May 2011
You are browsing the archive for May 2011.
By Clodagh on May 22, 2011
We are very excited about May! Eyestylist is focusing all its attention on sunglasses which combine good design and quality production…..not forgetting the little extras that give sunglasses the wow factor…the gorgeous shapes, colours, tonal combinations, seductive materials, and the incredible styling, which this season touches in particular on the 1950s and 60s, but not exclusively, as you will see in our editorials…our choices this month are made to highlight the variety of trends in sunwear…and to inspire our readers to explore what they might want to be wearing. We will adding new styles regularly, selecting the designs and brands we believe are setting the example. If you wish to inform us of any styles you have seen that you think we should take a look at, please contact us today!
Posted in Home, Intro, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on May 22, 2011
Kenzo Sunglasses
26th May 2011 As well as the colourful array of florals we have talked about, there are lots of other patterns and fabric inspired designs in eyewear this season. These range from the wonderful animal prints on offer to a variety of tartans, checks and pretty suedes (in some cases using real fabrics inside or covering the frame, I’ve seen suede at Alexander Wang and at the Vanni collection by the Italian company Nico Design, to name just two!). And here’s one more statement design by Kenzo using printed cotton in one of the great vintage shapes featuring a matching smokey blue lens. www.kenzo.com CN
Posted in Category header, Design and Inspiration
By Clodagh on May 21, 2011
HANDMADE IN THE UK
25th May 2011 This new label goes into Harvey Nichols in London this weekend, as well as two other carefully selected outlets, The Eye Company in Soho, and Hostem, the menswear specialist in Shoreditch (www.hostem.co.uk). I recently met with designer Jesse Stevens to view the collection, which has been very carefully planned and produced to exacting standards using luxurious metals and the best Italian plastic as well as wonderful vintage metal details. I love the fact that a number of these Limited Edition sunglasses are hand assembled and finished in the UK; this is an impressive step for a luxury eyewear brand, as we have come close to losing our tradition for and expertise in spectacle-making. CN
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on May 18, 2011
“Alice Goes to Cannes” Leopard Sunglasses
May 23rd 2011 In a month dedicated to exclusive sunglasses, we could not overlook the Swedish designer Anna-Karin Karlsson, who is launching her first sunglass collection officially this autumn. We are told by Anna an optical line is also underway. A collection based on fairytales and romance, balanced with wit and elegance, the designer who has a background in underground music as well as art and fashion, has been producing one-off sunglass designs as bespoke pieces for some time. For more on the designer, visit www.annakarinkarlsson.com or go to The Optical Wardrobe to browse and purchase online (www.theopticalwardrobe.com/akk1.php) – watch out, there’s already a waiting list! CN
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on May 18, 2011
Made in Japan
21st May 2011 This image caught my eye…and while we make it our business not to report on collections that we haven’t seen up close and tried on from time to time…I am looking forward to having a chance to examine this one soon. Frency and Mercury are based in Japan, and promise high quality materials, a meticulous production and high quality standards.
Day Off
The designer behind the brand is called Eque M. and has been working in eyewear design for some years…we will have more to say about this brand soon and we will keep you updated on their whereabouts in Europe, so far there are a few stockists we know of in Italy, including Capri Vision (Capri), and L’Ottico Fabbricatore in Venice. CN
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on May 18, 2011
Model SGV 724
20th May 2011 I have this sunglass sitting on my desk this morning. It’s a classic plastic aviator, a shape I love but unfortunately not one that suits me ..unless anyone wishes to convince me otherwise. This is a design that doesn’t appear to go out of fashion and it has a great versatility so it’s perfect whether you are dressing up or down. This one is nice and light, and has a narrow metal brow bar decorated with minute Givenchy stars. It’s retailing on the Internet at about £155, and comes in black but also a neutral truffle tone.
www.givenchy.com CN
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on May 18, 2011
Lotho Paris
19th May 2011 The stylish Parisian brand Lotho has just launched a new series of high-tech sunglasses in titanium. I’ve tried on these frames, a trendy blend of retro and modern, and delighted in the fit and sleek design. A smooth matt finish on the titanium lends an air of distinction and finesse to these glasses, and the polymère sides insure perfect comfort. Creamy café, above, is lovely for summer, plus there are four other colours. See www.lotho.fr for additional details on this savvy collection. JG
Posted in Uncategorized
By Clodagh on May 16, 2011
Optical Charm & Chic
16th May 2011 The Flemish region of Belgium is a little jewel, with its charming canals and medieval castles. There is another jewel as well – Carine Van Bossele Opticians. Mme Van Bossele and her son, Véran Bekaert, have a distinctive boutique in the village of Lede. The interior is stunning, and Bekaert explains: “The concept was to mix modern style with the warmth of Asian art and colours.” Throughout the shop are beautiful examples of Asian artefacts – tapestries and sculptures. Visiting Carine Van Bossele is like going to a vernissage – frames are treated as art. “We chose frames because we personally love them for their beauty and colours,” says Bekaert, “and more and more, we are searching for limited series frames – the small collections that have that extra touch. It is a quest to find them! Of course, Théo, Paul Smith, Mykita and Tim Van Steenbergen are always available.”
Garden, Carine Van Bossele
The shop has a wonderful garden, and in the summer customers enjoy drinks on the terrace while trying on frames. “Bring the world in front of your eyes” is the boutique’s theme. This is successfully accomplished with exclusive collections in stylish surroundings. www.carinevanbossele.be JG
Posted in Boutiques
By Clodagh on May 14, 2011
…at Le Bon Marché Paris, France
14th May 2011 Le Bon Marché is the grand dame of Parisian department stores. She is an elegant lady who has reigned supreme in the chic 7th arrondissement since 1852, with the distinction of being the oldest department store in Paris. The imposing structure has stood the test of time, just like Gustav Eiffel’s magnificent tower – he also designed Le Bon Marché. The finest international fashion designers can be found here, plus marvellous accessories.
Interior, jlc opticien
With summer on the horizon, jlc opticien at Le Bon Marché can also meet your sunglass requirements. The Parisian based optician has a lovely boutique area on the ground floor of the store. In this gracious, spacious area, customers can sit in quiet comfort while browsing, and try on coveted names that include Dita, Salt, Barton Perreira, Oliver Peoples and other designer brands. You’ll find frames in unusual materials and distinctive frame shapes. Excellent service too! Le Bon Marché 24, rue de Sèvres 75007 Paris. jlc opticien also has other boutiques in Paris – check out www.jlcopticien.com JG
Posted in Boutiques, Uncategorized
