Optical Prism January 2018 | Page 18

Alternative Eyewear IC9089 Alternative Eyewear IC9091 In the optical collection, model CK5990 is inspired by nostalgia. This deepened teacup style reinvents a classic shape and is feminine yet bold. The popularity of round frames is evi- dent in model CK8056S, which updates a classic look into a modern, eyewear statement. These frames feature a fusion of mixed materials – a sleek metal rim encased in luxe colour blocked zyl, creating a “reverse” Windsor rim effect. The trend of streamlined frames is noticeable with model CK8568, which has clean, sharp lines helping define it as a modernized cat-eye style. The standout in the new collection from Longchamp Paris is sunglass model LO102S. This round frame with butterfly-effect angles is made entirely from metal and defined with thin, light lines and comes in black, gold and rose gold. Paul Storace, CEO of Alter native Eyewear Inc., says oversized rounds are becoming more and more popular for women. “Round frames in wire or extremely thin acetate seem to be a growing and continuing trend. Women are definitely 16 Optical Prism | January 2018 Alternative Eyewear IC9092 Alternative Eyewear IC9082 moving away from the huge chunky look, but the eye sizes are getting bigger and rounder,” he says. “Vintage details are also big, with pressings and embellishes on temples and bridges,” says Storace. This trend is visible in the new Alternative Eyewear Ice Cream model 9091, which is a thin acetate but with a larger eye-size and even more round frame. Model 9092 features a thin acetate with blush colouring in a classic rectangle shape. It also includes some vintage inspired details on the temples. Other hints of vintage-inspired fashions are still noticeable in 2018. “Square and rectangle shapes are still fabulous and present in many designs,” says Storace. “An under-exaggerated cat eye is also a popular shape. It gives the lift of a cat eye without the extreme look a cat-eye can sometimes create.” Ice cream model 9082 is an understated cat eye with clean lines, while model 9089 is a round thin acetate shape with feminine colouring. Alternative Eyewear notes that while acetate remains the popular choice for frame material, thin wire is growing in popularity. “Styles are getting more refined with less clutter on the frame. Sleek, colour- ful, classic,” says Storace. “Hyper-thin acetate is very present right now, which lets people have the plastic look they love without it being too ‘chunky’. Metals in rounds are popular with a thin wire look.”