Int'l designer brands enter RI market

For those who would like to buy stylish eyeglasses, there are many brands to choose on the market, including those produced by globally recognized designers.

With prices ranging from Rp 1.8 million (US$189) to Rp 5 million, the designer eyewear can be found at boutiques in upscale malls such as Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta or Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta. French designers clearly dominate the market.

Following are some of the brands:

1. JF. Rey is a brand created by noted French eyewear designer Jean-Francois Rey. Rey, who started his career as a fashion designer in Japan, is greatly inspired by Asian and African cultures.

Rey's models include leaves and dried flowers in the acetate frames. He is often viewed as a designer who has set an inventive pace with new designs, not only in shapes but also in materials.

Lafont is associated with French designer Laurence Lafont. She works with a team of five people, including her 28-year-old son Thomas, and is known for her innovative color schemes.

Lafont draws her ideas by observing people and lifestyles while visiting markets in Tokyo, Hong Kong, New Delhi or Milan. Her frames portray tribal masks, abstract paintings and exotic flowers.

Alain Mikli, is another French designer popular here. Mikli is known for fine craftsmanship and handmade elements.

Alviero Martini, an Italian designer, known for his frames and sunglasses collections. Martini likes to combine acetate material with leather.

Meanwhile, Asian designer brands are represented here by four popular Japanese brands: Japonism, BCPC, Less Than Human, and Zio. They use many sexual concepts in their frames.

--A. Junaidi