Spring/Summer 2011 Trendwatch: Preppy

On the runway at Tommy Hilfiger and Perry Ellis

Preppy is back in full force, playing a feature role in collections from the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, Michael Kors, DKNY and Dsquared. This classic style is subtly inspired by the 1950s and 60s era of timeless all-American style, echoing the savvy fashion icons Jacquiline Kennedy-Onassis and Audrey Hepburne. The menswear collections bring to mind proper collegiate boys from the same era, ready to go from class to a game of lawn bowling. For those who want to push the boundaries a bit more, try mixing up the trend with vibrant and unexpected patterns and brighter colors like the designers of Victor & Rolf did for their menswear collection this season.

And what does one need as part of their ideal ensemble while attending a garden party or sporting event? A pair of shades that will keep the sun away from your peepers while perfectly complimenting your outfit. For a preppy look, stick with frames that are more delicate in their construction and that are in classic designs. For men, metal framed aviators are a definite must for a pair of shades that will take you everywhere. Ladies can also go for metal frames with feminine details like Gold & Wood's crystal detail, or for something a bit more bold, go for an over-sized pair a la Audrey Hepburne or Jackie-O.

Barton Perriera "Five Star"

Gold & Wood "H09S.3"

Gold & Wood "HS"

Mykita "Audrey"

Salt "Caden"

Salt "Warner"

Brand Power: Initium

What better brand to profile during Canadian Music Week than Initium, the eyewear label who supports independent bands and labels, and creates eyewear that melds the worlds of music and fashion.

The line is designed in Orange County, California and produced in Italy using the highest quality of materials, blending iconic design with leading technology and premium craftsmanship. The company describes themselves as a "music-inspired, fashion-driven eyewear collection crafted by artists and musicians for artists, musicians and their fans," and what could be better than that?!

LIFESTYLE COLLECTION:
This durable collection is made for life on tour and features 5-barrel stop-hinges and polarized lenses.

World Tour

Vunderground

Admirals Club

METAL COLLECTION:
This series of metal sunglasses have heavy overtones of modern-vintage and feature a variety of custom Initium cross-hinge tollings and spring-loaded hinges.

All In

Cocktails

PLATINUM COLLECTION;
These hand-made frames are constructed from Italian acetate and feature gradient polarized lenses.

Folsom

OPHTHALMIC (RX) COLLECTION:Constructed from rich acetate, this collection features strong, modern-vintage silhouettes in the optical range.

Aces High

Headwires

Hybrid Moment

Piece of Mind

Canadian Music Week: Bernard Maiezza

Gafas is very excited to be located in the heart of Canadian Music Week, and to celebrate the occasion and support our local music scene, we're profiling our music industry clientele who have come to see us this week.

On Wednesday, Bernard Maiezza came in to find his first pair of optical glasses and we were happy to help him find that perfect fit that would be both flattering and make a statement.

Bernard Maiezza

Bernard Maiezza was the keyboardist in the infamous Toronto bands A Neon Rome (which Bruce McDonald based his film "Roadkill" on), and Change of Heart. These days, Bernard is busy working as a composer/producer/engineer at Highfield Sound. The studio sees the likes of Broken Social Scene, Voodoo Bunny, Little Foot & Long Foot, and The Mercy Now. He is also working on a project with Brendan Canning called Cookie Duster, and has spearheaded the project Reverberation with Anna Coquette, Dave Kiner, Paul Kehayas, and Kevin Kane.

He was also up for a Genie nomination for Achievement in Music: Original Score with Brendan Canning for the film "Trigger" directed by Bruce McDonald. He is also writing an original score for Antonella Sigismondi's fashion show at FAT this April 29th.

Prodesign Denmark 1667

Bernard decided upon the Prodesign Denmark 1667 frames. Prodesign Denmark is the newest line we are stocking here at Gafas. The company was originally founded in 1973 and was restructured in 2000. The line is the epitome of clean Danish design with a twist of something surprising. Prodesign is eyewear that completes and enhances the lines of the face.

Prodesign Denmark 1384

Prodesign Denmark 1678

Prodesign Denmark 4650-1

Prodesign Denmark 4901

Brand Power: Chrome Hearts

Chrome Hearts was founded in 1988 by motorcycle enthusiast Richard Stark. Originally the brand started with leather fashion goods and then expanded into jewellry, furniture, and eye wear. Based in LA and manufactured in Japan, this line features signature stirling silver Chrome Hearts accents on their frames, and "interesting" style names.

 

Chrome Hearts designer Richard Stark

The brand is adored by bands like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Guns 'N Roses.

Our Chrome Hearts display cabinet

We have an extensive collection of this rock'n brand in store. Here's lust-worthy teaser of what's in store for you.....

SUNGLASSES:

"Golden Valley"

"Morning Wood"

"Pork Sword"

OPTICAL WEAR:

"MyDixaDryll"

"Beef Tomato"

"Flaps"

"Raw Dawg"

Spring/Summer 2011 Trendwatch: Punk Rocker

Toronto designer Cult De Laissez Faire (available at Carte Blanche)

For those with a penchant for tough as nails stylin's, perfect tailoring, and drapey layers, the punk rocker trend is the bomb! There are a multitude of designers who are featuring this long-running trend in their collections this season: Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Rad Hourani (also from Montreal), Pink Cobra and Cult De Laissez Faire (Toronto based brands available at Carte Blanche), Balmain, Burberry Prorsum, and Rick Owens.

Burberry Prorsum, Rick Owens, Burberry Prorsum, Balmain

We fancy the peg leg trousers (a la Alexander Wang), chunky platform wedges and slouchy leather boots (lusting for Jeffery Campbells), tattered knits (Horace), statement jewellry layered (more is always better), and black leather envelop clutches (check out local designer Jenny Bird) topped off with a leather jacket. Pieces are suitable for both men and women giving androgny yet another moment in the spotlight!

Cult De Laissez Faire, Pink Cobra, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Rad Hourani

Sunglasses are vital to finishing off this look (and hiding those eyes after a big night out). Statement frames and oversized shades are our recommendations to complete any outfit.

Blinde "Bang On"

Blinde "Born Lucky"

Chrome Hearts "Bone Polisher"

Chrome Hearts "Pussy Willow"

Dita "Insider"

Gold & Wood H07/S

Initium "Escape"

Mykita & Romain Kremer "Gordon"

Mykita and Romain Kremer "Yuri"

Brand Power: Mykita!

Mykita got it's start in Berlin in 2003. The company was founded by Moritz Krueger, Philipp Haffmans, Daniel Haffmans and Harald Gottschling. All processes of production and manufacturing happen under the same roof which makes this brand unique in a world where goods are shipped to several different far-away lands before hitting shelves. Each item is hand-crafted and hand-polished by experienced craftsmen who are passionate about their trade.


OPTICAL FRAMES:
The Mykita optical frames are noted for how light and comfortable they are. You forget that you're wearing glasses. They are made out of surgical steel and hand-crafted and polished acetate. The unique snap-hinge design renders these frames pretty much indestructible. And added bonus: each piece is easily adjusted so that you get the perfect fit.

"Johann"

"Ernest"

"Marcello"

SUNGLASS FRAMES:

Mykita makes sure they're sunglasses are super light too, even if you choose a more stand-out piece with thicker acetate frames. The frames come in a variety of metal surfaces, completed with colorful lacquer coatings and each piece is available in a variety of lenses.

"Craig"

"Isabella"

"Luna"

MYKITA COLLABORATIONS:

Mykita is also making an impact on the fashion industry with their epic collaborations with designers like Rad Hourani and Romain Kremer. Lady Gaga is a huge fan and can be seen sporting their wicked creations about town.

Lady Gaga in the "Yuri" by Mykita and Romain Kremer

DID YOU KNOW?

The name Mykita is derived from the word "Kita" (a common abbreviation for the German word for day care, Kindertagesstatte). It's in reference to the company's first workshop in a former day nursery.