Sama Eyewear
Fascinating history and timeless appeal aside, aviator sunglasses are arguably the most popular shape when it comes to classic or contemporary eyewear design. Additions to California-based Sama Eyewear’s spring/summer 2017 Combustion collection reinterpret the typical aviator to give it a decidedly feminine twist. This includes frames with larger lenses, jewelled finishes and an innovative butterfly-shaped lens with a raised temple. The laser-cut patterned temples in precious metals are paired with the season’s favourite lens colours, including French rose, rose gold and pearlised metallic shades. Also new in the Sama Combustion series are light-wash or ombré flat lenses in custom-created hues of iris, sage, turquoise and cherry blossom. Inspired by art, architecture and nature, Sama founder Sheila Vance, one of Hollywood’s favourite eyewear designers, sought to combine function with style, technology and fit in this fresh-looking collection, which is available from Harvey Nichols – Dubai in Mall of the Emirates.
Givenchy
As motifs go, dollar signs and chessboard prints are likely to appeal to diametrically opposite personalities. Accordingly, Givenchy’s spring/summer 2017 men’s cross-body collection is designed for both: the well-travelled urban man and the spiritual seeker. Crafted from lambskin leather, the bags feature either a money-print camouflage or a serene monochromatic pyramid pattern. If solids are more your thing, the range also includes a black nylon canvas bag, a reflection of creative director Riccardo Tisci’s ability to effortlessly walk the line between graphic designs and clean lines. The new styles are available in two utilitarian sizes, with the bigger featuring a cool-looking PVC leather “window” stitched across the top. The collection launched last month and is available from Givenchy boutiques across the UAE.
Manolo Blahnik X Farfetch
Farfetch will begin retailing footwear by Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik this month. To mark the collaboration, Manolo Blahnik has created a capsule collection, Scipios, that will be exclusively available on Farfetch.com. Inspired by the designer’s original stiletto design and New York-based abstract artist Mark Rothko’s contrasting colourblocking pop art, the shoes are available in five shades, each created to appeal to different personalities. These include: The Romantic One in pink, The Playful One in nude, The Mysterious One in black, The Modernist One in white or The Wild One in orange. The style features a sculpted heel with cut-out details, a pointed closed toe and contrasting soles. The patent leather shoes stand tall with a four-inch heel and cost Dh3,000. The Scipios capsule collection, as well as Manolo Blahnik’s spring/summer 2017 line, will be available on Farfetch.com from March 7.
Lotus Arts de Vivre
A quick glance around the Lotus Arts de Vivre boutique reveals a ram with a diamond-encrusted head sharing space with a silver-tailed dragon baring its ebony-tipped teeth. Elsewhere, a cluster necklace with pearls and tourmalines is set against a bowl crafted from an abalone shell. The family-owned Lotus Arts de Vivre, which creates an eclectic mix of homeware, jewellery and accessories, opened its flagship store in the Middle East, at City Walk in Dubai, last month. Known for its animal-themed creations and Asian influences, the brand creates collectibles from precious metals and organic materials in an homage to its Thai heritage, as well as ancient cultures and crafts, such as gem-cutting from India, Indonesian woodcarving and maki-e lacquerwork from Japan. The statement pieces are popular among art connoisseurs, royal families and well-known collectors such as Sharon Stone, Goldie Hawn and Glenn Close.
Gucci X Jadefish
Gucci has teamed up with Colossal Media, a leader in hand-painted outdoor advertising, to create a large-scale mural for the streets of New York for 2017. The 2,500-square-foot-wall is to be found in the heart of Soho on Lafayette Street, between Prince and Spring streets. The brand will be collaborating with a number of artists over the course of the year, but first up, and on show until March 31, is a mural by San Francisco-based illustrator Jayde Fish. Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele first discovered Fish’s work on Instagram, and several of her illustrations were featured in the brand’s spring/summer 2017 womenswear collection.
Read this and more stories in Luxury magazine, out with The National on Thursday, March 2.
