By Clodagh on April 25, 2013
25th April 2013 I hadn’t really thought about vintage design for children, but when you see these you realise that there have been some super sweet designs for little people in the past…but they have been slightly forgotten. Not so by Lunettes Kollektion, the Berlin specs label that has their own line but also an enlightening collection of vintage eyewear. As they prepare to open their new store, complete with children’s corner, at Dunckerstr. 18, we have discovered their love of frames for all ages, and their special selection of children’s designs from the 70s and 80s by Dior, Tintin et Milou and Les Halles.
Vintage Dior Junior – at Lunettes Selection, Berlin
The Dior styles are decorated with colourful bows, a detail I’ve seen on grown-up frames but not on anything so pretty as these little ones; it’s a special touch that will surely delight the little fashionistas of Berlin. Available at Lunettes Selection, Dunckerstr. 18, 10437, Berlin, Germany CN
Find more on Lunettes Kollektion here: http://www.eyestylist.com/2013/01/round-renaissance/
www.lunettes-selection.de
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 23, 2013
Fashion Legacy in Eyewear
23rd April 2013 As a writer, I’ve been fortunate to meet a fascinating array of musicians, artists and designers. Each meeting is notable, and some interviews are truly memorable. One such event was meeting Emmanuelle Khanh (above) in Paris, at the time when she had a marvellous boutique on Avenue Victor Hugo. She was stunning – shining black hair – and of course, wearing amazing glasses from her eyewear collection.
“When a woman feels well in clothes, jewellery and glasses, she feels well in general,” declared Khanh, “and I never do fashion for fashion; I just make what I like, whether it’s clothing or eyewear. I wear glasses and I created my own frames from the beginning (1971) and I have stayed with the same shape. Glasses were once an infirmity, but now they are a fashion advantage. What is important is to find your style, your own personality in fashion. The first pair of frames I made is still the design that sells internationally.”
Emmanuelle Khanh Design -
her favourite shape
That interview took place over twenty years ago, and the same eyewear shape that Emmanuelle Khanh created (above) continues to sell around the globe. She is a fashion visionary in every sense of the word, and grasps the importance of eyewear as an accessory, and the concept of vintage forever. www.emmanuellekhanhparis.com JG
Photo: Courtesy of Emmanuelle Khanh Paris
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 19, 2013
Karen Walker Campaign for Grand Dames
19th April 2013 Karen Walker is running a fabulous campaign, photographed by Ari Seth Cohen, featuring – as the French say – ladies of a “certain age” who are, as Walker says: “interesting, inspirational and beautiful – sharing their remarkable outlook on life.”
There are four women between the ages of 65 and 92, each wearing designs with standout shapes and great colours. Joyce (above) who is 80 wears Northern Lights -a bold and dramatic shape with lots of vintage character. Joyce’s philosophy on life she sums up as: “To be optimistic, join in, don’t be negative, be positive in everything that you can, and it will come your way and work out.”
Atomic from the Karen Walker Forever Collection
Another stunning style for summer is Atomic (above) in orange sorbet with delicate filigree laser cut eyebrow trim above the cat eye shape. Both Northern Lights and Atomic are from the new Karen Walker Forever sunglass collection for 2013. www.karenwalkereyewear.com JG
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 17, 2013
Pure design with a hint of the classical
17th April 2013 Handmade is a word that is much used today in eyewear; at Eyestylist we see it as part of our journey to explore the most authentic concepts in handcrafting, including taking a look at some of the smallest trendsetting labels. Our detailed research into handmade designs began in 2011, but it is an area we are hugely interested in for the future.
Here is one small but exciting label from Germany that we haven’t covered for some time. REIZ frames were first being created in the 90s and I got to know them over time. Their Lovely Nature collection is their interpretation of handmade glasses for 2013.
Masters in acetate, the frames in this collection – 10 models in 5 colours each – are made from an eco-friendly material with a similar transparency to acetate, produced following a new formula, that enables production without using chemicals such as phthalate – it’s a material that is both biodegradable and recyclable.
REIZ Lovely Nature
The Lovely Nature series pays homage to the traditional rectangular eye shape, chosen for its pure form, and combined with subtle colours that do not detract from the shape – but you will also find more curvaceous shapes and also the round style above, model Fichte. REIZ is known for the silky finish of its acetates (something that identifies their craftsmanship and small production) and the frames in the new eco material have a nice lightness and gentle fine lines – I observed this series in January this year in Munich with Thomas Hobmaier (the Marketing/Sales Director at REIZ) and found them very beautiful.
Created in Germany in 1996, REIZ is led by Jochen Gutbrod and Franz Dieter Reutter. The style of the glasses is always consistent to the label’s desire to produce beautiful design of an exceptional quality which combines handmade elements and high-tech German production technology.
REIZ Lovely Nature – Kiefer (dark green)
The new images of the frames pictured here show some of the subtleties that I appreciated when I saw the frames and tried them on, whilst also making reference to the past and classical aesthetics. Lovingly created, and lovely indeed. www.reiz.net CN
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 15, 2013
Beautiful Acetate Colourations
15th April 2013 Some of the artistic effects available on acetate never cease to amaze. This season, there are several beautiful renditions that express the beauty and creative possibilities of working with this versatile eyewear material. Vera Wang, acclaimed for her refined clothing creations, brings those same qualities to elegant sunglasses in distinctive shapes, combining a contemporary mood with a subtle retro spirit (above: Asuki, Emi and Aya). The marble colourations are soft and luxurious – a chic complement to spring/summer fashions. www.kenmarkoptical.com
Agrippina – by Oliviero Zanon for Res/Rei
Designer Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei loves acetate – in fact, one of his favourite activities is to discover old acetate sheets that he can magically transform into gorgeous sunglasses. In Latin, Res Rei means “the thing”, and these beautiful frames really are ‘the thing’ in style and eyewear expression. Agrippina (above) with its alluring shape, is lovingly created by hand, and just one of several exciting new creations by the Italian designer. www.resrei.com JG
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 12, 2013
Exhibition in Lucerne to Mark 20th Anniversary
12th April 2013 The design history of Götti Switzerland was celebrated with an exhibition in the historic Rüttimann House, the same premises where Sven Götti created his first eyeglasses. As you enter this beautiful building, the stage is set with an amazing chandelier fitted with 541 pairs of sunglasses from previous collections. A cross section of the past two decades of the Swiss company sheds light on the manufacturing of the frames, the design process, and the marketing behind the products. The first Götti collection stylistically transports visitors to another era, however, the signature and design philosophy of Sven Götti is already recognizable. Prototypes, unrealized shape experiments, blanks and stamping tools are also on display.
Stunning chandelier with 541 pairs of Götti sunglasses
The origins of the eyewear brand goes back to 1993, when Sven Götti and Urs Niederer opened the optics shop, Götti+Niederer, in the elegant Rüttimann House in Lucerne’s Old City. Sven Götti established his own eyewear collection the following year, and now Götti Switzerland has a presence in over thirty countries. A success story to celebrate! The exhibition can be visited in Lucerne until 20th April at Götti+Niederer Mühlenplatz 1 Lucerne. The Götti exhibition will then travel to other Swiss and German cities later in the year. www.gotti.ch JG
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 10, 2013
A unique service for handcrafted eyewear
10th April 2013 Last month we were back at Oliver Goldsmith HQ in London, a visit that allowed us a chance to become more acquainted with the extraordinary OG archive and its rows of iconic designs. We also learnt about their bespoke service and how you can have a frame inspired by the vintage archive made especially for you. This is a unique experience in bespoke creations, and a chance to have your own little piece of eyewear history. “You find it with shoes, you find it with bags, but you have to dig deep to find a bespoke service in eyewear where you can have a frame handmade to your chosen design and sizing,” explained Zoe Cosby as we pulled open drawer upon drawer of inspiring Oliver Goldsmith designs from the past. “The bespoke frames are made in the last surviving British eyewear factory individually and by hand, it’s a painstaking process with a result that is comparable to the finest bespoke products available.”
Oliver Goldsmith archive, OG store London
If you don’t live in London or the UK and can’t get to the Oliver Goldsmith store itself, there are now over 10 stores around the world that can measure and order a bespoke handcrafted Oliver Goldsmith acetate style for you. They include LA’s famous Gogosha Optique – www.gogosha.com and the very unique Eyesite boutique in Philadelphia – http://eyesite-phila.com/. Find the OG Store at: www.olivergoldsmith.com/shop.aspx
Photography by Margarida Viegas exclusively for Eyestylist.com CN
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 8, 2013
8th April 2013 If you love vintage and would like to start the S/S season with a new frame with vintage overtones, we have picked three pieces that make a modern statement. Choose from classic round, oversized with a flat top or super feminine butterfly. The colours are perfect for now; soft and calming pastels and natural tones that feel fresh and easy as temperatures start to climb.
The latest from Mykita / Damir Doma is model DD04 (above), launching in May in the Damir Doma flagship store and selected retailers. It’s a sculptured take on the round shape, this time in acetate, and it is deeply rooted in the 1930s, with its clean-cut minimal temples. A super no-fuss reinterpretation of an old classic design, with colours ranging from tortoise to amber, the collection was presented at Damir Doma’s A/W 13/14 catwalk show. www.mykita.com
For more on the first releases in this collaborative collection which explored material combinations, visit http://www.eyestylist.com/2012/10/trend-watch-juxtaposed-materials/
Constance by Ralph Vaessen
From Dutch designer Ralph Vaessen, we have noticed this wonderful contemporary super luxe sunglass style that is made in Germany by hand. Vaessen is a master in luxury horn, and it is interesting to see how he has accomplished a combination of genuine horn and coloured wood – that’s a rarity in eyewear. Model Constance boasts fine details such as the layering effect at either side of the front of the frame and it has a delicate butterfly shape, with subtle graduated lens colour to match the natural tones of the horn and coloured wood. It’s a frame that is likely to remain covetable for seasons to come. See the S/S collection by Ralph Vaessen at www.ralphvaessen.com
Point of View – Amnesia – handmade in Turkey
For instant attitude, look no further than the Turkish independent label, RVS by V.’s new project, Point of View (POV), and their bold sunglasses collection which I previewed in Milan in early March. There are 20 models (each offered in 3 or 4 colours), all quite different with a lot of retro elements, from pearlised finishes and marbling effects to the use of old-school materials such as tortoise. Designer Vidal Erkohen is a vintage collector who has brought his love of the past to the drawingboard for this launch. “With POV, I wanted to make something different on a new level that is distinctive from our RVS by V. collection.”
My style in this collection was the oversized flat-top, Amnesia (pictured above in clear/apple but also very nice in black); with its contrasting browline, this design speaks volumes if you are looking for a cool, urban mood. Stockists include Dr. York, LA and Astrologo Ottica, Rome. www.rvsbyv.com and coming soon to www.poveyeworks.com CN
Posted in Home, Uncategorized
By Clodagh on April 4, 2013
Happy 20th Anniversary Götti Switzerland
Götti Switzerland family and friends, opticians and customers, and the wonderful Götti staff toasted the company’s 20th anniversary in Lucerne with delicious Swiss specialities, music, dancing and festivities. Eyestylist was delighted to participate in this occasion, and we had an opportunity to chat with founder and designer Sven Götti. ”This is such a good and special moment,” said Götti, “as when we opened the store it was my dream to design. However, I felt I needed to learn more about optics and what customers really wanted. So we started slowly, and it’s a good feeling to know that people like what we create.”
Götti Switzerland: style, innovation and technology
Twenty years on, Götti designs have global reach in more than 1200 speciality shops around the world. The company has been recognised with prestigious awards including the Red Dot, The Swiss Economic Award, and the Travel & Leisure Award. Götti creations are a trinity of style, technical accomplishments and innovation. Watch this space for more news on the exciting Götti exhibition, that will be travelling to various European cities. Congratulations to Sven and the Götti team! www.gotti.ch JG
Photos: Top photo: Sven Götti with his dog Lucky Copyright: Gilles Stüssi
Posted in Home
By Clodagh on April 1, 2013
1st April 2013 There is a 60s fashion moment in the air for spring/summer. Monochromes and geometrics, curvy shapes, chic leathers and transparents, and orange and pink colour flashes…to set the mood, we have picked some favourite authentic vintage pieces from the online vintage store, Atelier Mayer, as well as some new 60s remix designs, from homewares to stationery….in eyewear, we have selected three gorgeous statement styles that evoke this colourful, fun-loving decade… the brand new Spice style from French designer label BOZ, and two exotic iconic classics from Oliver Goldsmith and Christian Roth.
1. Original Lanvin 1960s black and white shift dress, WWW.ATELIER-MAYER.COM; 2. Spice sunglasses from BOZ, www.boz-eyewear.fr; 3. Nicole Farhi double buckle leather belt, £145, www.nicolefarhi.com 4. Hex (1966) by Oliver Goldsmith, colour, Ivory. www.olivergoldsmith.com 5. 1960s black, red and white halter neck mini dress, WWW.ATELIER-MAYER.COM; 6. Frederic Malle Rubrum Lily scented candle, £48 available at Liberty’s www.liberty.co.uk; 7; Panton chair by Vitra, £200 at www.skandium.com; 8. Icon The Flick compact notebook, £6.50 by Castelli, www.castelli.co.uk; 9. Series 1001, Christian Roth for Optical Affairs, www.christian-roth.com CN
Posted in Home
