May 2011

One to watch: Frency and Mercury

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

Givenchy Aviator

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

 

Clark 2

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

Carine Van Bossele, Lede, Ghent

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

jlc opticien…

…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