photo © Juergen Teller
Vivienne Westwood‘s Sun Collection 2023 sees glasses as icons, timeless models made immortal by Hollywood stars of the glittering 1950s and 1960s. A manifestation of the glamour of yesteryear.
The collection combines ultra-feminine classic vintage frames with modern colours and extra-large proportions. The inspirations: Moira Orfei, the queen of the Italian circus, the earthy sensuality of Gina Lollobrigida and the Neapolitan glamour of Sophia Loren.
‘Gigantic. A divine woman…An absolute beauty.’
Andreas Kronthaler
Icons from the 1960s also define the character of the male form: Adriano Celentano’s jive, Michael Caine’s sophisticated style, Johnny Hallyday’s magnetic charm, or Marcello Mastroianni’s swaggering attitude in ‘La Dolce Vita’. Sunglasses for dancing.
The rich palette of the collection takes its inspiration from the Dutch masters, the large futuristic heart-shaped lenses – the emblematic motif of the fashion house – are like a bucket of colour on the face. The iconic frames are offered in deep-toned tortoiseshell patterns or in muted colours ranging from rust to light pink, cobalt blue to forest green.
Vivienne Westwood’s signature Orb is encapsulated in an oval frame inspired by Georgian jewellery medallions or engraved in button finishes.
Every design detail is carefully crafted: classic metal silhouettes are reinterpreted with the introduction of rimless and nosepiece lenses, giving a sense of architectural suspension.
Vintage techniques are used to create amplified shapes and finishes throughout the collection. The same due attention was given to the choice and impact of raw materials. The handmade acetate frames and temples are made from an innovative material, Eastman’s Acetate Renew, which is 60% bio-based and 40% recycled.
The bio-based part is made from renewable pulp cellulose from FSC-certified sources. The recycled part comes from plastic waste removed from landfill, which would otherwise not be reused.
The packaging of the collection has also been carefully designed and consists of a recycled leather case, an organic cotton sachet and a recycled polyester cloth, enclosed in a paper box that is also recycled and FSC certified. All produced with 100% green energy.
P.Rew.: Vivienne Westwood
