March, 2012 | Eyestylist

Trend series: Spring’s Statement sunglasses

8th March 2012

Portofino by RockOptika

8th March 2012 With the bounty of statement styles around I’ve been looking for what’s on offer beyond the very popular catseyes and aviators. For men, this striking men’s sunglass model from the young British designer Tom Herrington caught my eye, given it breaks with obvious trends. Herrington has an optical boutique in Hastings on the South Coast of England, not far from me, and I have been lucky enough to see his new RockOptika Collection in this incredible seaside setting. The retro notes from the 1960s and 1980s combined in this particular design are sharp and bold (and have made it a bestseller for the label), and a close inspection shows a passion for quality as well as overall stylishness. The frames are designed in the UK and crafted in France. The latest stockist in London is the amazing fashion emporium Wolf & Badger in Notting Hill, London. Also available at Covent Garden’s McClintock (www.mcclintock-eyewear.co.uk) and Frames in the Lanes, Brighton (www.framesinthelanes.com). For more stockists and information visit www.rockoptika.co.uk CN

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

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Trend series: Spring’s statement sunglasses

5th March 2012

Eyestylist meets Thierry Lasry at Premiere Classe in Paris

5th March 2012 Lasry makes beautiful statement eyewear…and these models are perfect examples. Speaking to Lasry today in Paris, he explained the use of 1980s vintage materials for some of his styles, such as Agony 385 (above) which has an incredible mosaic or marble material layered onto the front. These sunglasses are custom-made and limited to under 1000 pieces, given the limited availability of the decorative materials used in each one. Lasry’s gold templed sunglasses – he noted that black and gold in particular – are highly sought after in the fashion world (models like Lively and Sexxxy) but we have to say it’s the workmanship of his most decorative pieces that stand out for Eyestylist. The next big thing from Lasry is superb crystal frames – watch this space! www.thierrylasry.com CN/JG

430561_380673648627994_287822290_n — Anorexxxy 072 by Thierry Lasry

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Trend watch: Spring’s statement sunglasses

4th March 2012

Octagonal sunglasses – Pollini with Cutler and Gross

4th March 2012 The quirky octagonal and hexagonal shapes are having a revival – these sunglass designs date back to the 1960s and a number of our friends who collect or sell vintage frames have some stunning examples from both the 60s and 70s by Dior and other big fashion names. This style from Pollini is produced in a new collaborative capsule collection with Cutler & Gross and is available exclusively through Pollini stores (including their new boutique on Via della Spiga, Milan) and Pollini stockists worldwide. www.pollini.com CN

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2nd March 2012

Anne et Valentin’s Octet, coming soon…

2nd March 2012 I have already featured a few of the photos in this series by Anne et Valentin…here is another special one featuring the new model Octet, which we hear is launching at Mido, the Milan eyewear show, in just over a week! I can’t wait to try it on; it’s an acetate frame which has a slightly catty look about it, yet it looks a little deeper than the catseyes we have seen last year. A very pretty example, and we think it’s beautifully accessorized with red bag and matching nails. The photo was taken outside the Anne et Valentin store in Paris. www.anneetvalentin.com CN

Arts + travel

A New Light on Tiffany: Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls

1st March 2012

Renowned Works of Tiffany Studios at Flagler Museum,

Palm Beach, Florida

1st March 2012 Palm Beach holds cherished memories for me – the incredible expanse of sea and silky white beaches, the Mediterranean-style homes, shopping on Worth Avenue, and the stunning Flagler Museum. When American industrialist Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach was finished in 1902, the New York Herald hailed it as “more wonderful than any palace in Europe….”. Now the former private dwelling is a beautiful museum, currently showcasing “A New Light on Tiffany:Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls”. Behind the famed glass designs of Louis C. Tiffany was a small brigade of women, headed by Miss Driscoll, who was responsible for many of the masterpieces now inextricably linked to the Tiffany name. The Daffodil Shade (above) was probably designed by Clara Driscoll, circa 1900-06. The Crutch Oval base, circa 1900-06. (Courtesy of New York Historical Society, Gift of Dr. Egon Neustadt)

Clara Driscoll was a prodigious writer who wrote voluminous letters to her mother and sister – providing a first-hand account of the inner workings of Tiffany Studios. There are more than fifty lamps on display, plus historic design drawings, sheets of Tiffany glass, and the tools used to make the intricate shades. What is also pleasant to discover, is that Mr. Tiffany demonstrated steadfast support for his women workers- not very common in the 20th century. If your travels take you to America’s East Coast, this is an exhibition that will impress and delight. The Flagler Museum at any time is a joy. Through 22 April www.flaglermuseum.us JG

(Wisteria Lamp photo courtesy of New York Historical Society, Gift of Dr. Egon Neustadt)