There is an entire, fast-paced district of Milan called CityLife, whose architecture places the Lombard capital alongside the world’s great cities that never seem to stop. Returning from holiday to a city like Milan calls for new strategies and rituals to readjust to working rhythms we are no longer accustomed to – a far cry from the relaxed pace of our holiday destinations.

Habits change and, inevitably, so does the way we dress. Clothes need to be just professional enough to communicate our personality at a glance. Optical frames undoubtedly play a key role in finding that distinctive aesthetic signature that conveys a sense of seriousness, efficiency and reliability.

Starting with decidedly classic styles such as Dunhill’s DU0126O optical frame (pictured in the opening image), a discreet and refined expression of the British elegance associated with the luxury menswear brand founded by Alfred Dunhill in 1893. The panthos-shaped front in recycled acetate is paired with metal temples featuring the iconic raised hobnail motif, inspired by the detailing found on the brand’s precious lighters.

Equally classic is Kador’s Mondo Premium Retro Bold men’s optical frame, part of the Premium Retro Bold collection, where heritage is transformed into something contemporary through the technical expertise and craftsmanship of the Cadore-based company, founded in 1962. A reinterpretation of one of the brand’s bestsellers, Mondo is crafted from acetate with sculpted volumes and temples that reveal a metal core decorated with a sequence of Ks, the brand’s signature motif. A timeless design, made to last.

Miu Miu also looks to tradition with the MU02ZV, a rectangular optical frame distinguished by the distinctive graphic treatment of its temples, prominently displaying the logo.

Chloé’s CH0391O model in recycled acetate, meanwhile, reflects the authentic, eco-chic and décontracté style of the maison’s creative director, Chemena Kamali. Generously proportioned yet airy, it features a soft shape with slender rims and temples.

And while black remains the colour of choice for acetate frames, silver is undoubtedly the defining shade for metal. Its cool, almost intangible presence accentuates the design of optical frames such as Max Mara’s MM5222, with its generous pilot shape and slender tubular profile recalling the work of Eileen Gray. Suspended lenses further enhance its sense of lightness without detracting from its strong, modern personality.

Balmain’s Focus II women’s frame is similarly bold in proportion, slender in construction and pure in its aesthetic. Made in Japan from titanium, it perfectly embodies Pierre Balmain’s vision of the “architecture of movement”, as interpreted by Antonin Tron, the maison’s new creative director.

And with that, welcome back!