Joan

Eyewear Canine Companions

5th June 2015

Meet Sven Götti and Lucky

5th June 2015 Eyestylist continues the series on Eyewear Canine Companions – dogs who bring inspiration and joy to designers and opticians.

“Lucky will be six years old at the end of August. When he is with me in the company, he brings all the frames he can possibly find to his place in my office. Lucky has a 50% part-time job. He likes driving in the car to the office (I guess). He definitely likes to be with all the people, and he likes to have a big walk with me at lunchtime. Lucky is a gourmet dog. His food (it can be the best dog food you can buy) does not interest him at all. He speculates that I buy a ham sandwich for myself, and be so kind to let him have part of the ham.

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

“I love to do the walks with Lucky at lunch. It helps me to get fresh air and get ready for the afternoon. Lucky hasn’t inspired me for a design, but he gives me a lot of inspiration on how to be happy and enjoy life. So far, Lucky has only travelled around Switzerland. When we travel abroad, we bring him to a group of dogs, where his parents and fifteen other dogs of his breed are living. We know that he will have a good time there. It is just nice to have Lucky in the company. It makes people more relaxed, and we can all have little breaks, play and cuddle him…” www.gotti.ch JG

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Optical Options

1st June 2015

Designs with Finesse and Panache

1st June 2015 The latest optical frames from independent designers possess uncluttered, modern symmetry in a variety of desirable materials, in colours that range from classic to contrasting. Linear, lightweight designs are the result of amazing technology and creativity. The Rim Range from LINDBERG in Denmark is a marvel of Titanium with a unique bridge. Included in the collection is Frank (above), a timeless shape with aristocratic elegance. www.lindberg.com

3D Frames by Tom Stevens handcrafted in The Netherlands

Tom Stevens 3D collection is handcrafted in their Netherlands atelier with precision laser techniques. Model DO1 in black polyamide is ultra-light – weighing only eight grams – delicate and super streamlined. Also available in other colours – discover more at www.stevenseyewear.com

Stainless Steel Collection by Canadian Design House Spectacle Eyeworks

The Canadian design house Spectacle Eyeworks has launched versatile stainless steel frames that are made in Germany. The frames feature distinct cut outs along the outside, and strategically placed lines around the frames. The result is a subtle angular form and illusion of mystique in each style, in lovely colours. Above left is Bret, and right, Otto. www.spec-eyeworks.com

Napoli from The Bridge Concept by Coppe+Sid

Bridges are a vital part of many world-famous cities, and they have inspired Coppe+Sid’s latest optical collection. Napoli is a new concept from the designers of Cosmoplitan Eyewear that features a full metal rim inserted into the eye shape. It is partially visible on the frame front, providing a contrast of materials, thickness and colours. www.eyedesignclub.com JG

Arts + travel

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

1st June 2015

Shoes to Dazzle and Delight at V&A

1st June 2015 “Shoes are one of the most telling aspects of dress. Beautiful, sculptural objects, they are also powerful indicators of gender, status, identity, taste and even sexual preference. Our choice in shoes can help project an image of who we want to be,” says Helen Persson, Exhibition Curator for Shoes: Pleasure and Pain.

Roger Vivier for Christian Dior Evening shoe beaded silk and leather France 1958-60 — Roger Vivier for Christian Dior Evening shoe beaded silk and leather, France 1958-60

Included in this splendid show are shoes from the unrivalled collection at the V& A, plus international collections, and wardrobes of private individuals. Shoes worn by or associated with high profile figures including Queen Victoria, Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Beckham and the Hon Daphne Guinness, among others, are featured. The famous ballet slippers designed for Moira Shearer in the 1948 film The Red Shoes are on display. Footwear for men and women by seventy designers including Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Vivienne Westwood and Jimmy Choo will also feature in the more than two-hundred pairs of shoes included in the exhibition.

Chopines, punched kid leather over carved pine, Venice, Italy c.1600

Shoes from ancient Egypt, men’s shoes from India, shoe fashions from the European royal courts, and today’s trend-setting designers provide amazing examples of footwear through the centuries. Shoes: Pleasure and Pain is the latest in a continuing series of fascinating fashion presentations at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The exhibition opens on 13 June and continues until 31st January 2016. www.vam.ac.uk/shoes JG

Caroline Groves 'Parakeet' shoes, leather silk satin, solid silver talons and heel tips, with feathers. 2014 England — Caroline Groves ‘Parakeet’ shoes, leather silk satin, solid silver talons and heel tips, with feathers. 2014 England

Photos: Top image: Freed of London red ballet shoes made for Moira Shearer in The Red Shoes (1948) silk satin, braid and leather, England 1948. Photograph reproduced with the kind permission of Northampton Museums and Art Gallery; Roger Vivier for Christian Dior image Copyrighted Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Chopines: image copyrighted Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Parakeet Shoes: Photography by Dan Lowe

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Paola Costantini – Pollipo’ Occhiali – Rome

1st June 2015

“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

Boutiques

Bruno Curtil Opticien – Dijon, France

1st June 2015

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.

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