Clodagh

Perfetto

1st January 2013

Atelier Vingt-Deux

I first saw a few of the titanium designs from this collection in September and I hope to see how things develop in their collections in the next 12 months. Based in Antwerp the company prides itself on European production; it is part of a larger company called EyeTech Art who produce other lines including pieces of jewellery that also require work in titanium and diamond-cutting. Perfetto is a good and colourful example of the luxe styling in its bold and durable Titanium 0.5 Collection. Stockists include Les Plus Belles Lunettes du Monde in Paris, and Icon the Opticians in London. http://ateliervingtdeux.com/ CN

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

Arts & travel

Fashion Designers A-Z

1st January 2013

Remarkable Designs of the 20th and 21st Centuries

1st January 2013 Fashion Designers A-Z is truly a beautiful book – a luscious voyage with designer greats of the 20th and 21st centuries who have changed the fashion landscape. Taschen, the German book company, has published this fascinating and stunning edition. This work is co-authored by Valerie Steele, director and curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, (and an eyewear fan – see Eyestylist 1st April 2012) and Suzy Menkes the doyenne fashion editor and influential fashion critic of the International Herald Tribune. Lavishly illustrated, the book features photos of over 500 garments from the permanent collection at the FIT Museum, with designs by Coco Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen among others, and the text explains the significance of each design, and its importance in fashion history.

AKRIS_fashion_designers_a-z_17 — Akris Elegance by Albert Kriemler

The book is available as a series of six Designer Editons, bound in a fabric created by one of six designers who are ‘au courant’ today, including Akris (designed by Albert Kriemler) Stella McCartney, Missoni, Prada, and Diane Von Furstenberg. Albert Kriemler’s design (top photo) features a race car motif pattern for the Akris Edition of 2000 copies, which was created in the spirit of the devil-may-care-elegance of John Frankenheimer’s 1966 movie Grand Prix. Kriemler – whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in the beautiful atmosphere of St. Gallen Switzerland, where the company is based – is a favourite designer of Princess Charlene of Monaco. His designs subtly capture the spirit of modernity and quiet chic, as in the design from the 2011 collections (above ) in printed wool mousseline with a metal chain belt. Fashion Designers A-Z is a one-of-a-kind book – crafted by hand in Italy and individually stamped. It’s a remarkable visualisation of fashion, social history, and a poignant tribute to fashion creators. www.taschen.com www.akris.ch JG

Boutiques

Chic Swiss Concept Boutique

1st January 2013

Le Labo Sets the Pace for Fashion Accessories

1st January 2013 Followers of Eyestylist know that I really love Switzerland, and I have found yet another reason to be enchanted – a delightful Concept Store in Geneva – Le Labo. The boutique is the creation of Leila Krir, an optician with fashion flair, optical expertise and unbounded enthusiasm. “I worked in the luxury eyewear sector for more than ten years,” explains Leila, “and I acquired great experience and know how in high-end client relationships. I met a lot of opticians and eyewear designers, and I fell in love with many concept stores that I visited during my different journeys. That’s where the idea of combining both the fashion and eyewear aspects originated.”

The boutique opened in September 2011 and the shop features an impressive roster of eyewear designers: L.G.R., Lotho, Andy Wolf, Prism, Strada del Sole, Retrospecs, Marma London, La Loop and Linda Farrow among others. In addition, Le Labo has a variety of unusual accessories that include scarves from Yarnz, hats from Inverni and cuff links by Samuel Gassmann. Leila is also researching other accessories to introduce into the boutique for next summer.

Eyewear and Accessories unite fashionably at Le Labo Geneva

The fashion and optical profile is further highlighted with monthly events held in the boutique. “We could have a designer appearance – like Italia Independent, or have a vintage theme, or a Christmas motif, perhaps combining with other stores in Geneva who have the same philosophy,” says Leila, “as our typical customer is trendy and demanding – looking for the ‘rare pearl’.” If Geneva or somewhere in the region is your destination, do include Le Labo on your ‘must see’ list – it’s a wonderful celebration of fashion eyewear and accessories. www.lelabo-geneva.com JG

Home

New-season frames

1st January 2013

1st January 2013 January is the start of a new hunt for the leading creative designs at Eyestylist.com. I have seen much of Anne et Valentin’s 2013 sun and optical collection but I shall be revisiting this one over and over in the months ahead. One of the women’s specs that pops out from what I have seen so far is this vibrant cat style Adele (above) – a modern take on the traditional catty shape designed in sweet colours including a shiny tortoise and a forest and emerald green. The style is featured in the label’s look book 2013 which we have found very inspiring. And the cat’s eye shape is a safe choice again in 2013 – it’s going to be popular. www.anneetvalentin.com

At Theo, the creative eyewear specialists in Antwerp, we have been much impressed by the houndstooth trend they have reinterpreted in frames, first reviewed by Eyestylist here: www.eyestylist.com/2012/11/ew-te-227/. A totally inspired Eye Witness collection combining the innovative, reproduced pattern and trendy colour pairings such as the red with orange highlighted here, we are following this design concept with a close eye. www.theo.be

New children’s collection by ic! berlin

ic! berlin say they will be showing a new selection of frames for children in Munich in a few weeks time (opti ’13), including this perky little shape with cute eye lashes. This is one of a number of highlights we predict are coming in children’s spectacle design this year. www.ic-berlin.de CN

Home

The season

29th December 2012

and reason – for celebration…and we are always ready to toast independent specs designers at Eyestylist! Click on REVIEWS for exceptional shapes and colours in glasses and sunglasses. For creativity from Australia to Iceland, visit Designer of the Month and Boutiques. Valentino is highighted in City Guides, with a stunning exhibition in London. And we highlight frames featuring diamonds and art deco details. To all our readers – Joyous and Healthy Holidays!

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