April 2011
You are browsing the archive for April 2011.
By Clodagh on April 7, 2011
An elegant hotel where kids are welcome
7th April 2011 I recently met a friend for tea at The Rookery; she was staying and I rather wanted to see how it feels inside. The hotel is out of the centre of London in Clerkenwell, a popular area slightly to the North of central London with plenty of interesting bars and restaurants. Housed in a converted row of Georgian buildings, the interior is filled with fine furniture and accessories creating a warm, homely yet stylish setting.
'Mary Lane' room at the historic Rookery
This is a hotel that gets recommended by word-of-mouth and the sort of place that you can look forward to staying in. And I love the way they are very accommodating to children. Cots and rollaway beds are available, and this is not always the case in hotels. Babysitters can also be pre-arranged. www.rookeryhotel.com
Should you be looking to stop over in a more central location, I would choose Hazlitt’s, the sister hotel, which is perfectly located for the theatres near Piccadilly and Oxford Street, and equally as exceptional in terms of comfort, individuality, and elegance. CN
www.hazlittshotel.com
Posted in City guides
By Clodagh on April 6, 2011
The Gallery, Fortnum & Mason
4th April, 2011 I recently had lunch with Joan at The Gallery in Fortnums, which is one of a number of places to eat inside London’s famous luxury food emporium. I arrived practically out of breath after a much delayed train journey, so I was really looking forward to a quiet lunch in the airy restaurant which overlooks the ground floor food hall. The menu includes some excellent main courses such as wild sea bream as well as classics such as risotto and homemade tagliatelle. I chose the burger with tomato and basil relish and chips, given that I was hungry after the journey, which left me stranded on a train for an extra hour and a half without any snacks! And it was perfectly yummy, with everything you would hope for in a classic dish such as this, delicious crispy potatoes, and fresh garnishes with the meat which I really enjoyed. There are lighter choices, and Joan had one of these….her preference for seafood is well catered to here, and the smoked salmon and scrambled egg on sourdough bread is a favourite, she says! We booked in advance on the internet which is a very practical idea, I’d meet friends or have lunch meetings here for work, it’s an ideal place to stop in the busy streets of Piccadilly. In fact I’m planning to take the kids soon, I think it would be a great treat for them; but they will have their eye on the choice of puddings and the Banoffee Pie I expect. www.fortnumandmason.com CN
Posted in City guides, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 5, 2011
This edition features children’s frames, and nowadays kids love to wear glasses — it’s so grown-up and cool! So for the past weeks, I’ve been researching designers and companies who have children’s collections that kids will enjoy wearing, and that parents will approve of. Meanwhile, Clodagh has been on a fact-finding mission with her children to check out fun, creative places and shopping ideas for kids in London. We now update Eyestylist regularly – so be sure to check out Boutiques, Design & Inspiration, and City Guides for what’s new and happening in optics and other events during the month, for kids and adults too. Enjoy! JG
Posted in Home, Intro
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Royal Wedding Day
29th April 2011 To celebrate the wedding, and to pay hommage to British couture brand Alexander McQueen, and Sarah Burton, the designer of Ms. Middleton’s wedding dress, a gorgeous fairy tale design, featuring elegant handmade lace…
This is one of the McQueen sunglass styles currently in the shops….it’s a clean simple design, that would make a wonderful memento of the occasion, with the classic McQueen skull head featured in miniature… I’ve spied these at www.blazesunglasses.com, but be quick! www.alexandermcqueen.com CN
Posted in Category header, Design and Inspiration, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Trussardi 1911
26th April 2011 The May edition of Eyestylist focuses on beautiful sunglasses, however, with the wonderful weather that most of Europe is experiencing this Spring, we thought readers would enjoy an advance preview. It’s time to celebrate sunglasses!
The acclaimed Italian company, Trussardi, is recognised for their luxurious accessories, with meticulous and subtle elegance. These sunglasses are a perfect example. The metal frame front is sandwiched between two layers of smooth acetate, which is gracefully sculpted into a chic, modern cat eye design. I’ve tried various styles in the collection – these are my favourite! The Trussardi 1911 collection is named to commemorate the founding year of the prestigious fashion house. www.trussardi1911.it JG
Posted in Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Limited Edition of favourite 1980s styles
23rd April 2011 I have followed Cazal for years. Designer Cari Zalloni has a unique style, and is particularly popular for his very individual designs of the 1980s. So this Limited Edition will become sought after..the company is re-releasing its four top sellers of the 80s, models CAZAL 623 – 856 – 901 and 904. The drawings of the models by Zalloni are great examples of the designer’s attention to detail, exuberance and passion for eyewear.
Model 904 by Cazal
Cazal’s 1980s vintage frames are increasingly sought after and the original editions of these models are quite rare, so collectors love them; it’s likely the new interpretations will attract excitement all over again (the rap world loves the Cazal label especially – Jay Z wears some of the classic styles – as does Usher, the R&B star).
Model 623 by Cazal
For more on the German based Cazal brand and to view the full collection visit www.cazal-eyewear.com CN
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Looking to the Future
21st April 2011 Potential budding young eyewear designers, students at London’s prestigious Royal College of Art – www.rca.ac.uk – were invited to submit their creations for the 2011 Optrafair, held in Birmingham this month. The participants let their imaginations flow, and used materials normally associated with eyewear, plus they experimented with the unusual – rice, twisted wire-work, silks, textured weaves and boiled wool. First prize winner Claire Zeng was inspired by a visit to London’s Gagosian Gallery to see a light exhibition. Zeng said that the architecture and colours of the Arizona dessert also tweaked her creativity. Her winning entry in acetate blends geometry and modernity, plus Zeng said she wanted some “playfulness”. UK frame manufacturers Premiere Optical Services, produced the prototypes. JG
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Children’s eyewear
17th April 2011 As the April edition of Eyestylist highlights children’s frames, we thought our readers would like to see how great kids look in their glasses. We’ve had lots of images sent to us that beautifully illustrate how comfortable, cool and chic the young set is wearing specs. Style aware kids already know the power of eyewear as a fashion accessory! Pictured above, boy wearing Zoobug Aviators (www.zoobug.com). JG
Helsinki by Red Children's Eyewear (www.redoptical.com)
Helsinki by Red Children's Eyewear in red (www.redoptical.com)
Ophus by Lindberg (www.lindberg.com)
Clara by i.c. berlin (www.ic-berlin.de)
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Marc by Marc Jacobs
14th April 2011 Stripes are fashionably prevalent this season. In eyewear, Marc Jacobs introduces a new acetate sunglass collection with a jaunty, glamorous spirit. This 1980′s inspired multi-coloured design features vertical stripes on the temples. Available in a variety of chic colours, these frames possess both a modern and vintage feel. The striking colour combinations add distinct zing to spring outfits. Jacobs, who studied fashion in New York City at the renowned Parsons School of Design, is an award-winning designer whose clothing and accessories are sought after by an international following of style aware clients. JG www.marcjacobs.com
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2011
Terry by Face à Face
12th April 2011 The catseye has been a major success this season, and it’s still right up there. I have a special fondness for this shape as it was the first interesting spectacle shape I wore when I started to report about frame design some 12 years ago. Face à Face has presented me with this marvellous retro cat shape today which oozes elegance…the extra touch I love is the charming little 1950s inspired metal insert on each side of the front which catches the light. There are plenty of ‘cats’ around at the moment but the quality ones such as model Terry here are a delight. For more styles by this Parisian eyewear design company visit the website www.faceaface-paris.com CN
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
