The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

biteglasses Images courtesy of Goods Agency ing with Henri Guillet and the best workshops in Oyonnax. She redefined eyewear through her bold, oversized frame designs, epitomising her personal empowerment and style philosophy. Her audacious approach to eyewear trans- formed glasses from mere functional items to essential fashion accessories. Each design radiated a mix of retro and contemporary chic, appealing to a clien- tele that valued form and function. Her meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship set her eyeglasses apart from other eyewear brands. Each piece was designed in France, ensuring high-quality construction and maintain- ing a strong identity rooted in French luxury and artisanal heritage. The de- signs often featured distinctive elements such as bold patterns, vibrant colours, and unique textures, which appealed to a diverse audience, including celebrities and fashion-forward individuals. Despite the brand going into hiatus dur- ing the 1990s, its spirit survived through Emmanuelle Khanh style lovers. It was revived in 2012, with the Héritage col- lection’s eyewear relaunch emblematic of the designer’s style with the most iconic models reissued and manufactured in the Jura workshops. In 2016, Eva Gaumé joined the business as the artistic and image director, drawing inspiration from today’s women. The following year, the visionary founder Emmanuelle Khanh died in Paris. Her impact on fashion was not limited to her eyewear. Emmanuelle fiercely ad- vocated for designer rights and sought to provide more accessible luxury fash- ion. Her approach was holistic, believing every aspect of a person's outfit—includ- ing their glasses—should reflect their style and values. Today, her eyewear leg- acy lives on under Eva Gaumé’s creative directorship, with inspiration from the brand’s 50 years of iconic creations and a love for beautiful objects shaping its re- cent history. Renowned artist and musician Skepta established MAINS in 2017 to celebrate authenticity and individuality. The de- signs reflect his artistic vision, drawing inspiration from his Nigerian heritage, his father’s fashion influence, and Lon- don’s vibrant energy. “We embrace the ethos of authenticity, rejecting fleeting trends and clickbait culture in favour of wearable and significant pieces. Each garment is a canvas where cultural influ- ences converge, creating a relatable and aspirational fusion.” The debut collection featured unisex designs that played with the norms of streetwear aesthetics. Notable pieces in- cluded drill tops, travel accessories, and a distinctive approach to fabric and tailor- ing. After two years, the brand was put on hold due to an amicable split with a part- ner manufacturer. However, it returned in 2023, partly thanks to the support of sportswear giant Puma, to deliver a sol- id denim selection, a custom flannel and new prints in their latest collection. Its unmatched commitment to quality ensures every detail is meticulously craft- ed to reflect the artist’s personal touch. “The embroidery and designs within our collections bear witness to the pas- sion and dedication that go into every MAINS creation. In everything we do, MAINS stays true to Skepta’s core mis- sion—inspiring the next generation of creatives.” The brand is a beacon of au- thenticity, creativity, and style, promot- ing self-expression and cultural explora- tion through fashion. The collaborative limited edition eye- wear collection in a mesmerising silver chrome and glossy raven black was un- veiled at MAINS’ London Fashion Week debut SS24 runway show. Handcrafted in Oyonnax, the quintessential hub of artisanal eyewear, the oversized aviator sunglasses exclusively developed from Italian Mazzucchelli acetate draw inspi- ration from vintage aesthetics and pay homage to the bold personas of legend- ary personalities like Miles Davis, evok- ing a timeless elegance and sophistica- tion. “Emmanuelle Khanh and MAINS have a shared pursuit of modernity and ef- fortlessness. Emmanuelle Khanh’s rich heritage in the fashion world, having evolved over the decades from its roots in ready-to-wear to its current rise in the eyewear domain, aligns perfectly with MAINS’ commitment to pure streetwear, that flirts with the couture world,” Eva Gaumé said. “Together, we bring forth a collection that redefines fashion bound- aries and offers a glimpse into the future of style.” Emmanuelle Khanh x Mains eyewear is available online at the eyewear brand’s website. www.ek.fr/en/143-emmanuelle-khanh- x-mains