Michael Satterfield
by Michael Satterfield
To mark one year of co-operation, Bentley Motors and Estede are delighted to announce that orders for the initial collection of a limited series of solid gold sunglasses are exceeding expectations, particularly in the main markets of Hong Kong, China, and Russia.
This first collection of Bentley Eyewear builds on Estede’s rich experience in manufacturing high-end eyewear, combined with the sophisticated design language for which Bentley is renowned around the world.
The initial styles are timeless but modern in shape, available in either 18ct solid gold, silver palladium or platinum. They can be seen as the epitome of luxury eyewear. The characteristic Bentley “B” settled in hand-polished enamel coating, as well as carefully engraved surfaces, reflecting the quilted leather design, are some of the unique elements of this first collection. While the materials denote exclusive and exceptional luxury, the styles themselves are easy to wear, simple and informal.
All the frames and sunglasses are made to order, individually numbered and limited to 100 pieces per color variation. The Bentley Eyewear collection uses special sunglass lenses, which not only offer 100 percent UV protection but also reflect the latest in lens technology with state of the art lens coatings.
The products come in exclusive packaging which underlines the high level of quality and design. The eyewear case not only fits perfectly into the new flagship Bentley Mulsanne, but also makes a statement of its own. The materials of gold or platinum combined with the handcrafted workmanship make the frames special, while the fusion of craftsmanship and technology plus the aspect of individualization make Bentley frames and sunglasses truly unique.
Christoph Rosenauer, son of Albrecht F. Rosenauer, who founded Estede in 1991, says: “The eyewear has been received very well with more orders than we could expect. Currently, our main markets are Hong Kong, China and Russia, but we will start by the end of this year to distribute the products also in Great Britain, the US and the Middle East.
“Our main attraction is the level of personalization that we can offer. The customer can order the frames or sunglasses in the size needed, we can offer them in white, pink or yellow gold (or even platinum if requested). Also, the case is made to order and can be in any hide color that Bentley offers since we use the same leather as Bentley.
“Due to this level of personalization we only produce to order according to the customer’s specifications. We do not carry stock at present.”
The eyewear is sold through optical retail networks around the world.
Estede for Bentley
Mulsanne range
Model B-001 in Red Gold, White Gold, and 950 Platinum
Handcrafted from 18ct red gold, white gold or 950 platinum, the limited edition sunglasses will each be made to order featuring an engraved serial number ranging from 1-100.
Design details from the Bentley Mulsanne include the knurling effect and Bentley ‘B’ which feature on the handcrafted gear lever.
Zeiss polarised lenses provide improved vision in strong light conditions.
Handmade in Germany.
The sunglasses come with a leather presentation box and a hard case made to fit into the console of the Bentley Mulsanne.
Prices
Prices start at € 10,000 ($14,462) for the limited edition 18ct gold sunglasses and at € 7,700 ($11,135) for other 18ct models in the range. Platinum sunglasses start at € 31,500 ($45,555).
