Season's Style, Seen Through New Lenses
Staying in touch with our locals in Hong Kong. We’ve recently put together a series of styling shoot in the studio with our local The New Black Optical, eyewear curators who have an eye on mostly Japanese independent and legacy eyewear labels. We wish you derive joy and inspiration from the series.
Look I:
A look crafted for the intellectual. Drape and weight, carrying the weight of wisdom and knowledge on the shoulders. Flow and form, embodying a sense of scholarly gravitas, also allowing mobility for days when going up and down among wooden-shelved libraries and dusty archives. Up top, bright tonal layers inject a touch of freshness, a nod to the vibrancy of new ideas amid storied surroundings.
Rodd wears the painters' inspired Goodman Jacket in Tobacco, with the 6-ply cotton sweater in Sienna and Canvas Wide Trousers. Finished off with the choice of a combination eyewear frame, with fine etchings and acetate rims that sharpen the gaze. A statement of intellect and craft, where form meets philosophy with understated elegance.
Look II:
Rodd wears the Lazyman Jacket in Natural. Fabric composed of irregular weaves woven by this small Japanese weaver we've collaborated with over the past years. The fabric’s tactility evokes memories of artisanal woven goods—rattan, raffia—timeless crafts found across Asia. Styled with the Camp Collar Waffle Shirt in China Blue and stone linen drawstring trousers, the ensemble captures the spirit of effortless summer ease. Finishing the look, a pair of aviators with tinted lenses brings tonal harmony, reminiscent of calm waters and hazy mornings—the quiet arrival of early summer days.
Look III:
Expect the Unexpected. The agile Strider Raincoat lets you take on a stride around town with ease, unbothered by the weather's whims. Rodd is dressed in the Natural Flex Wool Twill Sport Jacket in Toffee, paired with a classic navy knitted T-shirt and a belt. The look is grounded with canvas wide trousers in Biscuit, adding a touch of drama and flow.
Emphasising lightness, the ensemble is completed with light titanium eyewear, a wool-cashmere scarf in 'Snakeskin' from Artefacts, and unlined Torbay loafers.
Look IV:
A masterclass in tonal harmony and textured elegance—reclaiming the crown for the understated king. Subtlety revealed through a palette of soft, earthy hues—a signature Anthology pairing. The Oatmeal Wool/Cashmere Sport Jacket, a special order exclusively available via Artefacts, lays the foundation. It's met with the gentle touch of the grey Oyster Shirt, woven from a luxurious blend of cotton, silk, and merino, offering a whisper of refinement. Wide white trousers introduce a sense of lightness, grounded by dark brown accents in rich textures—suede, deerskin, and the smooth lines of marbled acetate sunglasses. A quiet study in balance, where materiality and tone converge seamlessly.
Look V:
Where rugged utility meets softness and youthful spirit. Rodd wears the updated Lazyman Jacket with the Forager Barn Jacket. A bold juxtaposition of city blues interwoven with a touch of oceanic Riviera charm. The look balances contrasting elements: earthy rain-soaked greens and muddy browns collide with crisp urban hues. Layering becomes the bridge, where the opposing forces find harmony, anchored by the depth of black. A refined take on merging the raw and the refined, city and countryside—effortless yet intentional.
Congratulations to The New Black Optical on the opening of their new flagship store at the International Finance Centre (IFC) in Hong Kong. The expanded space now features their expertly curated collection of Japanese eyewear and independent labels, alongside a select range of high-end American and European reproduction frames. Located just minutes from The Anthology showroom, it’s well worth a visit next time you’re in the area. Speak to our local team members if you’d like to seek style advice and recommendations.