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Kirk & Kirk

Trends

Neon


Luminous colors

Words
Alessandra Albarello

06/12/2021

The hypnotic charm of artificial lights is transferred to glasses that become the antidote to these grey times. Positively influencing our view of reality

The transparency of crystal and the luminous energy of colour come together in a perfect alchemical combination that enhances the eye and makes us see things more optimistically. In fact, the new glasses are reminiscent of the luminous “situations” of Dan Flavin, an artist who used simple fluorescent tubes in his installations to convey immersive and almost spiritual experiences to the viewer, amplifying and modifying the perception of spaces. A vocabulary also loved by Elio Fiorucci and Andy Warhol, both attracted by the neon signs of New York clubs, from which they drew inspiration for their pop art and fashion creations and projects.

Artificial light, an elusive and changing element, therefore becomes the ultimate challenge for visionary brands seeking visibility that goes beyond the visible. Within this trend, however, there are various "schools of thought" that result in different aesthetic solutions and meet different sensibilities.

For example, for Kirk & Kirk, light is the all-over key element of its frames, made of bright and brilliant colours such as green (in the opening image), fuchsia, purple. In particular, in the Kaleidoscope line, whose name already anticipates surprising chromatic games, the prismatic effect is obtained thanks to the faceting and a skilful overlapping of dual-coloured 8 mm acrylic in certain strategic sections of the frame. And, just to remain consistent with this theme, the lenses are of course cleaned with the psychedelic lens cloth, born from the collaboration of Kirk & Kirk with Thomas Hedger, a young and talented artist and illustrator from London.

The collection evocative of the strong glamour vocation of the two designers comes from the chance encounter of Linda Farrow with The Attico, a Milanese fashion brand founded in 2016 by Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini. Vibrant colours light up the models with revisited classic shapes, including the oversized acetate aviator, proposed in a bold fuchsia shade.

Laps Line by Italia Independent, mod. Isabella

Laps Line by Italia Independent, mod. Isabella

GCDS, mod. GC0002

GCDS, mod. GC0002

Linda Farrow x The Attico, mod. Mini Marfa

Linda Farrow x The Attico, mod. Mini Marfa

Sabine Be, mod. C285

Sabine Be, mod. C285

Kirk & Kirk

It is always the colour that runs across the entire surface of the sophisticated frames by Jplus by Essequadro, interrupted only by a brief J-shaped segment in a contrasting shade, which has always been a distinctive and recognisable feature of the brand's identity that is inspired by the territories of freedom of expression of the beat generation (J stands for the initials of the first names of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon). Frames that sometimes seem suspended, thanks to that unmistakable and unexpected sign, a powerful symbol of breaking with conventions.

Another story for GCDS by Marcolin that focuses on funny and exaggerated superhero or catwomen masks, including ears. In the GC0002 model, the single lens is supported by a thin iridescent metal frame that doubles in the temple with the maxi logo of the streetwear clothing and accessories brand, one of the most loved by young people or simply by those who feel young (inside).

Such daring models are counterbalanced by the Laps line by Italia Independent which, while daring with colours, always sticks to the stylistic codes of an understatement dear to Lapo Elkann, drawing inspiration from iconic shapes of the past, such as the cat-eye for the hyper-feminine Sabrina model. The luminous colours are enhanced by the transparent acetate which, in the temples with five hingers to ensure optimal comfort, discreetly reveals the brand name engraved on the metal core.

The joie de vivre instead emerges from the whole Sabine Be collection which relies on a contrast of colours or transparent and opaque materials with a line running around the entire perimeter of the frames, reminiscent of the effect of neon lights. The wide frames, deliberately flashy and almost “signal”, thus become the antidote to this grey period, especially when the colour is also reflected in the lenses. An injection of energy and good humour that suggests taking life with philosophy. On the other hand, in unsuspected times, wasn't it the philosopher Immanuel Kant who spoke of glasses with coloured lenses?

 

 

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