crafting process and use of exclusive materials it's no wonder why celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Angelina Jolie have been wearing them for years.

Source

Tags: anniversary edition, anniversary edition aviator, aviator, aviators, gold and wood, gold wood, spectacles, sunglasses

Hemingway's Great-Granddaughter Stars in Louis Vuitton Safari Campaign

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Earlier this year we told you about model Dree Hemingway, 22, daughter of Mariel Hemingway and great-granddaughter of famous author Ernest Hemingway, who's making a name for herself among the fashion crowd. Now the willowy blonde is starring in a luxe new safari-themed ad campaign for Louis Vuitton (above). Reminiscent of Hemingway's African tales such as The Snows of Kilimanjaro, the casting choice is a fitting one as the author is often credited with introducing the Swahili word "safari" into common parlance.

The new Vuitton campaign, highlighting the famed French luxury goods house's handmade travel items, was shot on location in Africa. Photographed by Carter Smith, the ads feature Dree and a handsome young fellow enjoying the dramatic scenery of the African veldt. Items on display include bags, trunks, journals, watches, blankets, sunglasses, jewelry, clothing and even a few items of vintage Vuitton luggage. The campaign comes on the heels of Dree's selection as the face of Italian fashion house Gianfranco Ferré earlier this year, following appearances for Abercrombie & Fitch and DKNY.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Dree Hemingway for Louis Vuitton