Eyewear specialist Rodenstock has created a number of new models to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Porsche Design Eyewear.
Rodenstock extended its Porsche Design Eyewear licence agreement for a further ten years last year.
The anniversary models, along with other new eyewear, were unveiled at the recent Opti trade show in Munich, which was attended by The Moodie Davitt Report*. Rodenstock’s new collections were also showcased at a fashion show held at the Haus der Kunst museum during Opti.
The Porsche Design anniversary models will be available in duty free and travel retail.
Speaking at the fashion show, Rodenstock CEO and host Oliver Kastalio said: “Glasses are becoming more and more like a fashion accessory, which is why we arranged this eyewear show. The trend for eyewear in 2018 will be frameless sunglasses in diverse colours and retro models for optical frames.”
A special edition of the Porsche Design P’8478, the first spectacles in the world to feature replaceable lenses, has been created.
The 40Y P’8478 sunglasses come with a matte black titanium frame and golden highlights on the nose bridge and lens holders. They are complemented with four pairs of interchangeable lenses in blue gradients, brown, olive/silver mirrored and mercury/silver mirrored.
The sunglasses are available in two sizes, with each limited to 911 pieces.
A special travel box houses the anniversary edition and its replacement lenses. The 40Y packaging is completed with a spectacles case.
The P’8478’s design has remained unchanged in 40 years. The product was adapted to the technical level of the 21st century through the use of ultralight titanium only.
The Porsche Design Spring/Summer 2018 eyewear collection comprises 14 new models which reflect the design that has characterised Porsche Design for more than 40 years. Highlights include the Laser Cut and Ti-Namic.
The Laser Cut (P’8663), part of the brand’s Iconics series, is also limited to 911 pieces. The sunglasses feature a 100% titanium frame and cut outs in the side areas of the middle section. The lenses are grey-tinted and give the impression that they are floating in the wrap-around titanium band.
A special laser technique was used to engrave the Porsche Design logo in the titanium temples.
The Ti-Namic line was inspired by automobile construction and comprises two correction spectacles and two sunglasses. The titanium temples resemble the side air intakes of sports cars and are said to provide comfort and flexibility in combination with the light titanium frame.
Rodenstock also previewed the Masters Selection, Mix Your Style and rocco by Rodenstock at Opti and the fashion show.
*FOOTNOTE: We spoke to Rodenstock Head of Travel Retail Petra Eckhardt-Koestler at Opti and will publish an interview on the company’s travel retail strategy soon.
