August 2011

V&A online shopping

3rd August 2011 The museum shops in London are great for buying presents and other more unusual decorative items, art or ideas for children. The V&A in London is one of my favourites, along with the National Portrait Gallery shop.

The V&A has an online shopping site with a wide range of stationary, and they have recently added the distinctive Christian Lacroix stationary range….which includes notebooks, notepads and journals with a flamboyant style. Every purchase supports the museum, an even better incentive to pass by…www.vam.ac.uk or www.vandashop.com CN

Colour trends: jewel tones

4th August 2011 Jewel colours are to make an impression in fashion this coming season, with deep ruby, amethyst, emerald and sapphire vying for attention among the shades of garnet and cytrine. If you have a peak at the catwalk shows by Nicole Farhi (http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2011/ready-to-wear/nicole-farhi) or Italian designer Alberta Ferretti (http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2011/ready-to-wear/alberta-ferretti/catwalk-report) these shades will instantly come to life for you.

We have asked a few eyewear designers to preview their interpretation of these colours. Claire Goldsmith’s scarlet version of Campbell and model Corban from the CG Legacy collection (above and below) are beautifully in tune with these glamorous tones…sometimes in mono but also present to punctuate more sombre tones and classic black. CN

Corban by Claire Goldsmith, in cassis
Watson by Claire Goldsmith, pictured in indigo

 

 

Highland fling

Winter trend: Face à Face chooses tartan

2nd August 2011 Now we are starting on our winter trend reports, here is one we like from Face à Face. The French label has adopted the tartan trend in its 2012 collection, by offering six of its top selling frames, including Sagan 1 and Woody, in colourful plaid. Whether it reminds you more of Scottish castles or 1980s punk, it’s a style statement we’ll keep seeing in the coming season. CN

www.faceaface-paris.com

Oogappel

Optics and Fashion in Amsterdam Eyewear boutique

1st August 2011 Amsterdam is a European destination I always enjoy, and a favourite optical shop is located there.  I discovered Oogappel several years ago, a boutique with flair, style, desirable fame selections and superb service.  Owner Sarah Smit is at the helm of this fashionable boutique, founded by her father thirty-five years ago.  “We are an eclectic shop, with collections from luxury brands, but also from creators that we find worldwide”, explains Sarah. “Claire Goldsmith Legacy, Tom Ford, Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, Prada, Théo, Marni, Mosley Tribes, Persol and Dino Art are among the brands we stock.  The eyewear is really distinguished with colours, materials, and shapes.  Because we are situated in the centre of Amsterdam, in the fashion and museum district, we have visitors from all over the world who visit the boutique”.

The shop location is great, as it’s near the Van Gogh Museum, The Concertgebouw, The Rijksmuseum and the trendy Pieter Cornelisz Hofftstraat, with numerous fashion boutiques.  The wood and white leather interior at Oogappel (which means ‘apple of one’s eye’) is very chic, cool and sophisticated.  At the entrance is a signature chandelier by Brand  van Egmard, the Dutch design duo, who also create amazing pieces for royal palaces and international hotels.  If visiting the charming canal city of Amsterdam, hop on the No. 5 tram from Centraal Station to Baerlestraat. You can be assured of a friendly welcome from Sarah, shop manager Bart Singor and staff.  Plus you’ll find exciting frames! www.oogappel.com JG

Catherine TF200

Tom Ford Eyewear

Tom Ford is a man of talent and style, and his glamorous eyewear is a stunning example of those qualities.  Catherine, shown above, showcases Ford’s signature inspirations with a wide, cross-front architectural design in metal, a double bridge, and gradient lenses. The voluminous shape is dramatic, and shields the eyes from harsh sunrays. Modern and style setting, this design expresses Ford’s commitment to elegant minimalism and refinement. Tom Ford eyewear is available in London at 36 Opticians, 36 Beauchamp Place, and Fenwick’s on New Bond Street.  Further information at www.tomford.com JG