2011

Mech-flex V3611

1st June 2011

Vanni

I like the simplicity of this model, from the Mech-Flex range by Vanni, produced by the Italian design company Nico Design. This model combines thin steel and plastic, and it comes from a range that brings together bright fun colours and clean, practical design. The style above features a special hinge, the Mech-flex, which adds flexibility and extra wearer comfort. Offered in four colourways, my favourite is the on-trend matt violet and purple version, but you can also choose a patterned front teamed with black, a dark violet with turquoise, or brown with fuchsia. The enthusiasm for detail here sets this optical range apart. Very well done. CN

www.vanniocchiali.com

SILMO Paris - The Optical Fair. 25th - 28th September 2026

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

www.nicodesign.it

Arts + travel

Project Ocean – London, England

1st June 2011

Selfridges campaigns to Save our Seas

1st June 2011 An inspiring retail initiative by Selfridges is a call to action for people to recognise the danger of overfishing and pollution, and be aware of the urgent need for marine protection. Designers Katharine Hamnett, Philip Treacy, plus The Zoological Society of London, Greenpeace, WWF and others are participating in order to address the issue of sustainability and to defend the fish in our seas. Creative window displays, in-store entertainment, lectures, cooking demonstrations and films illustrate the fragility of global seas. Not to be missed is the magnificent coral exhibition that usually lives in the Aquarium at The London Zoo. These exquisite symbols of marine life are also endangered. Selfridges has published an informative booklet to identify fish at risk, (free to consumers) which also suggests alternatives to those under threat. Project Ocean at Selfridges is the best reason ever to “go shopping.” Until 12 June. www.selfridges.co.uk Check out www.fish2fork.com for a list of sustainability-minded restaurants. JG

Reviews

Undostill 18

1st June 2011

Undostrial

Part of the fully rimmed Undostill Collection designed by Lucas de Stael, this frame is made of a Swedish stainless steel sheet of just 0.5 mm wide, which is then folded and formed to achieve the perfect balance between comfort and aesthetics. The textured temples are made of silicone and exist in three different patterns, crosses, stripes or lines. They are exchangeable which allows you to modify the appearance of your frame by yourself, a clever touch. The highly flexible memory steel allows you to fold the frame by crossing the temple and locking them together in a closed position. A very practical optical style for fans of minimalist design. Undostrial is a French technology oriented label which takes an interest in the research of materials, colours and shapes, and produces all its frames, unusually, in its Paris workshop. CN

www.undostrial.com

Boutiques

Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde, France (Paris)

1st June 2011

Parisian Eyewear Concept Store

1st June 2011 Just a few steps from the acclaimed Plaza Athénée Hotel, and numerous prestigious fashion boutiques, is the recently opened stylish and stunning Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde. The Who’s Who of frames can be found here in beautiful surroundings – Tom Davies, Alain Mikli, Emmanuelle Khanh, John Vavatos, Linda Farrow, Loree Rodkin by Sama Eyewear, and more. Situated over three floors, the lower level is an eye treatment spa (more on that delightful pleasure in a future edition!), and the building is a classic French structure with gloriously high ceilings, and traditional immense French windows.

VITRINE NUIT Les Plus Belle Lunettes — Les Plus Belles Lunettes, view from window

The ambience is open, fresh and elegant, with frames displayed in spacious conditions that make looking and trying on a real pleasure. Sandrine Da-Costa is the creative, enthusiastic optician and proprietor behind Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde. She believes in not only selling unique eyewear, she also adds: “we sell happiness.” Certainly this boutique, with its graceful atmosphere, offers the complete eyewear experience. If you love eyewear, this is the perfect destination! Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde 23,rue François Premier 75008 Paris. www.lesplusbelleslunettesdumonde.com JG

Home

Trend alert: nude tones

1st June 2011

Neutrals are here to stay

1st June 2011 Everyone’s talking about neutrals (in fashion at least)…and that’s for A/W, not just S/S. I have picked out a few of these putty tones as a guideline, but I can’t stress enough that there are a lot of these colours about (some nicer than others) and many of the good examples in eyewear are those that use lovely quality acetates, which are usually produced in Italy, or possibly Japan. My first (pictured above) is from the Dries Van Noten collection (model 22) in “translucent dirty pink”. There are a few great neutral choices in this sophisticated collection, produced by the glasses company Linda Farrow. We like the translucent finish as well as the subtle flesh tones of this one, plus it’s a great shape.

French label Anne et Valentin is also doing some really elegant pink tones, with this sunglass combo below being a real favourite in their S/S range, as it mixes a transparent nude tone with a bright purple.

From the German label Mykita, we like the nude/silver combination of Tiago, one of the few metals I have encountered in this colour tone; the frame is a 1960s oversized design with a prominent brow line that transforms into side pieces. It’s a smart, savvy look and it goes the extra mile with the attention to detail…the lens colour beautifully sets off the colour of the frame itself. www.mykita.com If you have seen some great frames using these colour tones let us know, I’d like to find some more of the extra special ones on offer. CN