A Modern Take on Tortoiseshells

THE NEW. THE CLASSIC. THE DARING. BLACK EYEWEAR FOUNDER AND DESIGNER ROBERT ROOPE WALKS US THROUGH THE VARIETY OF COLORS AND TEXTURES AVAILABLE WITHIN THE TORTOISESHELL FAMILY.
A Modern Take on Tortoiseshells

 What does inspires you to look for new variations of tortoiseshell acetate?

The amount variables in the realm of tortoiseshell colors and patterns are large: the fleck size, shape, and distribution in the base color of the host acetate will have to be carefully selected to take into account the size of the frame.

Short clusters of fleck work better with thin narrow frames compared to more spaced clusters for larger thicker frames.

Creating freshness from a constant stream of available new tortoiseshell colours is a challenging aspect of eyewear design.

 

How many variations of tortoiseshell are available in the collection?

We always try to choose the best tortoiseshell shades to complement every design strength. This leaves us with a variety of subtle changes in tone or fleck size.
The variations that are available across most models are Light tortoiseshell, Dark tortoiseshell, Amber Havana, Red Havana, Marmalade and Blond.

We often try to add a couple more adventurous and unique options when we believe they would be well suited to a specific frame, like the new Tort Bronze and Tort Cinder available only for our latest launch Garland.

 

Why having such a variety in the collection?

It reflects the natural variety of creatures using ‘tortoiseshell’ patterns to camouflage and protect themselves.

Take for example tortoiseshell cats who are named for their bi-colored coats that look like the shell of a tortoise. Affectionately referred to as “torties,” these colorful kitties are favorite pets in many homes.

 

What’s the bestseller? And the more universally flattering?

The bestsellers are consistently the classics: Light tortoise, Dark tortoise, and Amber Havana.
Light tortoise is also more universally flattering.

 

What’s the newest tortoiseshell in the collection?

This year we really focused on experimenting with different tortoiseshell tones and fecks sizes. We launched many interesting options, some of the latest are Cream Mottle and Dusty Gold.

 

What’s your favorite?

My personal favourite is Amber Havana.

 

What tortoiseshell would you advise to complement darker skin tones/coloring?

I would suggest to choose between Blond or Amber Havana to create interesting contrast and add extra warmth to the complexion.

 

What tortoiseshell would you advise to complement lighter skin tones?

For a lighter skin tone, I would suggest Light tortoiseshell, Light Havana, or Marmalade.

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