Boutiques

Niloca Eyewear’s flagship store

1st October 2014 After the launch of a first titanium collection for 2014, Australian brand Niloca opened their own flagship store, Scoogle. Located in Southbank Melbourne, the shop is offering the complete Niloca range of eyewear (a hot topic at this year’s Silmo Paris), alongside other handpicked speciality labels including Theo and Hoet. “Set in a post Botanica new world Gothica, the store is serviced, focused on and inviting for all serious eyewear fashionistas,” explained one of the team to Eyestylist.

The store’s design theme and location were serendipitously entwined even before the location had been found. Housed in the new Guilfoyle building the botanic theme integrates seamlessly with its namesake, Sir William Robert Guilfoyle, a recognised international botanist. A trademark feature of Sir William’s work was the Conservatory, similarly an internal feature of the Niloca store. From the oxodised iron drawers to the reclaimed Australian hardwood desk and deep coir carpet, the design of the interior is perfectly in tune with the unique merchandise within. Open 7 days a week by appointment. www.scoogle.com.au

Find out more about Niloca Eyewear at www.niloca.com CN 

Sharing the couture passion

1st September 2014 Artsee Miami is eyewear paradise. One of the specialists in unique frames in this part of the world, expect to find the spectacular, the unusual and an exciting taste for creative accessories by innovators and iconic designers – oh, and beautiful art too. Eyestylist spoke to owner Carlos Venegas about his unique concept and views on eyewear trends.

“The Miami store is many ways the representation of 10 years of operation in NYC and the evolution of our concept,” explains Venegas. “There are two art walls on each side of the door, we use them for the different art shows we curate though out the year…art is a main part of what we are; we sell art and the glasses to see it.” Asked about the choice of eyewear collections, Venegas explains his dedication to independent labels, including theo and Claire Goldsmith, and a detailed knowledge of eyewear materials and vintage frames. “We carry few collections at the store, all of them handmade; we curate our eyewear the same way as we do with our art shows. This place is almost a museum; we have great relationships with the different designers, we all share the couture passion. You can always find something different, whether its the material – wood, horn, recycled vinyl records – or the colours or a vintage design; every frame has a special touch, making them unique.”

Alongside emerging labels, Carlos has a close relationship with the Christian Roth label, whose founders, Christian and Eric, are based in Miami for a part of the year. “Often times we partner with companies to intervene in our store space, to do something different that represents their inspirations and concepts behind their eyewear – it can be anything from music to video screenings. The perfect example is the Christian Roth Collection; as one of the icons in eyewear design, we are very proud to represent their new magnificent line, which was launched at our store. Christian and Eric are always interested in hearing feedback from our customers to improve and inspire new creations, which is amazing! We can give people the chance to meet them personally at our frequent events. As a matter of fact, within the next couple of weeks, they will be launching their newest design exclusively at our store, with a little surprise…!”

And alongside icons are the new emerging talents from other parts of the world. “It is very interesting to see a lot of new designers emerging; there is definitely a big boom for wood and natural materials. Unfortunately, most of them do not have the quality we search for. Often times, creators are looking for the `cool´ factor over functionality, many of those new frames won´t handle a new set of lenses. Glasses should be able to handle multiple prescriptions and fit different needs. There are of course great new brands, such as Rolf Spectacles, with their stunning craftsmanship and innovation using wood, horn and stone. I have also noticed a lot of people are into vintage eyewear; this is a great opportunity for us to revisit earlier designs and learn a little history.”

Carlos says that the Artsee experience is all about recommending specific frames for individuals, and bringing something exceptional out of a hidden cabinet when the time is right, and the customer presents themselves. “From the moment a client comes in we are already thinking what would be the best options to fit their style. We ask a few questions to know what they use their glasses for and what type of prescription they have so we can fit their needs. But our followers come expecting to find something new and exciting! Our dearest customers come in, take a seat and say, “Give me whatever you think is going to look good on me!” …they trust us. We are always up for funky stuff and cool colours!”

Visit Artsee Miami at 1658 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida – www.artseemiami.com  CN

Original and Chic Accessories

1st August 2014 Marvellous masks, Carnival and Venice have a long and illustrious history. Masks by Kartaruga are sought after not only for Carnival, but are used for opera and theatre, cinema and fashion shoots. A mask is, of course, an accessory. So eighteen month ago, Kartaruga opened a stunning accessory boutique, with beautiful bags, scarves, jewellery and hats. Managed by the effervescent Francesca Cecamore on calle de le bande in the heart of Venice, the accessories are all created by independent designers. “I love jewellery, I love accessories!”, exclaims Francesca, “and we have specialist creators, several in Venice and Naples, who make items for us. The main purpose of accessories is to be elegant, but simple.”

Francesca and her staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and delighted to show customers the beautiful accessories. There are wonderful clutch bags in snakeskin and leather; great totes, elegant scarves in cotton and linen; an assortment of lovely jewellery, and super hats. You won’t leave empty-handed after a visit to Kartaruga! www.kartaruga.com JG

Photos: Exclusively for Eyestylist by Travelonics LLC

Enchanting Venetian Eyewear Boutique

1st July 2014 Venice is a fascinating oasis of beauty, history, art, music and eyewear delights! On a recent visit, I had the great pleasure to discover Boudoir – an amazingly chic little boutique with stunning eyewear, plus accesrsories and exquisite perfumes. Proprietor Alessandro De Lorenzo enthuses an ingrained ardour for eyewear, and has assembled a collection of inventive eyewear creators. His handpicked selections include Hapter, Lindberg and Lindberg Precious, Oliver Goldsmith and Claire Goldsmith, and Flippan’Look, among others. There are also capsule eyewear collections by Cesare Cunaccia and Oscar Mamooi. Perfumes by Cristopher Brosious and Meo Fusciuni, and home scents by Villa Buti filter throughout the boutique and create a wonderful ambience. De Lorenzo and his partner devised the original interior, which is an eclectic and charming mix of unusual furniture; beautiful mirrors, flowers and trees. All very natural with a subtle magic – just like Venice!

De Lorenzo observes differences with an optical boutique located in La Serenissimia – Venice’s formal name. “Venice, with less that 6000 residents, isn’t a real city,” he says, “So I deal mostly with tourists, especially from America and other English speaking countries. People from abroad have a more contemporary approach when they choose accessories like glasses. Venice used to be a city and a kind of “Mecca” for special shopping. My goal is to give my contribution to go back to this. I want people to say ‘in Venice, you can really find cool glasses.’ Having the chance to do my work in such a beautiful place pays back every effort. Plus having clients from so many different countries is a bit like travelling myself…”

The boutique is easily reached from San Marco by bobbing along on a Vaporetto and alighting at Ca’Rezzonico, then it’s a short walk to Calle Lunga S. Barnabas, where the eyewear and accessories are incredibly tempting. Eyewear from Boudoir will retain long lasting Venetian memories. www.boudoir.venice.it JG

Photo of Alessandro De Lorenzo exclusively for Eyestylist by Travelonics, LLC

GafaVintage opens boutique

6th June 2014 Online vintage eyewear specialists GafaVintage have a new home in central Madrid, featuring some of the online retailer’s most spectacular designs. Curated by Jorge Portela and Sandy Moragon – founders of the online store, this is a unique spot to try on interesting, wearable iconic shapes and designs from the past.

All the glasses and sunglasses are unworn, and date from the 1950s to the 1990s. Also featured are rare glasses made in Spain in the 60s, as well as classics from the big brands: Dior, Persol, YSL and Ray-Ban.

The new GafaVintage store can be found in central Madrid at Calle Santiago 9, – between the Mercado de San Miguel and the Palacio Real. For online shopping, visit www.gafavintage.com – frame above, Benson & Ashley Kiss British handmade sunglasses, online, 235 euros. CN