July 2012

Brillenschneiderei, Berlin

1st July 2012 I first heard about Brillenschneiderei a few months ago, and I am really a big fan of their whole boutique concept. They stock superior brands like L.G.R., Vuerich B, and Oscar Magnusson as well as their own label, Brillenschneiderei Yves. They offer a very carefully selected choice of good quality frames that they believe will “bring out the personality of the wearer.”

The store was opened in 2010 by the current owner, 37 year old Yves-Jens Leipe. Located in Berlin Mitte, Gormannstraße 8,  the interior is completely enclosed by glass, a point which Yves says helps customers see the colours and shapes of the frames he has quite perfectly. The photos we have show an eye-catching red female statue and a smaller figure in a pink dress in the window, the work of a local artist.

 

What’s the buzz around Brillenschneiderei? Located in a street nicknamed “FashionWeek Street”, its clientele are local and international and have an interest in great design. Designed by Michael Lange, the prize-winning interior is created from glass, cement and palisander (also known as Brazilian rosewood). CN

Brillenschneiderei`Yves, Gormannstraße 8 | 10119 Berlin-Mitte

www.brillenschneiderei.de

 

Ralph Anderl

ic! berlin – Designer’s Universe

1st July 2012 Ralph Anderl is the creative force behind the international brand ic! berlin. With his unbridled enthusiasm and ‘tour de force’ approach to life, I’ve always found his desire to experiment, explore and push barriers an exciting part of his personality, and his avant-garde designs. Perpetually on the move, Eyestylist was able to track him down, and he shares his concepts on eyewear and design.

“We had an idea for ic! berlin – a vision – and when we started, we had no clue. So we learned, we improved, made mistakes, and learned some more. Finally, we are a company with approximately one hundred employees, a Monday morning choir, and our own production in Berlin. As a company, we are growing, getting bigger and  bigger, better and better. We might lose it all and close the company, if the world was to go under this year.  Who knows? Normally companies also die like human beings. Nothing is forever……how wise……

dr. ihab in piano rough

Your design philosophy? “Our design philosophy is simplicity and function. Fashion is out of fashion. It is about quality and the soul of the product – no cheap stuff. I’d love to work in sheet metal and acetate. I’d also like to work with cookies and ice cream – we tried…but it was very difficult……Also, the fact that human beings have just two eyes is very restrictive when designing eyewear – to be honest…..

What or who inspires your designs? “Jan Kleihues, one of the most important German architects inspires me a lot with his buildings, humour, and lifestyle. And the drawings I make inspire me. Our next collection will include designs from a picture I drew in 1989! Designing eyewear is a day by day challenge. You have to be very fresh and ‘munter’, strong, super intelligent, tall and brave to do that. I feel that responsibility day and night. Also for peace in the world and for animals, plants and the air – yes, I believe in the United States and Italy!”

ic! berlin launched the new rough. collection featuring 5 acetate frames and 3 colours in June 2012.

www.ic-berlin.de JG

 

The First Ladies at The Smithsonian

First Ladies Contribute to American Fashion History

1st July 2012 America’s First Ladies – wives of Presidents – have an increasingly active role in the documentation of American fashion. The Smithsonian (National Museum of American History) was founded in 1846, and today is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Their collection of First Ladies gowns originated in 1912, when Helen Taft, who was then first lady, donated the first inaugural gown. Today, there are over 1000 objects in the First Ladies Collection, from inaugural gowns, to state dinner dresses, personal effects and White House ephemera. Dresses worn by Dolly Madison, Mary Todd Lincoln, Frances Cleveland, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, and many others are among those on display. First Lady Michelle Obama recently presented her inaugural ball gown to officially launch a new gallery: “A First Lady’s Debut.” It’s a stunning, ongoing exhibition, encompassing history, fashion and the diverse contributions of first ladies to American society. www.americanhistory.si  JG

Pink!

Lush accessory ideas for summer

1st July 2012 I have been looking forward to the month of July; we have a cool line up of accessories of all types! Starting with some pink must-haves, from specs to stationary, in charming pales to super decadent shocking shades. This is always a fresh, fun colour to wear, and it is a favourite on trend one now, especially if you are into colour mixing two or three brights side by side. CN

1. Cozac by Anne et Valentin, www.anneetvalentin.com 2. Smythson stationary, Cerise pink double bordered, £30.00, www.smythson.com 3. Marni dress in Paillette print, £339.00, www.marni.com 4. Superga Cotu Classic 2750, £20.00,  www.superga.co.uk  5. Cleo by Claire Goldsmith Legacy Collection, www.clairegoldsmith.com  6. Parisian spot signature scarf by Nicole Farhi, £75, www.nicolefarhi.com  7. Nicole Farhi woven leather clutch, £99.00, www.nicolefarhi.com  8. Cabbie pink sunglasses by Karen Walker, www.karenwalker.com