Natural Beauties

Organic influences are in full bloom as eyewear and sunwear show off flowers, butterflies, and more

by Amy Spiezio

Just like when we were kids, getting outside to play is good for you. The American Chiropractic Association notes, “While modern civilization has made our lives more convenient, it has deprived us of an essential source of stress relief—connection with nature. Studies show that interacting with nature can help lessen the effects of stress on the nervous system, reduce attention deficits, decrease aggression, and enhance spiritual well-being.”

Unfortunately, stepping outside for a leisurely day in nature isn't as easy as all that. Between work and weather, whiling away a day in the park is a treat that comes along fairly infrequently for most.

So what's a stress fighter to do? While a lucky bamboo plant or a saltwater aquarium may do the trick for some, the optical world is offering a bounty of organic escapes in the form of floral temples, butterfly accents, and other naturally beautified eyewear choices.

THIS SEASON, LOOK FOR:

BUTTERFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES: These glamorous creatures first flitted onto eyewear a season or so ago, but their charm is long lasting and provides a touch of flash in many of today's more subtle styles.

FLORAL FUNK: Frame fronts with rosy accents and temples etched or sculpted with a bouquet of metal blooms are growing wildly this season, providing an eye-catching change from the streamlined looks on the market.

GREEN SCENE: While the economy may not be great for the larger-scale green projects, there's still a strong interest in optical that features actual or reproduced woods or other sustainable materials.

REINTERPRETATIONS: The optical garden is filled with plenty of designs with a literal recreation of a natural look, but there are also delightful abstracts of vines, birds' feathers and wings, and flowers for those who want the organic look with a distinctly urban spin.

The photos provide a full glimpse of this fall's eyewear harvest. FB