Boutiques

Brittany Boutique with Eyewear History

1st March 2015 With a history that stretches back to the First Century, Saint-Malo has been through numerous trials and triumphs – including Corsairs, pirates and bombing. Nowadays, the charming walled city on the sea is a favourite destination for global visitors. Also with an extensive history is Benic Opticiens in Saint Malo, which opened in the late 19th Century. “Benic is a very old boutique,” reflects Guillaume Jourdes, Benic’s owner and an optician, “and the shop was known for telescopes, barometers, and magnifying glasses, all items necessary for the sea.”

The 21st Century Benic Opticiens is a comfortable, spacious boutique located on a cobblestone street that leads to the sea. The atmosphere is very friendly, and the décor gives the feeling of being in a cared for and well loved home. Jourdes worked in Lyon and Rennes before taking over Benic in 2012. He completely transformed the shop into an oasis for independent brands including theo, Caroline Abram, Thierry Lasry, Andy Wolf, Mykita and Anne et Valentin, among others. A local artist creates eyeglass cases exclusively for Benic.

Being in a location that is known for summer holidays, does this affect business? “Fortunately, not any more,” says Jourdes, “because people come to Saint-Malo year ’round. Yes, July and August are our busiest months, but there are so many events – including Festivals, The Route du Rhum, and Christmas is busy – so there is always something going on. Tourism is important, and we also have a local clientele who live here full time.” Jourdes notes that people on holiday are more likely to browse and look in a relaxed manner for frames. Both the frame selection and the ambience at Benic Opticiens are so inviting, it’s easy to understand why! 25, rue de Dinan 35400 Saint-Malo www.benicopticiens.com JG

Munich

“Who cares about brands? Care about eyewear.” Leidmann

After several visits to Munich, Eyestylist was delighted to visit the Leidmann boutique last month. Directed by Philipp Foret, this Leidmann location is a much talked about eyewear haven that opened on Maximilanstrasse in 2013, the third optical outlet created by Munich optician Chris Leidmann – and one to go out of your way for if you are in this part of the world.

Designed by local architects Kirsten Scholz and Stephanie Thatenhorst, the spacious interior combines a modern, international setting for fine eyewear with the atmosphere of a charming artisan eyewear factory. Showcasing elegant natural materials –  untreated oak and leather, alongside concrete and steel, the effect is dramatic and elegant and perfectly in tune with Philipp Foret’s observation that natural artisan eyewear has carved a niche for itself at the luxury end of the market and, that in Germany, it has a particularly enthusiastic and established following.

Featured collections for 2015 at this branch of Leidmann include first-class brands Hapter, Barton Perreira, Thom Browne, REIZ, Ralph Vaessen, Eyevan and Onono. A buffalo horn house label – Foret Leidmann has also been created especially for the store. Each and every label is beautifully arranged in hidden drawers in the wall, -(we opened a drawer ourselves to find a stunning display of Italian Hapter designs) and on minimal wood shelving where individual designs are highlighted under dramatic state-of-the-art lighting.

When a finished frame is ready for collection, a special presentation awaits every new owner: the frame is arranged in a striking display in a huge wood-clad island at the centre of the store, a touch that underlines the value and quality of each design and the appreciation the owners have for the finest design, quality and materials – in both eyewear and lens choices.

Leidmann, Maximilianstraße 11-15, 80539 Munich. www.leidmann.de CN