Capturing Twilight: The Anne et Valentin Solea Story

A Moment in Paris

The sun was setting over Paris when Anne et Valentin first dreamed up the Sunset Series. As the sky painted itself in gradients of amber and rose, they wondered: what if we could capture this ephemeral moment and wear it every day? This question led to the creation of their most captivating collection yet, and at its heart, the stunning Solea frame.

I remember the first time I unpacked the Solea at Shades Optical. The morning light streaming through our windows caught its edges, and for a moment, I could have sworn I was holding a piece of that Parisian sunset. The frame seemed to shift colors as I turned it, revealing new depths with each angle, much like the sky does during that magical moment when day gracefully surrenders to dusk.

Each piece in the Sunset Series tells its own story, but the Solea emerged as something special – a frame that seemed to embody the very essence of that transformative moment between day and night. In a world of mass-produced eyewear, it stands as a testament to what happens when artisans dare to chase beauty.

Artistry in Motion

The Solea isn't just another frame; it's a story told in acetate and light. Its front face features a masterfully crafted gradient that transitions from warm amber to clear crystal, reminiscent of sunlight filtering through evening clouds. The temples, designed with the same meticulous attention to detail that defines Anne et Valentin's work, complement this gradient with solid hues that anchor the ethereal quality of the front.

Like all Anne et Valentin pieces, the Solea is handcrafted in France with an unwavering commitment to quality. Each frame undergoes weeks of meticulous crafting - cutting, shaping, and polishing - until it achieves perfection. The acetate used is of the highest grade, selected not just for its visual appeal but for its ability to capture and play with light in ways that transform throughout the day. This isn't fast fashion; it's wearable art designed to last.

The artisans who craft each Solea frame understand that they're not just making eyewear – they're creating vessels for light itself. The gradient isn't simply painted on; it's carefully engineered through a proprietary process that ensures both its beauty and longevity. Each temple is precisely matched to its front, creating a harmony of colors that feels both bold and perfectly balanced.

Personal Light

Every client who tries on the Solea experiences something unique. I remember a photographer who visited us, specializing in sunset photography. When she first looked in the mirror wearing the Solea, she paused, touched the frame gently, and said, "It's like wearing the light I chase." The frame looked different on her than it had on others - the gradient picking up subtle hints of gold in her eyes, the shape harmonizing perfectly with her features.

Another client, an architect, was drawn to how the frame's colors shifted throughout her workday. "In client meetings, it's subtle and professional," she noted, "but by evening, it feels artistic and bold." This chameleon-like quality is no accident – it's the result of countless hours spent studying how light interacts with different materials and angles.

The technical excellence of the Solea only enhances its artistic impact. The precise engineering ensures the gradient sits at just the right angle to catch the light. In morning sunshine, it appears subtle and sophisticated. By afternoon, it takes on a warmer tone, and during sunset – its namesake hour – the frame seems to glow from within, as if channeling the very essence of dusk.

The details that make this possible are numerous but invisible: the carefully calculated curve of the front that maximizes the gradient's effect; the temple thickness precisely calibrated for both durability and elegance; the nose pads positioned to ensure the frame sits perfectly on any face, maintaining that ideal relationship with light.

Beyond Fashion

What sets the Solea apart in the world of luxury eyewear is its ability to transcend trends. While many designers chase the latest fashion, Anne et Valentin has created something timeless by capturing one of nature's most timeless moments. The Solea doesn't just complement your style – it enhances how you experience light throughout your day.

The collection's influence is already being felt throughout the industry, but as with any piece of art, the original stands apart. Each Solea frame carries within it that original moment of inspiration: a sunset in Paris, a dream of capturing light, and the skill to make that dream tangible.

At Shades Optical, we invite you to experience the Solea for yourself. Let us help you discover how this remarkable frame might capture your own perfect light. Because some moments are too beautiful not to wear every day.

Book an appointment and explore the Anne et Valentin Sunset Series, including the captivating Solea frame. Join us in discovering how the right frame can transform not just how you look, but how you see the world.