Even with the globalization of hip, there are still subtle yet noticeable differences between cultures. One thing that's always been a dead ringer for picking out a European in the midst is by the style of his glasses. There's something markedly different about the design aesthetic when it comes to eye glasses and sunglasses that is distinctly European.

I checked out a very chic line of glasses and sunglasses out of Germany yesterday at Agentur V's Press Days called Mykita. While some of the early collections are very European in look, they've moved towards a more distincy personal style for S/S 09. Certain eyeglass frames still have that Euro flair, but many do not, and the sunglasses are as universal in look as any I've seen. The most notable aspect being the lightness of the frames, coupled with a sturdiness that's unmatched.

"A highly innovative functional design comprising simple plug connections made complex soldered joints and screw connections redundant, while the frames themselves were cut out of stainless sheet steel before being folded into form. As well as being incredibly light, the latter could be adjusted to the wearer thanks to a wide variety of configuration options." In addition to being some of the coolest shades I've tried on, they're some of the lightest most durable sunglasses I've ever put on.

Take a look at their site. Click through the collections and limited edition styles. Their sunglasses for S/S 09, which aren't yet on the site are really hot. My favorites are thick framed in various shades that have that perfect geek/chic look that's so hot right now. And don't miss the Bob&Eve styles done in collaboration with uslu airlines.

If you're in Berlin, stop by their store, a ground-floor space in a concrete residential block at Rosa-Luxemburg- Strasse 6. And mark my words, Mykita will be making waves in a big way in the US very soon.