CITYist

This past Saturday, Illesteva presented their Fall/Winter 2011 eyewear collection at MAC/MILK from 7pm to 8pm. A sixteen piece orchestra perfomed, with attendees including Jared Sullivan, Malina Joseph, Masha Orlov, Karin Nelson, Sabrina Marshall and Martin Cohn.

It’s about time for you to be able to steal more than just your boyfriend’s shirts from his closet. Famous denim brand Ksubi has launched an eyewear collection on Karmaloop with tons of designs—more for us to purchase! We especially like the aviator style sunglasses—Ksubi utilizes this classic style with an edgy touch, as they always do. And of course, they all have 100% UV protection to guard your precious eyes on your commute to work or trip to the beach. The sunglasses are available for $185-$210 a pair.

Be it on the runways or on TV sets, Mad Men’s influence is everywhere. And thanks to eyeglass artisans Edward Beiner, that influence can now sit firmly on the bridge of your nose. Their most recent collection is a throwback to the early 1960s (a conservative era known now for Barry Goldwater’s defeat and—of course—chic tailoring). The collection itself is made with zyl, a versatile cotton-oil based acetate, instead of the more commonly used molded plastic. In short: they’re built to last. Handcrafted in the the Oyonnax region of France, the vintage-inspired frames are the perfect antidote for those craving a little glam.

Kerin.Rose, designer of outrageous eyewear line A-Morir, summed up her situation to us best: “Pop stars have eaten all my time.” If you’ve seen any Lady Gaga video, including the one for “Alejandro” that we can’t seem to stop watching, then you’ve seen A-Morir. From Rihanna to Katy Perry, Ke$ha to Adam Lambert, the brand has been the go-to place for stars who would like to add a dash of S&M-flavored eccentricity to their ensembles. (We’re just wondering whether you can actually see through any of the glitter, spikes and netting.)

Last night, 230 Fifth’s rooftop bar was transformed into a tropical oasis complete with cheetahs, sequin-covered bathing suits and drag queens. Amidst the mannequins, palm fronds and many, many cosmos, Patricia Field held court over a fashion show complete with swimwear, sunglasses and flowing chiffon bathing gowns alternately created by the Sex and the City designer’s House of Field team, Ivana Sert and The Blonds. We take you through a photographic experience of the night’s events—and though you may not have been in the Malibu Barbie dreamland yourself, these pictures will take you close enough.

Well, actually, the 70s and the 80s. Linda Farrow launched her self-named line in 1970 and went on to design some of fashion’s most recognizable sunglass shapes: Yoko Ono’s wraparounds, square shades with a sporty racecar stripe, a classic aviator. Mostly, however, the designs were gloriously zany in the way only vintage pieces can be. In 2003, Farrow’s son discovered a secret trove of the sunglasses in the family’s London warehouse. From styles that come in batches of 500 or only in one special pair, Linda Farrow Vintage was born. We took a dive through the vault and pulled out the most outrageous pairs, from Cruela de Vil black and whites, to lavender teardrop frames to Back to the Future rectangles splattered with paint à la Jackson Pollock. Enjoy.

The socialites were out in full force last night to celebrate Jason Wu’s first ever sunglasses and optical collection. We headed over to Soho’s super-luxe eyewear hub ILORI to gaze at the luminous shades in their appropriately backlit perches in the store’s chic display. With a decidedly 50s starlet vibe, the glasses, made in collaboration with Modo, would look right at home with Wu’s girly frocks. Amidst a sea of mirrors and lights, editors, models and socials from Hamish Bowles to Alana Zimmer and Catherine McNeil (pictures of the party-goers, as well as the glasses, after the jump) sipped some bubbly and admired the wares. We even got to say hello to Wu himself— briefly. The man was in high demand.

Leave it to Alexander McQueen to create sunglasses featuring a skull with diamonds in the eye sockets—macabre and beautiful all at once. The late designer had used the skull motif since the spring of 2003, and it has popped up on scarves, clutches and the like ever since. The posthumous fall/winter collection marks the first time the skull has appeared on McQueen eyewear—both a chilling reminder of McQueen’s genius and a symbol of human mortality.

Marc Jacobs is the king of urban playful cool. And we’re sure serious fans have been rather anxious for the debut of the new Marc by Marc Jacobs Ophthalmic Collection—considering that the last one came out in July 2008. Two years later, Marc is betting on eleven new styles through Safilo USA to stand out from the pack of vintage-inspired specs.

Every time we see a “find your sunglasses style for your face shape” magazine story we die a little inside. Not only are they overdone, but implausible: not everyone’s face fits perfectly into the circle, oval, square or heart categories, which is why it’s a wonder no one thought of Indivijual eyewear sooner. The custom-crafted specs are fit to each customer’s face and taste.

Whoever decided that girls with glasses were nerdy clearly never set their sights on MOSCOT’s new MANGITO eyewear. Available as either ophthalmic frames or sunglasses, the very name of these vintage-inspired gems means sexy, hot and fresh in Cuban slang.

Giorgio Armani’s new optical eyewear collection is a calculated brew of innovation and nostalgia. The resulting line of alternately classic and modern (but always quality) glasses are sure to capture the attention not only of those that wear glasses for necessity, but those that do for style. Thirteen men’s models (that, Armani is quick to point out, could double as women’s for the truly bold) and one women’s model are designed for eyewear purists who seek long-lasting, well-made products that ooze sophistication and shun flashy details.

While glasses are certainly fashionable now—those of us who fell short of 20/20 in our adolescent years should feel redeemed—the upcoming exhibition at the Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal proves that they always have been. “Eyewear from the Beginning to the Future: The history of eyeglasses from their invention in Italy to the latest trends” is on view from March 19-24, presented by the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association. The exhibit highlights Italy’s crowning achievements in eyewear history, with styles dating as far back as the 13th century, and focuses on their unwavering reputation for luxurious and exquisite craftsmanship. Just another piece of evidence to confirm that Italians do do it better.