Trending now: unrestrained perspectives

During restrictive times, designers respond by broadening their views and experimenting with shapes, colors, materials, and textures. To explore new avenues with design is one more way to resist and thrive. The shades in this selection show how irreverent maisons like Gucci, classic couturiers like Bottega Veneta, and optical perfectionists like Oliver Peoples and Lesca are showing their creativity in novel ways.

Bottega Veneta leverages its long-time skills in craft to create a new collection of retrofuturistic silhouettes. Still rigorously made by hand, its BV1027S sunglasses look like they’re designed for urban superheros: the brand’s traditional interlaced pattern, recently destructured and restyled in the shape of a fringed ribbon, stands out from the ivory acetate. A strong statement with uncompromising comfort (see the non-slip temples).

Eyepetizer looks further afield for inspiration with its Ginza model, refreshing the standard half-rim shape with unusual half-lenses, available in a range of bright tones. Almost weightless and inspired by its namesake district in Tokyo, it recalls the Japanese love for transparency, sleek lines, and pop details.

Oliver Peoples finds new creative direction by collaborating with kindred spirits - such as the one with The Row, the fashion brand by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. Among the models featured in their co-designed collection, the OV5386SU L.A. CC redefines the proportions of the rectangular frame. Stretched front, smooth corners and shallow glass lenses in custom tints combine with rich acetate hues and minimalistic touches. Details include the symbol and logo of The Row which are applied to the lenses and are invisible unless seen against the light.

Exaggeration is Gucci’s way to empower self-expression:

The GG0811S sunglasses bring the matelassé quilted effect of the coveted GG Marmont handbags to overly wide and thick acetate temples. The wow effect is accented by the mint-green acetate and the Double G golden hardware.

In Gucci’s latest collections are also the oversized GG0784S sunglasses. With their generous volumes, downward butterfly shape, and shocking color contrasts, they challenge you to see la vie en rose even on grey days.

Last but not least, a more understated way to go unconventional: the Lesca Phil Sun. Rediscovered within the Parisian archives of Joël Lesca, these sunglasses have an architectural round shape that feels audacious while being elegantly minimal. The diameter of the lens is definitely larger than usual, and the thick acetate frame in vintage palettes fits perfectly both feminine and masculine faces.

Creative Direction: Daniela Vutera
Photography: Ignazio Marsolo