The stunning beauty of Australian Botanical plants and flowers is the theme for the lovely new Limited Edition collection by Jono Hennessy. Flattering angularly sculpted shapes and expressive colours in acetate and metal influence the frames, as seen in style 8381 (above) in lush Lechenaultia Blue. Other gorgeous colours include Sturt Desert Pea and Outback Ochre. For more details on this special collection visit www.jonohennessy.com JG
Iris Apfel – at the amazing age of ninety-four, is clearly a style icon with international influence and respect – a feat few women can claim. The New York resident – whose trademark is voluminous eyewear and extravagant attire – has dazzled the fashion establishment with Iris in Paris at Le Bon Marché – the ultra chic “grand magasin” on the Left Bank. The fashion muse (pictured above with Selima) is portrayed in videos; an in-store exhibition inspired by her fashion exuberance; and fabulous, stylistic window scenes created by illustrator Eric Giriat.
The illustrations show Iris dressed in her inimitable, uniquely individualistic style attending the opera; on a bateau mouche; visiting a park; and enjoying a café. The fashion legend is also known for her quotes – that flow with words of wisdom from this nonagenarian – and include: “Fashion you can buy, but style you possess;” and “having fun is the best revenge.”
For the Iris celebration, Selima Optique has created oversized sunglasses – the Iris signature – for Le Bon Marché, in collaboration with Iris Apfel. Iris in Paris continues at Le Bon Marché through 16 April. www.selimaoptique.com www.lebonmarche.com JG
Passionate eyewear advocates Nathanaël Wenger and Dirk Geissmann host the second edition of Die Brillenmesse in the Rhine city on the 23rd-24th April. Approximately seventy international independent brands will showcase their collections at Dock One – an historical location built in 1851 with surroundings that offer classic industrial architecture.
Participants include Danish label Orgreen, who will present their finely crafted optical and sunglass collections, and British brand Claire Goldsmith, with innovative optical designs for men and women. In the stunning photo above – from the Hall of Frames 2016 campaign – the male model wears Claire Goldsmith Burton, and the woman Sommelier by Orgreen. www.clairegoldsmith.com www.orgreenoptics.com
Dashing Italian style include frames by L.G.R from Rome. The latest collection by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone features Mauritania, a chic panto design in bold tortoiseshell acetate. www.lgrworld.com
Loving Strangers is the theme for the refined Titanium collection by Adrian Marwitz. Lover 7 in loving bordeaux is gracefully sculpted in a modern classic silhouette. www.adrianmarwitz.com
Blue and its many variations is a favourite eyewear colour. Lafont Paris has released a new design – Tradition – in subtle blue tortoise acetate, with fine detailing and a special-fit nosepiece – distinctive and comfortable to wear. www.lafont.com
Die Brillenmesse Köln is a wonderful opportunity to visit and leisurely experience and enjoy independent labels with beautifully crafted eyewear. Mark you calendars now! 23rd and 24th April at Dock One in Cologne. More information at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG
With her exceptional ‘eye’ for fashion and eyewear, in nineteen seventy-five, Annette Hoffman opened her boutique in the picturesque area of Montmartre in Paris. At that time, the concept of independent eyewear labels was relatively unknown, and Mme Hoffman was one of the first to support budding designers. Forty years on, independent brands have brought innovation, beauty and amazing designs to eyewear, and Les Créateurs d’Opta continues with their presentation of international independent eyewear creators.
Celebrations were held recently, and the dynamic Mme Hoffman has taken a step back from the business, and Erik Sudre (both seen above) is now CEO and Opta partner. Sudre commented: “The party was very happy and full of emotion. The theo team attended, including Wim Somers; Pascal Jaulent from Face à Face; Susanne Klemm and Etienne Fredriks from Suzy Glam; and Caroline Abram among others were also with us.”
Time – and success – has certainly validated Annette Hoffman’s concept for individualist eyewear that continues to grow and flourish, and the charming boutique remains an oasis for the best in independent brands. www.opta-createurs.net JG
Continuing our Eyewear Canine Companion series, today we meet Nelson, the beloved companion of Alessandro De Lorenzo at Boudoir Boutique in Venice, Italy.
How did you and Nelson meet? “He was born in a dog pound where his mother was rescued, so Nelson has never been mistreated. He is a Spanish Greyhound and was four months old. This breed is called Galgo in Spain, and the dogs are used for the rabbit hunt there. When the hunting season is over, most of the dogs are abandoned or killed – about 50,000 to 65,00 per year. Nelson is very well behaved; he likes bigger and smaller dogs, as well as cats and children. He’s really not a hunter. He loves to run – especially with other dogs, but he has inherited – from me – some laziness, and he loves to sleep most of the day.
What are Nelson’s duties in your boutique? “Well..he is in charge of the red sofa. If he’s left alone for more than five minutes, he starts testing the products – for example – eye drops, or tastes some of the frames. He greets clients and he makes sure nobody’s carrying weapons in their bags. Some people come by the shop just for him, and every day, at least a dozen tourists take pictures of him from the window.”
Does Nelson travel with you? “Most of the time we walk – that is the purpose of living in Venice! We go on the vaporetto (water bus) only if we have to go to the Lido, where the beach is. Otherwise we take the tram or the regular bus to go to the Venice mainland, and he’s OK with that. When I visit my parents in Cadore – the eyewear district – I use my car. He hates cars and he knows exactly what they are. When we go jogging and we run near parked cars, he wants to make a big arch around them.”
Does Nelson go to restaurants and cafés with you? “I am able to take Nelson with me; most places know us and the restaurant owners allow him to enter. Nelson’s lovely…but…food is way too attractive for him, so it’s hard to teach him proper table behaviour. Maybe when he’s a bit older…now I leave him home if I have to go out for dinner.”
“I would like to add that people consider rescue dogs, instead of professional breeders. There are associations that rescue greyhounds in Ireland, the United States and in Spain. In every country you can find pure breed dogs – and mixed ones, and cats – looking for adoption. They’ll be grateful to you.” www.boudoir.vencie.it JG