The Pier Martino Renaissance Collection, Fall Winter 2021

I have two pieces of Pier Martino eyewear and I love both equally. They are both unashamedly decadent, set as they are with Swarovski crystals. They’re also among my favourite styles, and believe me, I have a cabinet full to choose from. I was therefore delighted when Pier Martino asked me to write the presentation for their Fall Winter 2021 collection.

The Pier Martino Renaissance Collection

The Pier Martino Renaissance Collection includes 12 aspirational models, each named after an important woman from the Renaissance period. History is not a strong point of mine, so I researched each woman. Consequently I learned that working single-mothers, feminist writers, “breadwinners” and style icons have been around for 500 years.

As with all Pier Martino eyewear, the quality is exceptional. I’m excited to share this beautiful collection of eyewear with you.

Jeanne

(Models 6698, OB967)

Jeanne is named after Jeanne D’Arc, (Joan of Arc), a peasant girl who believed that God chose her to lead the French army during the Hundred Years’ War. The front is an angular butterfly silhouette with metal detail inspired by Jeanne’s suit of armour. It is simultaneously strong and delicate. Jeanne will appeal to the confident, elegant woman in possession of a strong sense of self-belief.

Cecilia

(Models 6689 OC973)

Cecilia is inspired by “The Lady with an Ermine”, a portrait attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. In the painting, the subject Cecilia wears a simple dress and a chain around her neck. Cecilia is similarly unadorned with clean lines across the front and metal sides inspired by the chain necklace. This model is perfect for the woman who chooses a chic, understated and uncluttered aesthetic.

Lavinia

(Models 6663, 6664)

Lavinia is named after Lavinia Fontana who was the first female career artist in Western Europe. Unusually for the Renaissance period, her husband looked after their eleven children and her income supported the family. A single row of crystals at the temple and sleek rectangular crystals on the sides of Lavinia are inspired by the necklace she wore. This style is understated enough to wear to the office, yet decorative enough to wear to the cocktail bar. Lavinia is the perfect desk- to-dinner eyewear.

Christine

(Model 6676)

Christine de Pizan was a French Renaissance writer who penned some of the first pieces of feminist literature. She was widowed at a young age and became one of the earliest known working single-mothers. Christine, (model 6676), is inspired by her elaborate hairstyle. It is a gentle, flattering cat-eye with subtle embellishment on the temple and side. Christine is a versatile style which looks stunning dressed up or dressed down- just like today’s multitasking woman.

Simonetta

(Models 6679, 6680)

Simonetta Vespucci was a 15^th century Italian noblewoman accepted to be the greatest beauty of her time. A model and a muse, she was painted as Venus in Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.” The stunning good looks of Simonetta reflect the Renaissance supermodel’s classic beauty; the pastel shades are inspired by those in the painting. This is the perfect eyewear to compliment outfits that are lighter in both texture and colour.

Vittoria

(Models 6665, 6666).

Vittoria is named after Vittoria Colonna, an Italian noblewoman and one of the most popular female poets of the 16^th century. After the early death of her husband, she took refuge in a convent. The simple front of Vittoria represents the simple life she then led and the crystals on the side reflect the intersection between verses of poetry. This style is for the woman who likes clean, elegant lines but cannot resist a touch of sparkle.

Beatrice

(Models 6671, 6672)

Beatrice is named after Beatrice D’Este, Duchess of Milan who was renowned for her excellent taste in fashion. Her style was influential throughout Italy and France in the late 15^th century. The stylish butterfly-shaped front of Beatrice is inspired by Beatrice’s hair bows in the painting of her, “Portrait of a Lady.” The sides are adorned with exquisite crystal leaves in contrasting colours. Beatrice will appeal to modern-day trendsetters who are confident in their own style aesthetic. Available in metal and acetate.

Isabella

(Model 6659).

Isabella is named after Isabella D’Este, an accomplished musician, garden planner and fashion designer whose innovative style of dressing was emulated throughout Italy and the French Court. However, she is perhaps best remembered as a major cultural and political figure. The softly curvaceous butterfly front of Isabella celebrates the female form. The crystal decoration adorning the temple and side is inspired by Isabella’s elaborate hairstyle. Isabella is a model that is guaranteed to turn heads.

Lisa

(Model 6667)

Lisa is named after the world’s most famous painting, The Mona Lisa by Da Vinci. The shape of the front is inspired by the angles of Lisa’s face. The sides are adorned with geometrical shapes, inspired by Da Vinci’s technical drawings. Lisa is a fresh, modern shape which suits sharp tailoring and enigmatic, unforgettable women everywhere.

Caterina

(Model 6669)

Caterina is inspired by Caterina de Medici, a member of the powerful Medici family. She married King Henry II and as Queen Consort and Queen Mother she was a highly influential woman during a time of intense religious and civil conflict. Caterina is a bold, angular butterfly shape.To demonstrate that with strength comes beauty, the sides are softened with a row of crystals set in a gentle wave form and punctuated with a flower. Caterina is available in black and in regal red; the perfect model for today’s unapologetically strong woman and style queen.

Venere

(Model 6662, OA966)

Venere is named after Venus, the goddess of love and beauty as depicted emerging from a seashell in Botticelli’s famous work, “The Birth Of Venus.” The curved crystal set side is inspired by the organic shape of the seashell. The front is a soft butterfly shape that reflects Venus’s ethereal beauty and luminosity. Venere is a feminine style which will appeal to women who believe in romance.

Venere is available in pearlescent colours and also in a rimless version.

Primavera

(Model 6661)

Primavera is named after the Botticelli painting of the same name. The painting depicts nine mythical figures surrounded by an abundance of fruit and flowers. The front of Primavera is a soft butterfly shape, enhanced by glittering crystal detail at the temple. The space between the crystals and the metal rim brings lightness and delicacy to this model. The delicate beauty of the flora in the painting is reflected in the crystal flower detail on the side. This is a delicate and unforgettable model, exquisitely feminine and eminently flattering.

Notes

I wrote the copy to accompany the launch of the Pier Martino AW21 Renaissance collection as part of a paid partnership. I chose to write this article as an added extra because I want to share this stunning collection with you!The eyewear that I’m wearing throughout was loaned to me by Pier Martino to enable me to see, feel and try the styles before I wrote the copy.

Take a look at some Instagram Reels to see me wearing Pier Martino eyewear from a previous season here and here. For still images, see my blog posts here and here.