March 2011

Spectacles inspired by Italy’s iconic Vespa

French designer Pierre Cariven of Pierre Eyewear has come up with this charming idea for launch in Italy this week…a pair of spectacles inspired by the vespa! Pierre is a vespa fan and formerly owned a black PX125. This frame is of course a collector’s item…and not the first that Pierre has created. Other exotic shapes include a Porsche (the 911 specifically) and a salamander….you can view these and other exciting models including some cute, very-wearable “Vichy Limited” Brigitte Bardot inspired creations on the website www.pierre-eyewear.com CN

Spring/summer 2011, a new collection of sunglasses and spectacles from the Italian lifestyle brand

Trussardi’s new sunglass collection is one of a great long list of brands I hope to get to see at the international optics fair Mido  this week (www.mido.com). I’ve not yet had the chance to see this collection up close, but from what I hear, it answers the checklist of special qualities found in the Trussardi fashion collections…craftsmanship, luxury materials, and an ability to interpret retro in a beautiful, contemporary way. The model pictured above (Tru Trussardi TR12805) is a classic shape, with a leather detail laid on the temple. It’s very understated but gives the frame a unique appeal. I would love to be wearing this one as a matter of fact!!

Café Trussardi – I shall also be visiting the Café Trussardi this week for a press event. If you are in the centre of Milan, it’s really a beautiful place to call in; it offers a Milanese café experience of the highest order, and it’s near the La Scala Opera House. Apart from the outstanding location, I am told the coffee and particularly the ‘macchiato’ is one of the best in Milan, quite a feat in a city which has an enticing café near every street corner. CN

www.trussardi.com/trussardi_cafe.html

At Christmas I was given a leather iphone pouch which has been a very useful gift for keeping my phone clean, well protected and discreet. I recently discovered that the designer of these covers also produces spectacle cases in soft colourful felts, either for use on their own, or with a hard case for extra protection. Susie Brown, the designer behind this Edinburgh-based home and accessories brand uses ethically sourced materials for all her products. I like the simple graphic decorations on the soft pouches which, for spectacles, include an aviator and a cats eye design. For a unique handmade product, these are very reasonable at £15.00 and make excellent presents. CN

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/susiemaroon/product/respectable-spectacle-s-soft-case