January 2017

Eyewear Explorations at 100% Optical London

17th January 2017

Eyewear fashion and flair await visitors at 100% Optical on February 4-6 at Excel in London. The spacious venue is an ideal setting for premier eyewear brands to showcase their latest collections. The impressive line up of quality, visionary-thinking eyewear companies includes Götti Switzerland who will present their Ultrasmart and Minimalist concept. The new campaign was photographed in the National Museum Zurich, an architectural landmark built in 1889. The designs are worn by five different protagonists who love entities that are simple – yet beautiful. The frames designed by Sven Götti express an eyewear landmark as well; with designs that are beautifully constructed; extremely lightweight, plus they exude aesthetic value and technical perfection. Julie Richoz, porcelain and glass designer, wears ADAN (above) elegantly streamlined in pure Titanium. www.gotti.ch

The iconic round frame enjoys a chic revival, and Luca Gnecchi Ruscone creates a modern interpretation with George – the ultimate round frame. L.G.R designs are entirely handcrafted by artisans in Italy. George is sleekly silhouetted in cellulose acetate, and available in black matt with grey lenses (above), and three different shades of Havana Tortoiseshell. Explore more superb L.G.R eyewear creations at www.lgrworld.com

Beautiful colourations are a hallmark of Kirk and Kirk designs from England. The acrylic frames – totally handmade in France – are radiantly luminous, and include Carey (above) shown in Emerald. With a strong signature shape, Carey is also available in gorgeous tones of Ocean, Aqua, Coral and Sunset, among others. Discover more about Jason and Karen Kirk’s unique designs and fabulous colours at www.kirkandkirk.com

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

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

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Blackfin has launched a beautiful new frame for women – Doran – with clean-cut square lines. The ample contour features a subtle cat-eye, and Blackfin’s patented Swordfish temple tips. A three-dimensional finish brings additional flourish to the design. Excellence is assured with the frames crafted in Italy by master craftsmen, seasoned with passion and an enriched heritage. www.blackfin.eu JG

Boutiques

Lafont Boutique rue Vignon Paris

16th January 2017

Over ninety years ago, a chic little optical boutique opened in the Madeleine area of Paris. The distinctive location on rue Vignon is close to the famed Madeleine Church, and a short stroll from Concorde. If boutiques could talk, what a fascinating tale the Lafont shop could reveal! The building was constructed in the early 19th Century, and has survived global depression, a World War, and numerous changes in selling eyewear. The boutique strides confidently towards its centenary, rich in history – complimented and enhanced by modern times and trends.

Cosy, calm, and elegant atmosphere at rue Vignon Lafont Boutique

Louis Lafont opened the boutique in 1923, and a guided tour by Matthieu Lafont – the third generation to be working in the business – provided a fascinating insight into the family legacy. Frames from the archives are on display in custom-crafted cabinets, so the shop is a delightful mixture of Lafont history, and the current collections.

Tools of the eyewear trade at L’Atelier Lafont

In this cosy, elegant atmosphere, clients are able to choose from the vast range of Lafont frames – optical and sunglasses – for men, women and children. In addition, Lafont has opened their first Atelier, tucked behind this architectural gem. The original stalls where horses were once kept provide further flashback into the rich Lafont heritage. In the Atelier, clients can creat a pair of one-of-a-kind frames with numerous possibilities for shapes, colours and materials. Certain materials are exclusive to L’Atelier Lafont, including buffalo horn. Pedigree, experience, and artisan craftsmanship are expressions of refinement and authentic luxury available at the L’Atelier Lafont.

History and contemporary trends unite at Lafont Boutique on rue Vignon Paris Vingnon

If a visit to Paris is on your agenda, a positive and rewarding experience is definitely a visit to the Lafont Boutique and L’Atelier Lafont — 11 rue Vignon 75008 Paris.www.lafont.fr JG

Reviews

Halo by Orgreen Optics

16th January 2017

Halo (above) refers to a glowing light effect produced by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, often found in ancient art iconography. You might find a hint of it in these streamlined unisex frames by Orgreen. The panto shape features a flat nose bridge, and lovely, subtle monochromatic colours that highlight Orgreen’s latest collection. Shown in Matt Burgundy Red – Halo is also available in tones of Matt Lavender and Matt Chocolate, plus stunning duo-colour combinations. See more of Orgreen’s latest styles at www.orgreenoptics.com JG

Design + Inspiration

Show season: Copenhagen Specs

13th January 2017

The optical fairs are about to get underway, and Eyestylist looks forward to exploring some of the leading European events highlighting independent brands and expertise in artisan collections. Denmark’s Copenhagen Specs, on 4th/5th March 2017, will take place at Lokomotivvaerkstedet just outside the city centre in a warm, welcoming venue with a relaxed atmosphere. A growing number of independent labels from across Europe attend including Danish brands LINDBERG, Falvin, Orgreen Optics, Fleye and Monoqool as well as specialists from further afield. Newcomers this year include Plein Les Mirettes (France), Kaleos (Barcelona) and Yuniku 3D tailored eyewear, by HOYA – produced in collaboration with Materialise and Hoet Design Studio. (www.yuniku.com).

Monoqool Denmark: 3d printing — Returning to the fair: Monoqool Denmark, experts in 3d printing

Copenhagen Specs’ Founder/CEO Morten Gammelmark says: “We have expanded the exhibiting area a little so we can show more brands to our visitors. Look forward to a fantastic selection of established and emerging names.”

SUPER model Esther from the Tuttolente range

Newcomers at the Copenhagen event include Retrosuperfuture, the Italian label and their exotic new model Esther, characterised by an oversized round frame with an all-lens construction. www.retrosuperfuture.com

Lucas de Stael – model Nemus

Returning to the show are some notable European artisan collections: Lucas de Stael (www.lucasdestael.com) handcrafted products combining stainless steel with wood, leather and stone, and young sustainable designer brand from Norway, Karmoie, by Kirsten and Lars Iversen who specialise in minimally styled acetate classics. (www.karmoie.com)

Karmoie: model Star in "herb" — Karmoie: model Star in “herb”

For the first time, Copenhagen Specs have created a guided sightseeing tour for visitors to the fair offering a mix of exclusive visits to leading optical shops and cultural sights in the Danish capital. More information about theCopenhagen Specs 2017 (trade visitors only) and brands attending is available at www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Design + Inspiration

Sights set on Munich

10th January 2017

Fairground Messe München 28th-30th January is the destination for OPTI-Munich (www.opti.de) where global eyewear brands will be showing their latest collections. Optical and sunglass designs with immense variety, stylish flair and quality craftsmanship ensure an adventurous and fulfilling event for attendees.

Among the acclaimed labels participating is SALT. Optics with their stunning new frames that include Anela (above). The pure, minimalistic lines of the frame blend slim acetate with ultra light beta titanium, in a feminine, fluid silhouette. Ocean inspiration provides the gorgeous colour. www.saltoptics.com

Azalea by Oliviero Zanon is from The Flowers collection, elegantly connected to Nature. The subtle retro shape is accented with vintage acetate trims in various colours. Featured above is Azalea in red with marbled accents, and pink with black and white trim. Discover more at www.resrei.com

Danish brand FLEYE will unveil their latest cutting edge sunglasses in Munich. Elson (above) takes centre stage with its architectural form and sharp-edged nose bridge. The distinctive design is crafted in beta-titainium – shown in sleek semi-matt gold. www.fleye.dk

A subtle, lithe butterfly shape gracefully spreads its wings at the first ray of light in Sunbeam by Orgreen. The contemporary shape is sophisticated and feminine, with flattering wide-open lenses – ready to flutter! Explore more beautiful Orgreen designs at www.orgreenoptics.com

JF Rey celebrates thirty years of the designer brand with a reinterpretation of a frame from the 1980’s. Tracks 0065 is a unisex design characterised by its original shape, vintage style and unbridled spirit of the period. The unique frame is worked with striking modernity in new materials, modern technologies, plus chic flat lenses. Tracks – impeccably stylish! www.jfrey.fr JG