Our editor Tim has made the move across the continent to sunny L.A. and at the perfect time too: summer is finally here and we’re ready to hit the beach and dive into the ocean. What better way to do that than with some fun frames from the Pantone color of the season: Monaco blue? Whether in jewel tones or something a little more subtle, the color adds a bright and majestic quality to any outfit. Here are five of our favourite “Monaco Blue”-inspired specs:
1. Emporio Armani “2003″
Emporio Armani “2003″
One of Emporio Armani’s most popular sunglasses is now available in beautiful blue. This “2003″ model features a classic aviator shape with mirror plastic lenses and a dark metal frame. We love the contrast between the matte blue bridge and the shiny blue lenses. The colour contrasts continue in the arms, with a slick blue bar giving way to black at the ends. The Armani logo patch adds a nice finishing touch. This is a look that’s tailor-made for the Man About Town, who’s ready to kick off the summer in style.
2. l.a. Eyeworks “Rerun”
l.a.Eyeworks “Rerun”
Meticulous in design and execution, the L.A. Eyeworks team always manages to mix architectural inspiration with a bit of frivolous fun. Case in point: these handmade plastic frames are dubbed “Snappy Blue,” and they could look as good in the pages of a magazine as they would with a pop-art inspired outfit. We love the shape of these frames, with their thicker brow line and slimmer profile on the bottom. Make sure you pick out the little details too, like the extra dip just under the temples and the rounded notch at the end of the arms.
3. Burberry “4123″
Burberry “4123″
Burberry updates its popular sunglasses line with these wood veneer frames for men and women, inspired by the brand’s heritage in craftsmanship and functional design. These angular square frames have wood detailing wrapped around the temples, adding a sophisticated twist to a classic silhouette. The blue color is also a great alternative to classic black, adding some visual pop to your summer outfit.
4. Selima Optique “Claire”
Selima Optique “Claire”
Paris-based Selima Optique re-introduced its popular Claire frames this season in four “candy”-inspired colors. We love the punch of these blue frames, which feature sleek curves, a subtle cat-eye, and double rivet detailing on the temples. The frames are fun and flirty, with a bookish vibe that’s given a playful twist in this bold blue hue.
5. Giorgio Armani “Kaleidoscope”
Giorgio Armani “Kaleidoscope”
For something completely different, we like these “Kaleidoscope” sunglasses from Giorgio Armani, inspired by the metallic hues of the designer’s elegant eveningwear. These aluminum-coloured aviators come with handmade leather and silk blinders, embellished with sequins and crystals. With its “night blue” shade, the frames suggest looking through a kaleidoscope, as it decomposes, refracts and illuminates the soft moon light in the sky. As beautiful as it is, this is definitely a look for the more adventurous type, who’s not afraid to embrace colour and a little bit of extra attention!
eyewear: Warby Parker
notes: Kelsea confessed that she thought these “Tenley” frames from Warby Parker looked totally strange at first. But after using the “virtual try-on” app on the website, she ended up buying them, and has worn them proudly since!
A less dramatic take on the vintage cat-eye, the “Tenley” features an oversized frame with a narrower bridge, all cut from a single sheet of custom cellulose acetate. Kelsea is wearing the “Burgundy Fade” colour, and if you’re looking for something other than black or brown, burgundy is an easy-to-wear alternative when it comes to eyewear. The rich colour and fade on this pair give off a retro-inspired vibe, which works perfectly with Kelsea’s outfit. It’s safe to say these “strange” frames, have become a fast favourite of hers!
eyewear: Salt
notes: Doug is a publisher, so eyewear is very important to him. While he typically purchases frames from Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith, this pair of SALT glasses (which he bought at RAPP Optical) is his first pair from a different company. Doug liked the interesting colour combination and gradient on these frames – and we agree! Made from a lightweight acetate in a clean, rounded shape, these glasses give off a look that’s at once relaxed and handsome.
eyewear: Oliver Peoples
notes: We’re wrapping up our week of street-style looks inspired by the Karir Eyewear x Oliver Peoples Shop-in-Shop.
Ashley’s floral-print dress is definitely perfect for summer, but it’s her Maison Kitsuné x Oliver Peoples frames that really take her look to the next level. The limited-edition collaboration was inspired by travel in the 1950s, and is comprised of two models: “Tokyo” and “Paris.”
Ashley is wearing the “Tokyo” – which can be worn on its own, or out in the sun with the addition of the metal clip-on. Hand-crafted from beautiful acetate, the glasses feature a retro-inspired antique gold plaque and a keyhole bridge. We also love the tortoiseshell fade (a custom Oliver Peoples hue) and the matching brown polarized lenses, which give these frames a clean, tailored look – something in line with both companies’ minimalist design philosophy.
The Maison Kitsuné x Oliver Peoples collaboration was released in February, to mark the launch of the new Maison Kitsuné store in Tokyo. Only a few pairs of these glasses remain and they’re available at the Oliver Peoples Shop-in-Shop, taking place until June 22nd at Karir Eyewear in Toronto. Make sure you stop by to check out these frames in person. And enter our contest to win $500 toward a pair of Oliver Peoples frames for yourself!
eyewear: Oliver Peoples
notes: All week long, we’re celebrating the launch of the Karir Eyewear x Oliver Peoples Shop-in-Shop with some of our favourite Oliver Peoples looks spotted on the street.
Lindsay had just taken her pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses out for the first time when we photographed her in Toronto. These unisex “Afton” frames are a take on 1950s academia and inspired by Beat Generation figures like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. But Lindsay’s choice of colour (dubbed “Buff” by Oliver Peoples) gives these glasses a more contemporary spin.
Handcrafted from rounded acetate, we love how the clear colour of these frames exposes the arms and the Oliver Peoples logo at the sides, as well as the three-pin detailing on the temples. It’s a look that’s at once bold and subtle, with chicness and flair to spare.