Optical Prism May 2013 | Page 13

To Grandpa, With Love he limited edition sunglass collection René tells the story of theo eyewear designer Tim Van Steenbergen and his memory of this beloved grandfather, architect René Van Steenbergen. The man’s appreciation for art led him to teach young Van Steenbergen how to draw, which inevitably launched his design career. His grandfather’s penchant for expressionism and art deco within religious architecture inspired the creation of this collection of sunglasses for theo. The use of metal and acetate is known as a theo trademark, creating multiple dimensions hinting at luxury and glamour. Fronts are made of acetate and the temples in metal, featuring a colour accent in epoxy. This colour is also incorporated on the front. René consists of four models, each available in two versions: a full black model and a black/transparent variation. Each model has geometric details in a primary colour. Three models are distinctly feminine, and one is more masculine. For more information, visit www.theo.be T Dance the Night Away B lock-rocking beats need the right bling to go with, and icon Betsey Johnson takes a stab with her latest release, called the Rainbow Rave group. Drawing from the brand’s colourful past within the 1960s Youthquake movement, frames within this collection are a perfect fit for today’s vibrant underground dance party scene. POW! WOW! NEON! is a teacup-shaped optical frame built in acetate, featuring a custom paint-splatter high definition print with two jade and violet crystal colour variations. Betsey Techno splatters its look with paint on a feminine wayfarer metal frame and acetate temples. Teal and violet dominate. Kitty Kat Fever is a square sunglass that is vintage-inspired with the digital print on both the top bar and the temples. For more information, visit www.legacie.com O P T I C A L P R I S M | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 3 9