Boutiques

Sunglasses boutique

16th July 2015 Created in 2008 by husband and wife team Jean-Paul and Catherine Sanchez, reVOLVER has become a reference point for cutting-edge fashion and style on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza with a brand mix that includes McQ Alexander McQueen, 8PM and Silent Damir Doma. Now the owners have created their own separate reVOLVER Sunglasses boutique, dedicated to a selection of high-fashion, cult and artisan sunglass labels.

20 meters from reVOLVER fashion store, the shop is more like a gallery than a traditional sunglasses shop; original stonework walls contrast with custom-made raw metal fittings, polished concrete flooring and glass displays.

“There’s nothing else quite like it in Ibiza,” explain the owners. “People are tired of the same old brands you can buy in most airports; they want a more personal service where they can spend time finding the perfect pair of shades,” says Jean-Paul.

reVOLVER Sunglasses prides itself in offering a carefully curated edit of brands and styles. “We’re passionate about what we do. We spend a lot of time researching and selecting the very best from what are sometimes quite large collections. We mix well-known luxury brands like Linda Farrow and Dita with some amazing artisan brands – Hapter from Italy, Vava from Berlin, and Valley from Australia. At the end of the day, it comes down to taste, and over the years I think people here have come to trust us to do the hard work for them!” reVOLVER Sunglasses, Calle Bisbe Cardona 6, Ibiza 07800, Spain www.revolveribiza.com. Photography by Sofia Gomez Fonzo (www.sofiagomezfonzo.wordpress.com/) CN

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.

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.

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

Cologne, Germany

1st May 2015 Cologne is the cultural centre of The Rhineland, with numerous and fascinating museums and art galleries. It is also home to an amazing selection of optical shops. Augenweide Optik is an elegant oasis where customers can discover international brands that fosters optical style. “Customers in Cologne love design,” says optician Michael Franzen, “but it must not be loud design; they prefer soft design with no logos. Clients are very reserved and refined, but want the best quality.”

Franzen opened the shop with his business partner Wilfred Wirtz twenty-one years ago, and they have experienced various eyewear evolutions during this time. “We have grown with our customers since we opened, and our clientele is professional men and women who are architects, lawyers, and teachers.” The shop features la crème de la crème of independent labels, including Orgreen, LGR, Lindberg, Götti, Rolf, Face à Face and WOOW, theo, l.a.Eyeworks, and the speciality German brand Wolfgang Katzer. “There are approximately over 300 optical shops in Cologne – I believe it is the most in Europe,” says Franzen, “and the reason for this is probably because there is an excellent School of Optometry here. When students graduate, they want to stay in Cologne, and open their own shop, so the majority of shops are independent.”

Augenweide is one hundred and fifty square meters, so the feeling is delightfully open, airy and welcoming. Beige and cocoa tones, with black floors, and beautiful, warm wood panelling and cabinets further enhance the ambience. Large windows offer the possibility of spacious displays, and during Eyestylist’s visit, the decoration included lavish flower paintings by a local designer, in bright spring colours, along with cheerful flowerpots, and beautiful frames. Discover more at www.augenweide.de JG