Ken Okuyama’s eyewear captures the spirit of his sleek supercars.
01. SIGHTS TO BEHOLD
Ken Okuyama’s eyewear captures the spirit of his sleek supercars.
Sad but true: Having deep pockets is no guarantee that you will be able to own one of the cars from the eponymous line by renowned Japanese industrial designer Ken Okuyama. Having formerly led the design teams of iconic models such as the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte, Okuyama is now better known for creating low-production sports models bearing his name, such as the latest one-off concept car, Kode 0.
Good thing, then, that he has applied his knack for sleek styling and technical excellence to his eyewear line, Ken Okuyama Eyes, as well. Collections such as the KO -219 look pretty sharp in their own right, but what will really get fans’ motors running is how these optical designs incorporate elements from the automotive world.
Like all Ken Okuyama eyewear, KO -219 models feature temples crafted from beta titanium, a strong and light alloy used in the performance car, aircraft and spacecraft industries. These frames are held together by Torx screws, which are used in automobiles, and are less easily damaged when tightened. Ergonomics and optimal fit are another key focus, with the ends of temples shaped such that the centre of gravity is shifted backwards – a huge plus for anyone who has been driven mad by eyewear that keeps sliding down their nose. Available at Eye Theory at Leisure Park Kallang, Ocular Company at Suntec City, The Eye Place, and Paris Miki at Takashimaya, Liang Court and Vivocity.
WORLD OF DESIGN
Ken Okuyama has also put his creative spin on motorcycles, furniture, trains and even robots.
02. BACK TO BLACK
Now that the world of men’s leather goods is awash in a dizzying array of patinated hues, Dunhill cleanses the palate, and palette, with its all-black Duke collection. But just because the four-piece collection is done in black does not mean its fi nish is one-dimensional: The British heritage brand attributes the depth of the calfskin’s inky hue to its mix of vegetable and chrome tanning processes. One of our favourites is the Audley tote, Dunhill’s capacious roll-top bag.
03. FIRM FOUNDATION
If the new casual codes sweeping through fashion leave you cold, you might be pleased that French heritage trunk-maker (it also makes leather bags these days) Moynat has set up its first South-east Asian store in Singapore. Inspired by the brand’s signature trunk with a curved base, the Limousine briefcase is all businesslike solidity – a striking choice for those who won’t stand for the floppiness of soft leather carriers (although Moynat has pretty smart versions of those as well). The new store carries men’s and women’s leather goods, trunks, accessories and textiles.
#01-10 Takashimaya Department Store.
04. HIGH ALTITUDE
From leather sneakers modelled after basketball high-tops to tailored track pants, sports have long provided creative inspiration for fashion brands. This season, designers have set their sights a little higher – literally – by taking their cue from alpine sports. At Z Zegna, creative director Alessandro Sartori ushered in “a new era of performance-backed tailoring ” with styles inspired by ’70s-style skiwear. And then there’s the collaboration between innovative Japanese label Sacai and American outdoor-gear specialist The North Face, which sees the latter’s weatherproof jackets updated for the runway (and real life) with fresh forms – such as the bomber jacket – and new colourways. It’s time to chill.
