“Smooth Operator”
Italian brand BLACKFIN not only scores a Collection Shoot in our new magazine issue SPECTR #35, but also supplies the star products for the SPECTR cover. It’s well earned, because the designer label represents technical innovation and constant creativity like no other. The new company headquarters, the Black Shelter, symbolizes the progressive DNA of the premium manufacturer from South Tyrol. BLACKFIN walks a fine line between tradition and modernity; between technology and fashion. What’s more, the label does not picture these spheres as exclusive – BLACKFIN exists at their intersection. It’s summarized in the company slogan Neomadeinitaly that serves as a daily motivation in the Italian town of Agordo.
The common denominator across all collections is the label’s mastery of titanium. Titanium is part of a belief system at BLACKFIN. To a point where the entire company ethos is based on the lightweight material, which the Italians source exclusively from Japan. The masterful processing of titanium has now become second nature to BLACKFIN. As a result, the label is able to handcraft extremely lightweight frames with high-value designs. In this issue’s photo shoot, we focus on new models from the One, Razor and Sun collections.
One
Starting with One, it’s the main collection that subsumes the essence of the brand. One revolves around frames with modern and geometric designs. Made of pure titanium, adorned with a sense of uniqueness via hand-picked colorways. Speaking of colors, BLACKFIN designers can draw from a wide range of options thanks to the label’s proprietary dyeing processes.
Razor
Next up, the Razor collection takes the advantages of titanium to the next level in even slimmer and lighter frames. Crafted from 1 mm titanium, the models are manufactured using special micromechanical processes. As an added feature, the new, one-piece hinge once again exemplifies the unique blend between function and design. The Razor collection renders classic and timeless shapes in a modern design accentuated by an extensive color palette: from luminous hues to shiny gold and deep black, BLACKFIN showcases titanium in all its variations.
Sun
Because this is our summer issue, sunglasses are a must-have. With this in mind, the Sun collection echoes the stylistic signature of the One line as a direct link to the core concept behind BLACKFIN. But with added sun protection! Plus, the daring shapes and progressive forms of the sun line go beyond the design parameters of their optical counterparts. This becomes obvious by looking at standouts like the feminine »Palm Cove« and the unisex style »Zen« that grace this issue’s threepage cover. We call it Neomadeinitaly with a special twist. Or in this case, ready for summer!
photography ULRICH HARTMANN [Berlin]
assistant SOPHIE SCHWARZENBERGER
styling VIRGINIA KRAUSE
hair & make-up JANETTE PETERS
models KOBE BOATENG at KULTMODELS, DORA FRANZ at IZAIO & “DRAMA” THE CAT