OT  focuses on… winning designs

Titanium takes the title

This spring Modo’s R 1000 + Titanium eyewear was recognised in the Red Dot Awards, taking a title in the product design category for 2021.

The R 1000 + Titanium frames feature memory plastic and are described as ‘super light’ and flexible. The company added that the use of “durable and adaptable materials with thoughtful construction” aims to provide a balance of “technique and aesthetics.”

Recent additions to the collection include hidden screwless hinges and PVD coating technology on the Beta-titanium arms.

Frames in the latest release also feature a new dual-layered colouring technique, in which two colours are joined in the same piece of R 1000 material to create a layered front.

Speaking to OT, a Modo spokesperson said: “The Red Dot Award represents another important milestone that confirms Modo’s unique approach to design and to the use of hi-tech plastics that deliver strength, lightness and functionality.”

Double design award win

Austrian eyewear brand, Silhouette International, has secured two 2021 IF Design Awards, with its Blend and Identity eyewear collections both winning in the product design category.

The Blend line (pictured) includes frames made from SPX and titanium that merge “seamlessly” and which particularly caught the attention of the judges.

Meanwhile, the Identity collection also claimed an IF Design Award. The collection is inspired by minimalistic modern architecture, providing a geometric twist on Silhouette’s design hallmarks, including cut-outs and outlines for a “ultramodern” and multifaceted appearance.

The company suggested the awards, which comes off the back of a 2020 Red Dot Award for the brand’s Momentum Select collection, are testament to its “high quality materials, detailed design and innovative technology.” 

Sustainable solution

Inspecs received an International Green Product Award 2021 for its O’Neill ‘Wove’ sunglasses in the sport category.

The frames are created from recycled materials including ghost fishing nets, with mineral and recyclable glass lenses and touchpoints made from recycled rubber.

‘Wove’ eyewear was created in alignment with the sportwear brand’s ‘O’Neill Blue’ scheme, a mission to reduce plastic waste in the ocean.

Commenting on the award, O’Neill strategic brand manager, Julian de Waal, said: “We are happy that the sustainability and innovation that went into the development has been awarded with The Green Product Award. Naturally, this is an important step for our O’Neill Blue programme, our initiative to create more sustainable products.” 

Highlighting recycled plastics

Eco Eyewear took home the A’Design Award for sustainable products, projects and green design, for its new Eco Ocean collection.

The brand, part of the Modo group, launched the new line this spring, with frames made from recycled ocean plastics. To create the frames, Eco partnered with the NGO – Waste Free Oceans – to source the material, which was then cleaned, prepared and extruded into plastic granules.

Describing the inspiration behind the concept, the brand shared that it wanted to highlight how plastic waste can be a “valuable resource to be re-used over and over.” The company added: “We believe that big change comes in the form of many small ones, and therefore our goal was to make the collection attractive to as many as possible.”

A representative for Eco told OT: “The A’Design Award confirms Eco Ocean as the definitive statement for our Eco-chic approach, for frames with a distinct look, a fresh feel with a clear identity. Eco collections are sustainable, with no compromises in terms of style.”

This marks the third award received by the brand, alongside the German Design Award 2021, and the IF Gold Award 2020 for its Recycled Metal collection and magnetic sun clip-ons.