7th February 2013 Take a peak at the latest eyewear emporium in L.A…a new GLCO (Garrett Leight) store that will be the mothership of this growing L.A. specs label headed by the son of the founder of Oliver Peoples, Larry Leight – or the “Prince William of the LA shades scene!” as ‘Urbandaddy’ cutely calls him! With its slick but laid back ambiance, the design of this cool glasses destination perfectly reflects the core values of this young, energy-infused label that focuses on classic design and fine quality.
Garrett explains the new location: “We needed to be in West Hollywood because there is a demand for our product there. The individuals that hang out in this neighborhood are most in line with the characters that are attracted to our brand DNA, and overall it makes the Garrett Leight experience more central to the city of Los Angeles.
“We now have the shop in Venice Beach on Abbot Kinney Blvd. called A. Kinney Court and the new La Brea store. My goal is to continue loving what I do on a daily basis, which is creating brand equity by maintaing our integrity and respect for design, quality, style, and value.
“I am a one-step-at-a-time person, and any brand is a reflection of its leader. Right now we are continuing to hire great people to join the team, building a great office for ourselves in downtown Los Angeles, and developing my vision for the future of the optical industry. America and Asia are a major focus for us this year. Europe is also strong for us.”
CNGLCO, Garrett Leight, La Brea, 165 S. La Brea, Los Angeles www.garrettleight.com
For more on Eyestylist on Garrett Leight designs click on www.eyestylist.com/2012/07/when-paris-meets-los-angeles/
Les Lunettes de Marius, Lyon, France
1st February 2013 One of the leading spectacle stores in Lyon, Les Lunettes de Marius is run by school friends, Boris Vicard and Simon Lauzier. The first time I came across pictures of the shop I admired the thoughtful mix of furniture, from old and new, to retro and reclaimed. Their interior concept, the mix of labels – which include Claire Goldsmith, Isson, Lafont, L.G.R., Masunaga, and Vera Wang – and their use of the store as a gallery space are inspiring.
Simon explains: “The design of the store is by Colette De Jong. We were inspired by tea and living room. We wanted guests to feel at home in a convivial place to break the notion of time. Optical shops can have a very medical look and we wanted to break this reputation.”
“Our customers are varied, and mainly between 18 and 40 years. A large portion of our products are handmade in Europe or Japan and we rely on this to justify the quality, and its history. We have returned to a time in which the client needs to be reassured about the quality and origin of the product. We like to to discuss this over tea or coffee!”
Asked to comment on the new designers they are following, Boris says: “As well as many independent designers we work with, we also love Garrett Leight, and also Graz, and we had the opportunity to meet them in Paris last year.” They say they like to work with straightforward people “without headaches”, who are open to many things.
Art is an integral part of the shop. “We made done five exhibitions, and some openings. We are not an art gallery, and we do not want to be one. But it is interesting and original to display art in a glasses store, and we enjoy this with our friends and customers. We are very open and I think that is the strength of our business; it is our aim to be varied on many things. ‘The world is beautiful because it is varied.'” CN
Les Lunettes de Marius, 1 Rue Marius Gonin, 69005 LYON
Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 9 to 20hrs; Sunday-Monday from 14 to 19hrs. www.leslunettesdemarius.com
Latest independent labels reach Los Angeles
Dr. York Spectacle Maker
1oth January 2013 Our friends José Castellanos and Elena Orestano from Mexico City have created a very special Dr. York concept store in Los Angeles. They told us all about it in Paris a few months ago while the work was in progress! The store is now open and it is looking amazing.
Set up to bring new generation independent eyewear brands to L.A., the eclectic mix of up-and-coming brands includes many favourites at Eyestylist…. Italian labels Res/Rei and Blue Magic Eye; from Sweden, Oscar Magnuson, from Paris, Caroline Abram, from Rome, L.G.R. by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, and many more. As in the Mexico City store, there is also a special vintage collection on offer; each design from the past has been lovingly restored to its former glory by the owners.
The architect-designed interior has the feel of an art gallery with some of the personal vibe of the Mexico store we find so engaging – with similar touches such as the welcoming chair outside. At the new store you will also be welcomed by Elena’s charming golden retriever and running companion, Renzo.
We wish we could have been there in December for the opening – our eye is on this store for how things develop and which labels will be added in the months ahead. Good luck Dr. York Los Angeles! CN Dr. York Optical, 8302 West 3rd Street (at South Sweetzer Avenue), Los Angeles – 310-857-6797.
Read about Dr. York, Mexico City: www.eyestylist.com/2011/07/dr-york-mexico-city/
Chic Swiss Concept Boutique
Le Labo Sets the Pace for Fashion Accessories
1st January 2013 Followers of Eyestylist know that I really love Switzerland, and I have found yet another reason to be enchanted – a delightful Concept Store in Geneva – Le Labo. The boutique is the creation of Leila Krir, an optician with fashion flair, optical expertise and unbounded enthusiasm. “I worked in the luxury eyewear sector for more than ten years,” explains Leila, “and I acquired great experience and know how in high-end client relationships. I met a lot of opticians and eyewear designers, and I fell in love with many concept stores that I visited during my different journeys. That’s where the idea of combining both the fashion and eyewear aspects originated.”
The boutique opened in September 2011 and the shop features an impressive roster of eyewear designers: L.G.R., Lotho, Andy Wolf, Prism, Strada del Sole, Retrospecs, Marma London, La Loop and Linda Farrow among others. In addition, Le Labo has a variety of unusual accessories that include scarves from Yarnz, hats from Inverni and cuff links by Samuel Gassmann. Leila is also researching other accessories to introduce into the boutique for next summer.
The fashion and optical profile is further highlighted with monthly events held in the boutique. “We could have a designer appearance – like Italia Independent, or have a vintage theme, or a Christmas motif, perhaps combining with other stores in Geneva who have the same philosophy,” says Leila, “as our typical customer is trendy and demanding – looking for the ‘rare pearl’.” If Geneva or somewhere in the region is your destination, do include Le Labo on your ‘must see’ list – it’s a wonderful celebration of fashion eyewear and accessories. www.lelabo-geneva.com JG
Sjaöu Boutique
Eyewear Inspiration on The Nordic Island
1st December 2012 Seventeen years ago, Gylfi Björnsson and his wife, Anna Björnsdottir, opened their eyewear boutique Sjaôu in Reykjavik, Iceland. A new chapter in their eyewear story began earlier this year, with the launch of a charming boutique in a new location. “Our customers cover a very broad spectrum of the population of Reykjavik and surrounding areas,” says Gylfi, “and they are mainly people from 15-55 years of age, urban, creative individuals. Ranging from university professors to members of the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra, or simply the city-centre-café-latte-drinkers and lifestyle enthusiasts, we take great pride in the loyalty of our customers, who usually come back again and again for our personal service and quality eyewear.”
The designer names featured in the shop include Framers, Paul Frank, Theo, Caroline Abram, Moscot and Mykita, among others. Large windows allow passersby an unobstructed view from the street into the shop. The concept is minimalist, with warmth, comfort and a very pleasant ambience. “We have noticed that customers seem to be looking for more conservative/earth tones, or ‘safer’ colours like black, blue, or dark brown, and tortoise has been popular as well. Which is interesting and could be connected to the post-crisis mentality that is a major topic here in Iceland, and is opposite to the pre-2008 economic collapse style that was all about bright colours and crazy shapes. Round shapes and Panto-style glasses remind us of early 20th century design, as well as the continuing 50’s and 60’s plastic frame trend.”
“We have ‘special happenings’ at Sjaöu. In August, we take part in the annual “Culture Night” and offer in-store concerts and a Trunk Show from a brand or designer – Theo, Framers or Mykita for example. In December we offer live music on Saturdays, and a special Christmas welcoming evening with a painting exhibition. We want to create a homey and comfortable environment for our customers; we put our ambition into offering high quality products, and we like to make it easy for customers to express their wishes. We believe that the messages we receive from customers ensures a direct way to the best professional solution. Our two principles are: We sell exciting products, and that our customers enjoying come to see us. We welcome everybody into the shop for consulting, or even just for a talk!” Sjaöu Boutique Hverfisgata 52, Reykjavik, Iceland. JG