Sleek and refined, Song combines timeless design with beautiful hand finishing, a trademark of this Italian artisan label. One of five new retro-inspired models, Song is available as an optical style or as a sunglass fitted with Zeiss G15 lenses in green – the narrow double bridge is elegant either way. 100% handmade in Italy. www.lgr-sunglasses.com CN
Several of today’s innovative new designers have a passion for eyewear in their DNA and family legacy. The eyewear dynasty of Adrian Marwitz began in 1919 with his grandfather. Nowadays, Adrian continues the family history with frames in Titanium – his favourite material – that are handmade in Germany. Stranger No. 1 is from Marwitz’s new collection of Urban Strangers, shown here in sophisticated matt blue – predicted to be a notable colour for 2014 – in a shape that harmoniously unites tradition and trend. www.adrianmarwitz.com JG
1st January 2014 After a long period of renovation, the sumptuous Palais Galliera has re-opened in Paris with a gala retrospective of Azzedine Alaïa’s timeless designs. For decades, the Tunisian creator has been a dramatic influence on fashion. Alaïa cuts straight to the essence of each garment – the shapes he constructs are bold and creative statements in their own right, without need for further adornment.
The exhibition features over seventy garments – clothes that are sensual, sublime and superbly sleek. Unlike most designers, Alaïa travels little, except within his own fertile imagination and visualization. When Alaïa arrived in Paris in the 1960’s, he had the good fortune to meet two Parisian legends – the actress Arletty and the designer and author Lousie de Vilmorin. These elegant women, along with Greta Garbo, and in later years, models Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Yasmin Le Bon inspired him to make ‘garments that last’. He also likes to say: “I make clothes, women make fashion”. A Must See Exhibition!
Until January 26th www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr JG
1st January 2014 Just a short stroll from several of the most notable monuments in Paris – Notre Dame, La Sorbonne, and Le Panthéon – is a new establishment creating its own distinguished legacy. Amaury is an innovative gallery – dedicated to handcrafted artisan creations. Amaury Cagniard is a young, sophisticated eyewear designer, and a connoisseur of fine quality products. In this recently opened boutique, you’ll find Amaury’s beautiful eyewear collection in horn, acetate and metal. His frames are gracefully refined, all handmade in France in the renowned Jura area.
In addition, the boutique offers an eclectic selection of intriguing products – including leather accessories – the leather sourced from a small producer in Florence, Italy -and olive oil from a small grove just outside Rome. Perfume, soap, men’s hats and jumpers in luxurious materials with classic chic, and imaginative furniture from Sculptures Jeux – a French company – can also be leisurely viewed and appreciated in the 350 square metre shop. Each item is chosen with care and concern for authenticity – the same philosophy that Amaury endorses for his eyewear collection. “I make a frame design and then it evolves without force; sometimes I have a precise idea, but everything must flow, be clear and pure without eccentricity.” Just like his gallery boutique. Amaury Store 5, rue Dante 75005 Paris France For more details, visit www.amaury.eu.com JG
1st January 2014 During the month of January, Eyestylist will feature innovative frames for men from specialist designers. Several creators discuss their ideas and concepts for this important men’s accessory. We start the series with Sven Götti of Götti Switzerland.
“Glasses are one of the few accessories that men can wear. Women can put on makeup to achieve another look. Glasses can release a total make over. The most important is to feel comfortable with glasses. If a man is wearing them every day they have to procure a good feeling. Glasses support the style of a man, and his character. Götti Switzerland designs explicit men’s collections with a very clear and masculine shape. We think it’s a must that everyone can identify himself with the style of his glasses. Apart from that fact, the glasses have to be perfect on the nose, and the size of the frame needs to be correct – it has to appear harmonious with the owner’s face. When it comes to colours, for men dark tones are mostly recommended, however, lighter skin types can play with colours. Havana and black will definitely suit men with dark hair. Colours have a strong symbolic effect, and say more than a thousand words – the colour of glasses says a lot about the character of a person. Is he brave? or confident? or likes to hide in the backseat? Last but not least,: Is there something like the “perfect face for glasses?” Yes. Just as there are certain types of people who can wear a hat easily. There is a frame for everyone. Sometimes it just takes a little more effort to find the perfect choice.” www.gotti.ch JG
Above: PINO in titanium from the Götti Switzerland Collection