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Design 74, Christian Roth ($460).
When a German and a French designer come together with a Korean manufacturer, the last thing expected out of the partnership is a collection of sunglasses inspired by Miami. But for 2014, Christian Roth, whose eyewear boasts fans such as Kate Moss, Rihanna, and Daphne Guinness, gleans massive amounts of inspiration from the city—so much so that the most recent advertising campaign, shot by Formento+Formento, was photographed in the MiMo District.
“Miami is the crossroads between the northern and southern hemispheres. The cultural mix, along with the diversity of face type and features (which are very important in eyewear design), is inspiring,” says Miami resident Roth, who runs the brand with his business partner Eric Domège. “Our Miami customers are diverse, and so are the places we see them wearing our designs: ladies who lunch at Makoto in Bal Harbour, young socialites for sunset cocktails at The Standard, art aficionados cruising Wynwood and the Design District.”
He continues, “Our new collection is composed of the essential shapes—oversize glamour, sporty aviator, classical pantos, and sleek rectangular. However, for Miami, we especially love the tributes to the ocean and [architect] Mr. Morris Lapidus [found in our styles]. The tropical vibes of the city are very inspiring.”
This nod to Lapidus, whose name is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the hotels with which he dotted South Beach, such as Eden Roc and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, comes through in the glasses’ spunk and panache. With a mix of neon hues and deep Caribbean blues, mother-of-pearl, and tortoise shell varieties to choose from, both Miamians and our international visitors will have something by which to remember the city. Artsee, 1658 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, 305-538-3737
