Boutiques

An eyewear boutique setting trends in Krakow, Poland

A new generation of independent optical retailers is appearing in Poland, as young opticians develop a curiosity and passion for specialising in unique brands. In Krakow, Optyk Panski’s owner Pawel Szpytma established a new style of store in 2016, having taken over the family optical business in 2011. In 2019 the boutique which had moved to a location near Kazimierz and Podgorze, an historic, significant part of Krakow was developed with a contemporary architectural interior and a roster of exciting brands, which started with Tavat (from Italy) and AM Eyewear (from Australia).

Eyestylist met Pawel Szpytma in Munich in January, and we asked him what had inspired him to open a shop of this calibre: “I was always curious for something new. I really wanted to step up my knowledge and skills. After visiting international optical fairs and discovering many independent eyewear brands, I realized how much more there is to do. When it came to the design of the shop, the idea was to mix a loft look with modern design details. I wanted to create a place with a luxury touch where you can also feel comfortable and at ease. I did a few of the finishing touches myself – I wanted to have this personal bond with the place.”

Today alongside Tavat and AM, which have become hugely popular with local Krakow customers, the shop stocks Cazal, SALT. Optics, Matsuda, Moscot and Lesca. “I am still gaining knowledge all the time working closely with brands I admire,” says Pawel. “They have taught me a lot about production and materials. Quality always was important to me and always will be.”

Optyk Pański is located at sw. Kingi 8, Krakow Poland. The name of the shop represents a play on words. It means also “your” and “royal, manor” – representing a place where customer can experience a service above the normal level. Optyk Pański has also become known for their after hours openings for customers and events including exhibitions and Whisky tastings. www.optykpanski.pl

The independent store is showing an exhibition by talented young watercolorist, Pauline Bachel

‘Portraits v Self-Portraits’ is an exhibition created especially for the independent eyewear boutique, Les Belles Lunettes – located in Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean close to Madagascar. As admirers of the subtle and unique work of the artist, Les Belles Lunettes has selected Bachel as the muse and face of their new campaign. “We then asked her to interpret the images in the campaign in her own style,” explain Karine Chane Yin and Patrice Fuma Courtis, art directors for Les Belles Lunettes, who currently produce 4 campaigns for the store each year. “Portraits v Self-Portraits is a two-tiered experience for the artist : she is both the subject of a series of portrait photos, and then through the projection of her interior world in the form of self-portraits created after we had shot the campaign photos.” Art Direction / Photography / Styling : @kplusp_art_direction – (the works of art featured in the exhibition are available to purchase.)

Les Belles Lunettes is located in St Pierre, Réunion and stocks a selection of fine eyewear brands including Gamine NYC, Anne et Valentin, theo and Andy Wolf. Two further stores are in planning and will open on the island in the near future.

About the artist: Pauline Bachel studied applied Arts and Textile Design at the Lycee Ambroise Vollard, St Pierre, Réunion. Her first exhibition at ‘Cafe Social Club’ launched her career as an illustrator/artist and brought her recognition – with clients who include Apple. Inspired by the Creole culture, simple pleasures and travel, her beautiful works of art embody an idyllic tropical picture of nature with subtle references to a deeply personal focus on femininity.

34, Rue du Four à Chaux, St Pierre 97410, Réunion – Visit the website for more details: https://www.lesbelleslunettes.re/ – Campaign created by www.kplusp.com

Constrasting materiality with a refined finish at new practice, designed by Studio Edwards

Eyescan, Melbourne opens its new architect-designed store just next door to its well-known location on Toorak Road. The design, by award-winning practice Studio Edwards, presents an immersive and refined experience for the customer with a bold display of more than 300 frames throughout the distinguished contemporary retail space.

The interior makes use of existing raw brick work walls – in white – revealed to contrast with floating shelving. Blackened raw steel and walnut cabinetry form functional vertical frames supporting the shelves and highlight specific zones within the store. A walnut island display bench adds focus to the front of the store while to the rear, the ceiling is subtly angled downwards to define the waiting area and consulting rooms.

Eyescan offers a unique mix of fine eyewear brands ranging from the avantgarde styles by Lool Eyewear (Barcelona) to fine classics such as Persol, Moscot, Maui Jim and Garrett Leight. The Eyescan team is lead by Dr Harry Unger, ophthalmologist and Dr Natalie Savin, optometrist.

Eyescan, 467 Toorak Road, Toorak Victoria 3142 – www.eyescan.com.au – An architectural project by www.studio-edwards.com – built by Yarra Valley Commercial. Photography by Mike Baker

A small, quaint optical store with unique frames

Sitting among other different and unique shops and stores in an authentic Parisian arcade boasting an  impressive collection of vintage designer glasses; from statement Jean Paul Gaultier’s to genuine Ray-Bans – Pour Vos Beaux Yeux may only be equated to a pot of gold for eyewear enthusiasts – one of both luxury and incredibly unique vintage designs, just waiting to be discovered. Above: interior of the Paris store, run by Alexis Bouchara, + owned by Charles Mosa – expect to find vintage frames by Cazal, Ray-Ban, Sol-Amor, Alain Mikli, Vuarnet and Christian Dior.

The interior is small and quaint with four dark wood chairs lining the off-white wall on retro lavender, cream, teal and green patterned – almost, but not quite ‘gaudy’ floor tiles that enhance the old-time feel. A somewhat modern spin on this antiquity comes from the black and white photo collage of icons of the past: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and even Ringo Starr – to name a few.

The boutique beautifully unites the antique and vintage eras of glamour with the vibrance and electricity of modern design, and the range of eyewear sold is no different. The oldest pair of glasses for sale dates back to 1890 – the frame comprises two simple bronze wire-like circles, held together by a tiny bridge, with no arms and a pair of pinching nose pads; the plethora of vintage designer pieces close the gap from ancient to new – with Lunettes Alf taking principle place as one of the most current artisan eyewear collections available in the store.

Alf is a niche French-born eyewear label owned and made by two brothers. They currently have a range of 6 types of acetate frames available in 5 colours as well as a choice of 4 shades of photochromic lenses or ophthalmic lenses – the concept allows for each client to make their chosen pair of glasses unique and personal to them, but certain to be consistent in quality of wear and design.

This boutique is a must visit for vintage lovers, connoisseurs of antiquity, and infatuates of fashion as well as anyone in between: an optical ‘match’ for any and every suitor is guaranteed in this haven of unique and curated eyewear. For more information visit the store at 10 Passage du Grand Cerf, 75002 Paris, France. http://www.pourvosbeauxyeux.com/

For further details about Lunettes Alf visit www.lunettes-alf.com  Review by Victoria G. L. Brunton in Paris for Eyestylist.com

Situated in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement – an area of Paris stretching from Le Marais to République known for its fresh, vibrant and consistent embracing of diversity and innovation, lies a special address in the growing world of sustainable fashion in Paris – the 100% circular and ecologically friendly brand store, Waiting for the Sun.

Like the area in which it is so justly located, this boutique is as current and ‘on trend’ as they come. A clear glass shopfront with incredibly ‘instagrammable’ shrubbery and plants combined with a quaint café serving organic tea and juices lure in passers by.

The interior of the shop is clean-cut, using natural wood and modern whites without being over clinical – a balance between comfort and professionalism and an apt setting for the brands evolving and varied collection of eyewear displayed around the store. To the right of the open-plan boutique is an island covered in a candy-like display of optical treats; the sunglasses and optical frames are laid out across this oasis and on the surrounding natural wood side-boarding along the white concrete walls, as well as being dotted across glass panels in the shopfront of the store amongst the micro-rainforest display. The use of natural materials is intrinsically important in the immersive ‘story telling’ layout of the brand’s pieces from the earliest wooden models to the latest eco-friendly acetate and metal “beta steel” and recycled frame selection.

The essence of the brand is encapsulated in this small, well laid out space. If you happen to be wandering around Paris and find yourself in need of an eye test or an update to your eyewear, perhaps an organic tea or even a quiet place to escape the bustling Parisian streets – look no further than Waiting for the Sun.

Waiting for the Sun has released their new BASE collection for SS2020. The line is dedicated to young people with focus on sustainable materials including recycled steel at an affordable price. For more details visit www.waitingforthesun.fr. Review by Victoria G. L. Brunton in Paris for Eyestylist.com.