Introducing Porsche Design’s essential SS21 collection

Precision meets technological innovation in Porsche Design’s SS21 eyewear collection, as the German brand aims to optimise the function, reduce the shape to the essential and overcome the familiar in order to develop the best new solution.

The new Iconic P’8924 model, pictured below, is limited to 911 copies - harking back to the Porsche 911 supercar - and was “created for immortality, designed from a single layout of the line”, the brand said. The idea was to create a design that looked like a continuous line drawn by hand. The straight line on the outside made of titanium contrasts with the distinctive, round lens shape of the frame, which creates one unit and lends the frame its futuristic design. The individual elements of the spectacles undergo a complex process.

Heritage meets modernity

Inspired by the Iconic P‘8478, Porsche Design picks up on a style element that is deeply rooted in the brand history: Hooks. The brand transforms the distinctive lens fittings into the modern age and revives this design element with two new models - P’8919 and P’8920 - in an edgy and technoid look. Through the interaction of various levels, a futuristic design is created, which seeks to guarantee lightness and flexibility thanks to the thinly manufactured stainless steel and ear pieces made from high-performance plastic RXP.

Dynamic design

Inspired by the elegant silhouette of the Porsche 911, three new models P‘8923, P‘8386 and P‘8387 convey a dynamic look and complement the Liquid Titanium range, which also includes the P‘8688. Three-dimensional, perfectly shaped sides create an interplay of light and shade, which characterises the flowing character of this range. The use of pure titanium and precise machining aim to lend the models a pleasant lightness.

The fusion of opposite elements seeks to create something unique. The Fusion concept combines contrasts in shape, material and surface: plastic RXP meets stainless steel, shiny meets matt surfaces, and slim sides meet a striking front. Fusion combines classic shapes, which are highlighted by workmanship and comfort thanks to the lightness of the material. The new models P‘8380 and P‘8698 have a technoid and futuristic look.

Rodenstock looks forward to a bright future

Munich-based eyewear group Rodenstock aims to stay true to its roots of quality, design and detail with its cutting-edge Spring/Summer 2021 collection, which seeks to set trends and takes inspiration from the 1970s for the visual campaign.

With the Signature line for men and women, Rodenstock is keen to set standards in terms of precision and aesthetics. The high-quality, lightweight titanium frames combine refreshing minimalism with first-class functionality, according to the company. Elements made from the high-performance plastic RXP bring colourful highlights into play and complement the modern look of the Panto spectacles, as well as the frame in the modern, square look.

Rodenstock celebrates a revival of its classics and reinterprets favourites with modern features. Apart from elegant embellishments at the sides and high-quality finishes, modern shapes create a distinctive look. The Starlet butterfly sunglasses pay tribute to the Hollywood glamour of the 1950s. They have a two-tone look with a spectacular frame made of high-performance plastic RXP and stainless steel. 

In memory of the style icon Audrey Hepburn, Fine Lady focuses on transparent, Italian acetate with a refined colour gradient in pastel shades.

For everyone who is young at heart, the Young Line offers two trendy, casual styles in the new collection. For fashionistas, Rodenstock presents a frame made of high-quality acetate with the Love Acetate line, which is available in two trendy spring colours. For men, there are two frames made of stainless steel and aluminium in the Heavy Metal line, which have a minimalist design.

Petra Eckhardt-Koestler, Rodenstock Director Global Retail Eyewear, says: “This is exciting news and comes at the perfect time as our brands begin to recover from the difficulties of this year. Despite the challenges, we remain positive about the future and the power of the sunglasses sector in the travel retail market. As shoppers begin to return, they are going to be looking for exciting and luxury product and we have a number of stylish and innovative releases planned to inspire travellers in 2021. First among these will be our phenomenal new collection for the first quarter of 2021.

“Sunglasses shopping is at the heart of the travel experience and we are ready to be at the heart of the recovery.”

Springing into action with MCM

German luxury brand MCM has unveiled its Spring/Summer 21 collection centred on the enticing theme Techno Jungle.  

The new collection continues the brand’s virtual journey, from lush Arcadian landscapes to far-reaching tundras. “Natural elements merge with the virtual to forge a utopia where fantasy and reality coexist,” says MCM. (Can MJ Rabbit come too?)

MCM’s letters, styled in a tech font, overlay the classic Visetos monogram. The graphic elements combine the hues of sky, land and sea. 

“Tech flowers bloom with a new spirit of spring, and through this digital conversion, we're reminded of nature's irreplaceable beauty,” MCM enthuses. 

Dirk Schönberger, MCM's Global Creative Officer, explains: “We wanted to create a collection which celebrates our heritage as well as the stories we share from one generation to the next.”

Credits for the SS21 collection are as follows: CGI lead artist: Manuel Carvalho; Lead photographer: Mathilde Agius; BTS photographer: Julien Tell; BTS videographer: Stini Röhrs; Stylist: Marc Goehring; Talent: Aria Lilith, Désiré Mia, Yuuki Tang, Aselia Toktorova, Deborah Doeson; Music: Hye Jin Park.