Taking inspiration from the first two people to reach the summit of K2, the second tallest mountain in the world, Italian and German design companies Mykita and Moncler have teamed up to create a functional and stylish collection of snow optics called an Homage to the Mountains. The lenses, which were designed as a throwback to the Alpine goggles of the ’50s (the decade the Italian duo conquered K2), feature large round frames with a leather bridge and sides, and noticeably absent is the standard fabric headband found on most goggles. Though appearing stylish enough to be worn off the mountain, the shades are meant to keep up with even the toughest athlete. Frames cast from a polyamide material that Mykita created are adjustable, light, and durable, while the leather detailing decreases glare. Mineral glass lenses from the Italian manufacturer Barberini are mirrored or solid gray-tinted and have an anti-scratch outer coating with an anti-fog finish inside. The collection features two different models, the Achille and the Lino (the names of the Italian mountaineers), both offering red, blue, and black options. The Achille, however, offers a broader frame and a straighter top-line, while the Lino is slimmer and more curved. Both models retail for $730 and are currently available in Mykita and Moncler boutiques worldwide. (www.mykita.com, www.moncler.com)
