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Golden Sophistication: Catherine von Specht

At a particularly beautiful wedding reception in the heart of Provence in France, sitting across from me was a lovely, chic woman wearing superbly crafted and luxurious refined jewellery. I commented on her necklace, and she replied: “Thank you – I designed this necklace.” Consequently, I was fortunate to meet Parisian jewellery designer Catherine von Specht (above) of Umbellina, who creates original one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.

18K Gold earrings with Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds in a Sapphire glass medallion by CVS
18K Gold earrings with Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds in a Sapphire glass medallion by CVS

The pure simplicity, united with premium quality materials – exquisite jewels and fine gold – highlight the stunning designs. She discovered her passion for jewellery and gold, and created her first designs in Hamburg. Having lived in France, England, and Germany, plus travelling globally with her German husband, von Specht’s perspective and intuition reflects serenity and harmony in her jewellery.

18K gold, Pink Sapphire and Diamond bracelet by CVS
18K gold, Pink Sapphire and Diamond bracelet by CVS

Perfect balance in the lines and symmetry of her creations, further enhance her elegant expressions. Certain designs have little messages engraved on the metal or medallions. The result is always unique and personal. Umbellina creations are sold in select shops in Paris, Munich, Miami and Los Angeles. Von Specht also works with perspective clients so they can select their own metal and stones, achieving the jewellery design of their dreams. www.umbellina.com JG

 

 

Visionary Original Concepts

Innovation and unconventional approaches to eyewear are just two ingredients that make frames so desirable. For men, women and children – the numerous possibilities for distinctive, fun and imaginative eyewear enhance designs. Zoobug – the award-winning British brand for children launches a charming design – Chic – in blue diamond acetate (above).This frame is particularly good for small faces, as it is created with curled sides and a surgical grade silicon saddle. A larger version for children age 4+ is also available. Zoobug will be presenting their collection for youngsters – and launching the brand new optical styles at 100% Optical this weekend – 6-8 February – at Excel London. www.zoobug.com Photo by Wanda Kujacz

Chopin by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei
Chopin by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei

Classical composers are a theme at Res/Rei in Italy, where Oliverio Zanon is inspired by the keyboard style of Frédéric Chopin’s highly individual and technically demanding piano compositions. To honour the celebrated composer, Zanon has created Chopin – a frame with individual styling and technical highlights to reflect Chopin’s poetic music. The temples and nosepiece are intricately textured, and the frame also features distinctive end tips. Handcrafted in Italy. www.resrei.com

RIGARDS Matalloid RG0062AL by Ti Kwa
RIGARDS Metalloid RG0062AL by Ti Kwa

Frames with unexpected characteristics and materials are evident in an exceptional design by RIGARDS  – with Metalloid RG0062AL. The frame features the intrigue of smooth aluminium with a textured finish that resembles the appearance of sandblasted stone or raw stucco. Enduring industrial texture, the lightness of metal, and a refreshingly flattering shape define this unique frame. www.rigards.com

Sunglasses by Wes Gordon for Silhouette
Sunglasses by Wes Gordon for Silhouette

Fashion designer Wes Gordon has collaborated with Austrian brand Silhouette and the result is a striking collection of luxury sunglasses. The 1960’s inspired frames are lightweight, with a sleek panto shape in sophisticated tones of nude brown, classic grey, ocean blue and classic green. The Wes Gordon for Silhouette frames will be presented at 100% Optical this weekend at Excel London. www.silhouette.com www.100percentoptical.com JG

London Showtime!

All eyes  – 100% – are on London this weekend – 6-8 February – as 100% Optical opens at Excel London. The three-day event hosts international eyewear designers and companies, who are presenting the latest, innovative optical and eyewear collections. Austrian based Silhouette will present several selections, including Titan Accent (above) the feather-light, elegant frames for men and women; in addition to Sun Specs for 2016 and Urban Lite. www.silhouette.com

Darell by Sven Götti for Götti Switzerland
Darell by Sven Götti for Götti Switzerland

Slim and trim frames are a prevailing trend, and Götti introduces a sleek design – Darell – in Titanium with a smart double bridge. Götti will also present beautiful Genuine Horn designs that are superbly handcrafted. www.gotti.ch

Reunion II Flap by L.G.R.
Reunion II Flap by L.G.R.

Havana Fiammato Tortoiseshell acetate highlights a stunning design by L.G.R. – Reunion II Flap. A flat double bridge, brown leather flaps and silver mirrored lenses add to the distinction of this unique design. www.lgrworld.com

Line Art Opera Collection - XL2067 - by Charmant
Line Art Opera Collection – XL2067 – by Charmant

Handset ruby, diamond and amber Swarovski crystals enhance this luxurious frame – XL2067 by Charmant – from the Line Art Opera Collection. The temple detail is intricately designed and inspired by musical waves in lightweight Excellence Titan. The Charmant Z collection for men will also be presented at 100% Optical. www.charmant.com Mark your calendars! 6-8 February at Excel London. More info at www.100percentoptical.com JG

Jacqueline de Ribes

Tall, elegant and aristocratic, Countess Jacqueline de Ribes (born 1929) is recognised as one of the celebrated fashion personas of the 20th Century. Her statuesque silhouette was a designer’s dream; and style was in her genes – as a child de Ribes loved to play “dress up”…and carried this radiant imagination into adulthood.

Jacqueline de Ribes in her own design,1983
Jacqueline de Ribes in her own design,1983

The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is staging an exhibition of designs from the  Countess’s opulent personal wardrobe, including dresses that she created for her own company from 1982-1995. She was consistently on The Best Dressed List and respected for her originality and superb style and manner.

Jacqueline de Ribes in her own design, 1985
Jacqueline de Ribes in her own design, 1985

A multi-faceted woman, de Ribes was also a theatrical impresario, a TV producer, and she helped organise Museum and Charity events. Nature conservation and environmental protection were also among her pioneering projects. The exhibition also includes videos, photos and personal effects. Jacqueline de Ribes: The Art of Style is a fascinating glimpse into the life and boundless style of a truly elegant woman. Continues until 21st February 2016. www.metmuseum.org JG

Photos: Top image: Jacqueline de Ribes 1955 by Richard Avedon The Richard Avedon Foundation Middle image: Photograph by Victor Skrebneski, Skrebneski Photograph 1983 Bottom image: Photography by David Lees, David Lees/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images 

Contemporary Classics

Eyewear with classical shaping remains a perennial favourite – and new variations bring further enhancement. Rectangular and panto silhouettes are highlighted with colour, and innovative finishes. Canadian  based designer Mehran Baghaie at Spectacle Eyeworks has launched a commanding men’s frame – Daniel (above) – in stainless steel with a textured finish – an ideal example of uniting tradition and trend. www.spec-eyeworks.com

Carmen's Birthday by l.a. Eyeworks
Carmen’s Birthday by l.a. Eyeworks

L.a. Eyeworks is always ready to party – and the California brand believes that your face deserves a celebration. So let the festivities and fiesta being with Carmen’s Birthday in colourful Jimmy Tortoise Scrapple with custom hand-painted scrolls on the brow – in Brick Red. The frame is acetate with metal brow accents. More eyewear party-pieces at www.laeyeworks.com

Cosmo 16 by Daniel Benner for Benner Eyewear
Cosmo 16 by Daniel Benner for Benner Eyewear

A design destined to be appreciated by both men and women; Daniel Benner’s Cosmo 16 is a sleek panto shape in stainless steel, in striking colours of Turquoise brown fade. See more of Benner’s new frames at www.benner-eyewear.com

The Marvin by Original Penguin
The Marvin by Original Penguin

Retro touches enhance The Marvin by Original Penguin – with a voluminous acetate shape and swoop detailing on the bridge.  The colours are gorgeous – including French Vanilla (shown) Tortoiseshell, Blue, Black and Green. For more info on new designs by Original Penguin – visit www.kenmarkoptical.com JG