Sunglasses inspired by 'Amazing Spider-Man' guard against glare

Premium sunglasses maker Maui Jim has issued a limited edition of polarized shades that would make the wall-crawler himself proud. Called the Kekoa, the sunglasses have a lightweight Red Web Grilamid frame and lenses with webbed mirroring. The glasses come with a custom-branded case and storage pouch, also decorated in keeping with the hero of the new film "The Amazing Spider-Man," which opened in theaters on Tuesday.

Only 7,200 of the frames were issued worldwide and each is individually numbered. They are available in the U.S. exclusively at Sunglass Hut, with a suggested retail price of $219.

ALSO:

SpiritHoods expands into swimwear

Jeremy Scott gets digital for Longchamp

Frugal Fashion: Get Gwen Stefani's rocker glam look

--Susan Denley

Photos: From top, the Kekoa sunglasses have a red frame and webbed mirroring.

The complete set includes the sunglasses, case and storage pouch. Photos courtesy of Maui Jim. 

Lost sunglasses? Dizm's will biodegrade

Most SoCal lifeguards who rush into the water for a rescue end up losing their sunglasses in the water -- inadvertently adding to the Pacific Trash Vortex. But Dizm Eyewear is hoping to change that with its new eco-collection of biodegradable sunglasses.

"The concept is that if you lose your sunglasses in the water, they'll turn into fish food once they're decomposed. If you lose them in the forest, in five or 10 years, they'd turn into biomass and be completely gone," said Jonas Lee, general manager of Dizm Eyewear in Hermosa Beach.

A sunglass line designed to bridge the gap between action sports and fashion, Dizm makes about 70 styles, 18 of which have biodegradable frames. Dizm is still working on a biodegradable solution for its polycarbonate lenses, which present a challenge because of the need for optical clarity. Before the end of the year, Dizm hopes to switch all of its frames to plastics made from wood, cotton and palm oil.

"Our entire team is working to develop the best processes for recycling and repurposing glasses as well as to take good care of our playground," said Dizm founder Linda Larson, who recently sponsored a beach cleanup at the American Pro Surfing Series contest in Huntington Beach and is currently developing a collection program for its glasses to either rework and donate them to people in need or to dispose of them more ecologically than the landfill.

If composted with a backyard system, the biodegradable sunglass frames will break down over the course of several seasons, Larson said.

RELATED:

Getting an eco-friendly wardrobe makeover

Coming soon to baby's bottom: 100% compostable diapers

Celebrities opting for lightly tinted, custom-made sunglasses

-- Susan Carpenter

Photo: Dizm Eyewear eco-collection sunglasses. Credit: Dizm Eyewear.

Fashion news: Armani, 'Great Gatsby' and Cannes Film Festival

Giorgio Armani contemplates his legacy in a profile in the upcoming WSJ magazine: Gabriella Forte, a consultant for Dolce & Gabbana and a former executive at Armani, tells writer Alessandra Galloni that "his brand isn't only about fashion; it's bigger than that." Galloni adds: "Armani, who turns 78 in July, looms so large over his company that it's hard to imagine a future without him." [WSJ]

In the meantime, Armani has seen its profits climb 23%. [WWD] (subscription required)

Lots of chatter about the release of a trailer for Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby," and that includes lots of commentary about the clothes. New York magazine weighs in: "In typical Luhrmann fashion, they're far more fantastical, sparkly, and circuslike than, say, historically accurate for 1922. Gauging by the first trailer ... we can probably expect the wardrobe to look like some combination of the film's 1974 adaptation and a Beyoncé concert in Vegas." [Cut]

Where are the best indie shops in Los Angeles? Racked has compiled a list of 38 stores, including "Eastside indie style mecca Mohawk General Store."

The Cannes Film Festival continues, as does the parade of starlets on various red carpets. Who's the fairest of them all? Naomi Watts, Kirsten Dunst and Diane Kruger, among others. [People]

Not to be outdone by his fashionista peers, Brad Pitt walked the red carpet in Cannes, sporting a pricey pair of shades. How pricey? The Sama Eyewear sunglasses are $1,250. [Us]

-- Alice Short

RELATED:

'City of Style' makes a fashionable debut

Cannes Film Festival: Walter Salles' journey to 'On the Road'

'Paperboy's' Zac Efron talks semi-nudity; director bares own soul 

Photo" A scene from "The Great Gatsby." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Specs appeal: the eyes have it

Remember when everyone who needed prescription eyewear seemed to be sporting a pair of barely there rimless spectacles with low-profile lenses barely bigger than a pair of postage stamps?  

While that look (circa 2002 to 2005) hasn't gone away completely, over the past half decade there's been a decided shift in the opposite direction and today ophthalmic glasses are treated as much like a fashion accessory as are their in-your-face, dark-lensed sibling sunglasses.

Why and how that happened is the focus of my story in Sunday's Image section, which has eyewear industry experts near (L.A. Eyeworks' Gai Gherardi, Oliver Peoples' Larry Leight and David Rose from Costa Mesa based Salt Optics) and far (Milena Cavicchioli, from Milan, Italy-based eyewear behemoth Luxottica Group) framing up the factors that helped eyewear, in Cavicchioli's words "step out of its traditional cage and expand into different areas of the fashion world."

In fact, eyewear frames have become such a popular accessory that even people who don't need to correct their vision are wearing glasses anyway. And we're not the only ones that have noticed -- even as Sunday's Image section was going to press, I received an email pitch on just that topic from the LasikPlus folks who noted: "Even celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Kim Kardashian who underwent LASIK have been photographed wearing frames again."

For the record, we have no idea if or when either of the two aformentioned celebrities underwent said laser vision correction procedure. But we do know that Brad Pitt turned up at the Oakland premiere of "Moneyball" in October sporting a pair of eyeglass frames with lightly tinted lenses -- which just so happens to be another topic I tackle in Sunday's Image section.   

RELATED:

Tom's next chapter: Sunglasses

Warby Parker's affordable, vintage-inspired eyewear

Dakota Johnson takes the plunge in Oliver Peoples' latest short

-- Adam Tschorn

Photos: The current crop of eye-catching eyewear includes, from left, L.A. Eyeworks' Dip (in Two Mints, $230), Salt Optics' Annabel (in Toffee Tortoise Pink, $315) and Oliver Peoples' Reeves (in Pewter/Matte Black, $440) Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Sunglass Hut Artist Series features guerrilla knitter

As it has started to get colder here in Southern California, the idea of sweaters for your sunglasses struck me as funny. And Sunglass Hut has got 'em, sort of.

For its annual Artist Series, the sunglasses chain has collaborated with Austin, Texas-based yarn artist Magda Sayeg, otherwise known as Knitta, on three limited edition styles (pictured above) for $130 each at sunglassHut.com. (As part of its partnership with the charity foundation OneSight, $30 from each pair will go to help support and restore clear vision for people in need.) 

At the forefront of the guerrilla knitting movement, Sayeg founded the knitting graffitti crew KnittaPlease in 2005 after so many unfinished knitting projects. Since then, she has yarn bombed everything from a Central Park bench to a bus in Mexico City, as well as organizing community-based knitting projects to beautify urban areas. 

A recent installation on the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City was commissioned by the North Brooklyn Public Arts Commission and the New York City Department of Transportation. Sayeg has collaborated with Absolut Vodka, Madewell and other brands, and her first solo exhibition was held last year at Rome's La Museo des Esposizione. 

In December, her work will be on view in Los Angeles at the Standard Hotel downtown. Or it could be before then, on a pair of toasty sunglasses on your face.

-- Booth Moore  

RELATED:

Namaste Farms: A different spin on yarn

Vogue Knitting Live comes to Los Angeles

Knitta sunglasses courtesy of Sunglass Hut. Magda Sayeg's "Art" project. Credit: Jack Edinger. Sayeg's crochet-covered bus. Credit: Cesar Ortega.

Your Stylist: Patriotic chic pieces for the 4th of July

Resident Image stylist and market editor Melissa Magsaysay soothes your sartorial woes in the weekly Your Stylist blog column

If you’re gearing up for the 4th of July weekend, you might want to think about packing or putting on an item or two that are a sartorial expression of the holiday. Red, white and blue are the obvious choices, and those colors as a combo or solid will always work. But here are a few items that are fun, whimsical and definitely patriotic-chic.

This kicky Lucca Couture sundress ($79 at Urban Outfitters, right) isn’t technically red, white or blue. It’s got a little pop of red running through it, but mostly it’s the bright and explosive design festooning the back and front of the dress that reminds me of fireworks. It feels celebratory and totally summery.

For something more modest and traditional, this red, white and blue circular print top from Boden ($80 at www.boden.com, above left) would look good paired with denim cut-offs or cuffed white jeans and brown leather sandals. With something this busy and bright, you’ve met your color quota. Don’t try to pair it with red or blue pants, stick to something neutral.

Whether you’re planning a beach trip or just want to switch up your current carryall for something much more suited for warmer weather, this blue striped straw tote from Michael Stars ($80, piperlime.com, above right) is roomy enough for a towel and bottled water and light enough for running around on weekend errands.

To add a little bit of patriotic pop to your look, dainty star-shaped jewelry always works, and makes perfect sense to wear at other times of the year. These bright green starfish earrings from Betsey Johnson ($23.99, piperlime.com, above right) look patriotic and beachy and give some nice neon color to summer whites. The gold star pendant from Lisa Stewart ($80, maxandchloe.com, left) is a nice addition to a simple sun dress or would look great layered with heftier necklaces. And for a  real rich pop of red, try the red and gold chain necklace from Missoni ($655 at netaporter.com, right)

Don’t forget the sun protection this weekend, especially if you’re planning something poolside, or well, just outdoors in general. You can’t go wrong with classic red  Ray Bans ($129, sunglasshut.com, above left) they provide a perfect pop of bold color that livens up even the simplest of outfits.

Same goes for the Max raffia fedora from Eugenia Kim ($192.50, netaporter.com, above left). The bold red and blue striped band makes this preppy and summery at the same time.  

For the skin, make sure to pack sunscreen and a little self tanner, because your tan might need a little boost in case this June gloom keeps up. (Shiseido self tan, $30, left, and Shiseido sunscreen, $35, at Bloomingdales)

Send your style queries to melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com

-- Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED

Your stylist: How to rock a deep side part like Jessica Alba, Blake Lively and Kristen Stewart

Your Stylist: A chic and versatile day to night bag

Your Stylist: Statement-making espadrilles

Photos: Top left: Boden silk painterly top/Boden, top right: Lucca Couture dress/Lucca Couture, left: Eugenia Kim Max raffia fedora/Eugenia Kim, right: Michael Stars striped straw tote bag/Michael Stars, left: Ray Ban wayfarers in red/Ray Ban, right: Betsey Johnson starfish earrings/Betsey Johnson, left: Lisa Stewart star pendant necklace/Lisa Stewart, right: Missoni chain necklace/Missoni, left: Shiseido self tanning lotion/Shiseido.

Toms' next chapter: Sunglasses

 

This post has been updated since its original publication.

Hand-painted, colorful striped sunglasses. That's the second chapter of Toms Shoes' one-for-one business.

"With every pair purchased, Toms will give someone sight," said Toms founder Blake Mycoskie.

Meaning that for every pair of sunglasses purchased, sight-saving medical treatment, prescription glasses or surgery will be donated to a person in need. The sunglasses are landing in stores today for $135 to $145 and come in three shapes and 22 color combinations. The 101s are a classic Wayfarer-like style, while the 201s are oversized, round Jackie O glasses, and the 301s are aviators with wood accents. Toms sunglasses are recognizable by the three painted stripes on the sides, which represent the one-for-one giving concept.

The scene at the California Heritage Museum in Santa Monica on Tuesday morning was part rock concert, part political rally. Mycoskie made the announcement on stage in front of the Victorian-style museum building, with food trucks nearby and radio stations broadcasting live. About 150 people gathered on the grass to hear about the SoCal company's next step, many of them wearing Toms' signature colorful canvas shoes.

"From this day forward, Toms will no longer just be a shoe company, it will be a one-for-one company," Mycoskie said, before unveiling a video made in Nepal, with local people talking about the need to address visual impairment, in particular cataracts and blindness.

The medical treatment and surgery will be administered by a Toms partner, the Seva Foundation, which has helped give eye care to more than 3 million people in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. A leading global initiative to reduce blindness and visual impairment for the past 30 years, Northern California-based Seva also works with academic institutions in developing countries to train eye care specialists.

"Most every place that sells Toms can or will sell eyewear," said Mycoskie, adding that he plans to roll out two new eyewear collections each year, and envisions doing collaborations with artists and/or fashion designers on future styles.

Alexandra Cassaniti’s breezy shirts and canvas backpacks are cool for summer

I stopped by designer Alexandra Cassaniti's Santa Monica studio this morning and was inspired to gear up for summer upon seeing her signature gauzy cheesecloth tops and cool canvas-and-leather backpacks  that would make a perfect bag for treks to the beach or any sunny getaway. 

The San Diego native and avid surfer’s work space is filled with so many accessories, all made locally, that are great for warm weather, and of course, a Southern California lifestyle. Besides the backpacks and gauzy tops (she started making the cheesecloth shirts to wear because of her own sensitive skin) Cassaniti makes printed canvas bags to hang on handlebars, funky sunglasses with reflective Xs on each lens and cool 1970s-style slip-on wedge sandals with a neoprene upper and insole. 

Her surf-inspired lifestyle line is a minimal approach to the colorful, hibiscus printed pieces made by so many mainstream action sports lines. It’s like beachwear for city dwellers who regularly surf, or at least ride their beach cruiser around Abbot Kinney on the weekends. 
 
--Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: (Top left) Cheesecloth tank top. (Top right) Neoprene wedge sandals and X-lens sunglasses. (Bottom) Canvas backpacks, all by Alexandra Cassaniti.  Credit: Melissa Magsaysay

Ray Ban for Brooks Brothers sunglasses are a perfectly preppy accessory

Prepsters rejoice. Two famous American brands have come together to create an accessory that combines classic elements of both companies. Ray Ban’s sunglasses for Brooks Brothers showcase the wayfarer and aviator styles from Ray Ban, with arms lined in the signature BB #1 Repp stripe from Brooks Brothers -- more commonly seen on the brand’s ties, bow ties and even decorative pillows.

The pattern was originally fashioned after British regimental or club ties. In the 1920s, the diagonal stripes were reversed in direction by Brooks Brothers to “Americanize” the pattern, and it has since remained a recognizable aspect of the company’s accessories as well as preppy style in general.

The wayfarer reached prepster staple status during the 1950s, and recently it has become more of a cool-girl, hipster favorite worn regularly by celebrities like Rachel Bilson and Chloe Sevigny.

The stripes are subtle, but like the quick flash of the lining of a suit or punch of color a bow tie can provide, the design is a fun and quirky touch that suits those who appreciate the classics.

The Ray Ban for Brooks Brothers collection comes in burgundy and yellow stripes. Wayfarers are $145 and aviators are $139 at Brooks Brothers stores.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED:

Warby Parker launches sunglasses for summer

Your stylist: Sleek summer sunglasses for guys

Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses launch for spring

'Vic' visions for L.A. Eyeworks, TenOverSix

Photo: Ray Ban for Brooks Brothers sunglasses. Credit: Ray Ban

Warby Parker launches sunglasses for summer

Warby Parker, the eyewear company we told you about that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased, is venturing into sunglasses for summer, continuing with their vintage-inspired styles along with the appealing $95 price tag.

There are five female frames and five unisex frames in the sun collection and each comes in two to three color options, including a striking tortoise and a cool blue color.

“We have been exploring new color palettes by mixing vintage patterns with modern color treatments, creating rich gray horns, blue smokes and other innovative yet wearable colors for differing personalities and moods,” says Neil Blumenthal, one of the designers and co-founders of the brand. “Each frame is deliberately designed to look great in diverse settings and is meticulously crafted to provide a superior fit."

The glasses, which launch in June, come with polarized non-prescription lenses and the company aims to have prescription lenses available by the end of June. Each pair is also equipped with Teflon coated screws that will hopefully help the frames hold up should they take a beating while being worn during a fun-filled summer.

Warby Parker glasses are available at www.warbyparker.com.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED:

Your stylist: Sleek summer sunglasses for guys

Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses launch for spring

'Vic' visions for L.A. Eyeworks, TenOverSix

Photos: Styles from Warby Parker’s sunglasses line, launching this June/Warby Parker