June 2015

Minotaure

Lucas de Stael

Leather is combined seamlessly with stainless steel in Minotaure, a collection created by young Paris designer Lucas de Stael. Leather has been on the rise in the last months in eyewear. Look out for well handled finishing and high-end leather materials that will preserve their aesthetic elegance and finish with wear. De Stael is one of the first we have seen using coloured leathers. The Minotaure Collection includes 12 possible frame shapes each available in three to eight colours.  www.lucasdestael.com CN

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Paola Costantini – Pollipo’ Occhiali – Rome

“I started working in the optical/ophthalmic field in 1993, and then also started to work in fashion. Passionate about accessories since  childhood, the spark snapped during a trip to Caracas, after my studies, when I was hit by a pair of sunglasses worn by a young tourist. A glance is able to lead us into new worlds and fantasies just watching what is around us, and through the glance we experience and learn. Glances are the protagonists of memories, sensations, emotions, and make eyewear the King of accessories.

No. 506 double layer blue acetate with leather case in Energy Green Crocodile Pattern by Pollipo'
No. 506 double layer blue acetate with leather case in Energy Green Crocodile Pattern by Pollipo’

“As a self-taught designer, I decided to form my own eyewear label “Pollipo’ Occhiali” in 2000, inspired by my passion for acetate glasses. Acetate is just my favourite material for eyewear. My love for accessories – and pearls in particular – led me to create my collection of jewels, and the unique, creative line of jewel clutches…which are not only for glasses. The collections are fully handmade in Italy, and I’m always focusing on the combination between colours of the acetates, with the colours of the gemstones and leathers. The leathers are from Tuscany, and I choose the gemstones during my world travels, discovering special gems such as the Rhodochrosite from Argentina, a beautiful pink to red-rose stone. I’m also passionate about Red Coral which I select from Torre del Greco in Italy.

N. 594 in Umbria Green acetate with Saffiano clutch in natural Tuscan leather bu Pollipo'
N. 594 in Umbria Green acetate with Saffiano clutch in natural Tuscan leather bu Pollipo’

“Another stone I use is the enchanting Pietra Paesina from Tuscany, a stone that hides inside designs that look like the work of a painter, but really are absolutely natural and stimulating. So sometimes there is a surprising landscape. Turquoise from Arizona I use, but always and above all I am fascinated by selecting and researching pearls!

Handmade chain in rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver, natural pearls and black spinel. Tilda clutch in Tuscan leather with natural pearls and rhodium-lated sterling silver.
Handmade chain in rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver, natural pearls and black spinel. Tilda clutch in Tuscan leather with natural pearls and rhodium-plated sterling silver.

“I get intuition to create eyewear and jewels by the sea, basically it is my homeland of inspiration. I live in this atmosphere, and the sea is around me everyday, as my home is located in the seaside of beautiful Roma. ” www.pollipocchiali.it JG

Pollipo studio
Tools of the Trade in Pollipo’ Studio

Lorekeet

Fritz Frames

Handmade in Australia, Lorekeet by Fritz Frames has been nominated for the ODMA 2015 Awards in the Best Sunglasses Category.

This artisan frame combines locally sourced Victoria Ash timber veneer and Rainbow Lorikeet feathers collected from along the Maroochy River. These organic materials make a wonderful combination, for a design that is quite unique and handcrafted by a passionate team. www.fritzframes.com CN

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Bruno Curtil Opticien – Dijon, France

1st June 2015 Like many renowned cities in France, Dijon has a long and noble history. The home of the Dukes of Burgundy from the 11th century until the late 15th century, Dijon was the European centre of art, science and learning. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is part of the Ducal palace, which includes kitchens that date back to the 15th century. This is also the region for acclaimed Burgundy wine; aromatic Dijon mustard that was created in 1856;  and an amazingly beautiful countryside. In this heady atmosphere, is an innovative optician who is an oasis for independent eyewear designers – Bruno Curtil Opticien.

Spacious and Inviting - Bruno Curtil Opticien Dijon France
Spacious and Inviting – Bruno Curtil Opticien Dijon France

Curtil was an early champion of l.a. Eyeworks and Alain Mikli. “For thirty years, I’ve been buying l.a. Eyeworks and Mikli – I’m very loyal to my suppliers. I have confidence in their creativity,”  he says. Other brands to be found at Curtil include ROLF, ic!berlin, theo, Hoet, Oliver Goldsmith, Anne & Valentine, and Thierry Lasry among others. Prior to being involved in optics, Curtil was in the theatre, and his sense of performance and staging he brings to his optical practice, with events that involve his clients and the community. “We have fashion shows in the shop featuring sunglasses and swimwear;  we serve delicious fresh snacks, along with fruit juices made in the Bourgogne, and we have live music. These events are by invitation only and the evenings are great,” says Curtil.

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Fun and Creative Window Display at Bruno Curtil Opticien
Fun and Creative Window Display at Bruno Curtil Opticien

The shop decor is fresh, modern and inviting, with high ceilings, Italian wood and the versatile Dupont material Corian in white is used on the walls, providing aesthetics that are clean and functional. Throughout the year, Curtil hosts trunk shows, and customers are invited to see the entire collections of various eyewear designers. Thirty years in optics has only re-invigorated Curtil’s enthusiasm and passion for eyewear. He also understands that superior frames and service, plus a very personal approach to clients is a recipe for success. www.brunocurtil.fr JG