StudioMikli introduces Vanessa & Mehdi Eyewear created by two of its designers, Vanessa Di Giovanni and Mehdi Gaurat. The two joined the Mikli design team at Alain Mikli International in 2003 and won the Silmo d’Or award in 2007 for one of their frames—Carapace. Included are 12 frames in 47 colors. The concept behind their collection is based on blending the frame with the face, taking into account facial asymmetry. To achieve this, the new line features an innovative, patented technology—a mechanism molded into the temples and inspired by exoskeletons—that enables a custom-made fit by allowing the height of each temple and tilt of the frame front to be individually adjusted within a 10-degree inclination range. Styles are futuristic and have temples sculpted in various volumes accented with unexpected lines and enhanced with such colors as cherry crystal, anthracite with glossy black, brushed titanium, raspberry and frosty pearl gray.


PHILOSOPHY:
“These styles are targeted to those in search of a timeless frame that is high tech and innovative, providing a custom-made frame in harmony with the asymmetries of the wearer’s face,” says Vanessa Di Giovanni, StudioMikli designer. 

MARKETING:
Merchandising materials include signage, a window banner and DVD. Each frame comes with a zippered black hard case with fitting instructions.

PRICE POINT:
$$$$$. For additional information, contact Alain Mikli International, (800) 829-8032; web site: www.mikli.com

INSIGHT
Vanessa Di Giovanni studied international trade and marketing in Annecy, France, and worked in lens manufacturing before becoming an eyewear product manager with an eye toward design. Mehdi Gaurat earned a degree in graphic design from the Art Appliques (school of applied arts) in Lyon, France, and became an eyewear designer in 1991, working with various companies before joining StudioMikli.