February 2011
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By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Zuërihorn
A favourite treat when I’m in Switzerland is to watch (and listen!) to the cows on the hill above the mountain village where I’m fortunate to stay. Cows are one of the inspirations for the exclusive, recently launched Swiss frame company – Zuërihorn. A creative team of four – Jonas Herde, Livio Notaro, Patrick Basler and Daniel Ferrari – have launched a stunning collection of handmade frames in South American water buffalo horn and Italian silk. Yes, silk. Fine silk is painstakingly worked into the razor-thin horn layers. The result is an exquisite luxury frame that is a mixture of artisanal traditions and modern technology. Baldi, in smooth, polished horn, is sculpted into a classic shape that men particularly like to wear. The piece de resistance is carved into the sidepieces– three little 18K gold cows on each side. Irresistible! Available at Götte Optik in Zurich: www.goetteoptik.ch and L’Osservatorio Venturi SRL, Via Flaminia Vecchia, Rome. JG
For more information, check out www.zuerihorn.ch
Posted in Nine, Reviews
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Lafont Paris
This frame lives up to its name! Flirt is a design with playful charm and style, in acetate and titanium, created by Lafont, the French company with a noble heritage. Edging close to ninety years of Parisian optical history, the family owned firm is an oasis for distinctive, creative eyewear. This particular frame is modern, feminine and boasts intricate details in the lacy pattern of titanium over caramel acetate. Other colour combinations include violet and black, and a very flirtatious red and black. I wear Lafont frames, and appreciate the uniqueness of the designs, the comfort, and the wonderful service that is available in their four Parisian shops, and at Optik Mayer in Munich. JG
Check out further details on www.lafont.com.
This month’s optical reviews are by Joan Grady. The sunglass reviews are by Clodagh Norton.
Posted in Reviews, Ten
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Necklaces, spectacle cases and decorative lorgnettes…
I have enjoyed finding these colourful eyewear accessories, by some of the specialists in decorative spectacle chains, lorgnettes and cases. Filao Paris is run by Caroline Abram, who shows great creative talent in designing these beautiful pieces, but also now creates her own sunglasses and specs…Caroline uses a variety of materials for the jewellery and accessories, including wood, crystals and felt…Filao Paris has its headquarters in Paris…the creations are put together in a Senagalese workshop, supporting members of the local community. www.filaoparis.com
Also featured here is a young, vibrant company from Spain called Flippan Look (Image 3.) which is specialising in contemporary lorgnettes that can be worn as jewellery around the neck. www.flippanlook.com
French eyewear brand Face à Face has, for some years now, produced a range of chains and necklaces (Image 5.) which coordinate with the company’s stunning frames and sunglasses. They use a variety of materials, acetates that match the glasses, to lovely metals including silver. www.faceaface-paris.com CN
Images 1. Filao Paris 2. Filao Paris 3. Flippan Look 4. Filao Paris 5. Face à Face 6. Filao Paris.
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Cabrio Eyewear
The innovative sunglasses line ‘Cabrio’ differentiates itself by the use of new materials. The designer has invented a special technique of creasing, folding and manual manipulation of the laminated plastic, which determines the desirable shape. The sophisticated material on the outside is combined each time with polypropylene in different colours on the inside and this gives a casual and sporty accent. This is a young collection, presenting a totally novel idea: hat and shades in one. When you try the models on, they are surprisingly wearable…Cabrio Elan, the one pictured, is retailing at around 159 euros. CN
For enquiries about the model in London, try 36 Opticians www.36opticians.co.uk
Schuller Opticians may also be able to help: www.schulleropticians.com
In Paris, try Les Createurs d’Opta, 25 Rue des Abesses www.opta-createurs.net
www.hoet.eu
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Spectacles inspired by the Italian director
La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2, Casanova, Juliet of the Spirits, Amarcord – each film is a revered classic by the iconic Italian film director, Federico Fellini. Also destined to be a timeless classic is the handsome Fellini frame, designed by Thomas Lafont, inspired by the director. Pure, smooth titanium with a protective PVD treatment is moulded into this elegant, strong, structured shape for men. The Limited Edition design is crafted to Lafont’s exacting standards. A new concept, a new wave in men’s eyewear. Lafont blazes trails, just like Federico Fellini. JG www.lafont.com
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Sutro Vision, San Francisco
Sutro Vision from San Francisco recently caught my eye. Their sunglasses feature a hinge creation which really stands out. And after looking into it a bit, I’ve found out, with great pleasure, that this brand is all about craftsmanship, a direction that is being revived in eyewear at the moment. Sutro has a signature 3Click™ Hinge, fitted on all its frames. This clever technological innovation provides strength and durability; it’s made of surgical stainless steel. It also provides a unique design detail. Sutro explains that this is the only frame hinge created with 3 clicks, hence its name. Continue reading “Hinge innovation”
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Rolf Spectacles
This is a very fresh Austrian brand, winning prizes for their spectacle designs in wood. I’ve just caught site of some of their new shapes. This is a style made from maple, but you can also choose walnut, even bog oak. Each design is handcrafted in the mountains of Austria by a team of young passionate individuals who have an amazing commitment to product development and innovation. They have invented a hinge created out of compressed wood, so there are no metal parts at all in these designs. CN
To find out more about Rolf, visit www.rolf-spectacles.com
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
Swarovski eyewear
The first thought that usually pops to mind with Swarovski is their legend of shimmering crystals transformed into beautiful jewellery. Finely cut crystals, artisanal craftsmanship and innovative design are all part of the Swarovski history, that began in 1895. However, this is just one aspect of the Austrian based company.
I attended a Press Day in London for Swarovski, where they unveiled their new eyewear styles for 2011, and I was able to view, and try on their exquisite collection of eyewear that truly sparkles. The company’s “Swanflower” motif – a delicate swan shaped to form a flower – is integrated into the designs. Among my favourites is the model Aquarelle, a romantic frame in metal and acetate, with the small “Swanflower” on the edge of the lenses. These ultra-glamorous, precision-made frames are a delight to wear. JG www.swarovski.com
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on February 1, 2011
A 1950s optical paradise
Necessity is the mother of invention, wrote Plato, centuries ago. And it was necessity that sparked the concept for an unusual eyewear boutique in Berlin.
Uta Geyer looked for a vintage frame when she started wearing glasses. Her profession was as a theatre decorator, so she was always looking for vintage accessories, which she loves. When she could not find a frame she liked – she opened her own store – in fact two shops, specialising in vintage eyewear. The first boutique, on the Marienburger is a charming little oasis in seventeen square metres. The latest jewel on the Torstrasse is bigger – fifty square meters that she opened in 2010.
The Torstrasse boutique is fresh and inviting – pristine white is the perfect, unobtrusive background for an astounding collection of vintage frames. Plus, authentic furniture from 1950’s optical shops add to the allure. Clients can happily browse and try on vintage frames that are perched on top of the dark wood cabinets. Uta says that people have a continuing fascination with vintage eyewear.
A 50s styled interior, Lunettes Selection, Torstrasse
“The quality of these old frames is amazing, much better than most contemporary mass production,” she observes, “and vintage designs are more individual, and not as streamlined as today’s eyewear. This is probably because designs are now made by 3D programmes, and not drawn on paper anymore. Many of the frames are one of a kind, and people love the idea of having something just for themselves. However, it’s harder and harder to find authentic vintage frames.” Continue reading “Lunettes Collection Torstrasse, Berlin”
Posted in Boutiques
