fashion

A chance to buy…original fashion illustrations

by Irwin “Bud” Crosthwait

19th April 2015  The work of Canadian War Artist, Fashion Illustrator and Modern Painter Irwin ‘Bud’ Crosthwait (1914 – 1981) with go on sale at a special exhibition in London by GRAY M.C.A., later in the year. The exhibition will include more than 60 original works from private collections: War Art, Fashion Illustration & Modern Art with prices ranging from £350 to £10,000.

Coinciding with London Fashion Week (SS16), the exhibition will highlight Crosthwait’s work as one of Paris’s acclaimed Fashion Illustrators, commissioned by publications including Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, Jardin Des Modes, Herald Tribune, New York Times & Femina and designers Givenchy, Dior, Marc Vaughan, Pucci, Courrèges & Yves St Laurent. Above: Irwin Crosthwait 1977 St Emica Watercolour (£1,500). 

Gallery 8, 8 Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1. From 17th to 22nd September 2015. www.graymca.co.uk CN

Optical Impressions

Irresistible Optical Frames

13th April 2015 Beautiful designs and details enrich optical frames, with a wonderful selection of styles, shapes and colours. Bold and dramatic is the theme for Ainjali Fine at Finest Seven (above), wearing Style 04 in black with a distinguished gold brow bar. www.finestseven.com

 

Venezia from the Bridges Collection by Coppe & Sid
Venezia from the Bridges Collection by Coppe & Sid

Travel is the inspiration for the elegant new Bridges Collection from Coppe & Sid.  Lagoon blue acetate – Style VCE Venezia – transports the wearer to dreamy destinations, with handcrafting and luxurious details. www.eyedesignclub.com

 

Eyewear Harmony - SPX Illusion by Silhouette
Eyewear Harmony – SPX Illusion by Silhouette

Silhouette’s latest collection for men includes handsome frames that are ultra light – including the SPX Illusion – a true modern classic in tortoiseshell. www.silhouette.com JG

Vera Wang

Vera Wang creations are the epitome of chic and contemporary fashion. The celebrated designer dresses an international clientele of sophisticated women who appreciate her understated styling in beautiful fabrics. Frames are also a passion for Vera Wang, and in an exclusive interview with Eyestylist, she shares her thoughts on fashion and eyewear.

“I’m always excited about eyewear – it can change the way you look; it’s like wearing a new cosmetic, and can change your whole mood. Eyewear is the biggest accessory, and eye protection is so valuable against sun levels. I’m into studying lens making and flat screen eyewear. It’s important to keep the quality going, and keep exploring lens construction.  I’m bursting with ideas and excitement and fascinated with eyewear. Temples can be mixed with various materials, or take lenses used for skiing and adapt to sunglasses. It’s challenging, and competitive, but always exciting.

 

Super Sunnies - Nolita by Vera Wang
Super Sunnies – Nolita by Vera Wang

“Eyewear has always interested me, and I’m a hands on designer – very much involved, and I bring passion to what I do, and study what is going on in the market. I design from my heart. I’ve seen so much change – it is a staggering new world.

Vera Wang Fall/Winter 2015 Collection
Vera Wang Fall/Winter 2015 Collection

“A woman can express herself creatively, while protecting her eyes. Glasses give you attitude, and they make you look totally different. I design in the context of what I feel as a designer – and perhaps as an artist. I’m fascinated by it all.

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Elegant Optical Designs by Vera Wang
Elegant Optical Designs by Vera Wang

“The focus on eyewear in Los Angeles is so obvious. It comes from loving sports. The vocabulary of eyewear has changed. Eyewear is a form of self-expression, and I always encourage women to express themselves, and also offer options and alternatives.

Here Comes The Bride by Vera Wang
Here Comes The Bride by Vera Wang

“I’m intrigued with jewelled eyewear. Diana Vreeland and Carrie Donavan (both editors and style icons at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar at different periods) were defined by their eyewear – they saw the potential and power of eyewear.” www.kenmarkoptical.com / www.verawang.com JG

Coterie

New opening in Chengdu, Southwest China

Coterie’s new store in Chengdu is its 10th to date. The independent chain champions top level collections, international independent designers and artisan labels, including Anna-Karin Karlsson, a-morir, Mykita and Thierry Lasry.

“In our Chengdu store,” explains David Leung, “we also launch Vava, Lapis and Coco & Breezy. We allocate certain brands exclusively to each location, depending on demographic and positioning in the area.” The store is in a newly opened shopping area – Taikoo Li, where Hermes, Givenchy, Chloe, Apple, and Maria Luisa have all opened flagships in recent months.”

“It seems to us that Chinese consumers are starting to move toward specialised designer eyewear labels. In general, we see more openness to quality design products than we did a few years ago when we first started,” explains Leung.

VAVA Eyewear
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TVR True Vintage Revival
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100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
Interior, Coterie in Chengdu
Interior, Coterie in Chengdu

Asked about further expansion, Leung says while there is much interest abroad, Coterie plans to innovate in other ways, through new collaborations, a wider accessories offering and a unique shopping experience for consumers in China.

“We believe good quality, inspiring design, and value for money are always the criteria for consumers’ selections. Regarding trends, we have seen in the last year a particular interest in mirrored lenses, combination and oversized frames overall.” Find out more about Coterie at www.coterie.cn CN