Boutiques

Seasonal style

24th November 2012

Cruz Oculista, Portugal

24th November 2012 Take inspiration from the Portuguese optical store Cruz Oculista, who have created another super glam storefront this year for the Christmas season. The shop pays to tribute to the theatre and the Baroque with a dramatic stage design, and presents the new independent Portuguese label Paulino Spectacles.We love it!

If you are working on a beautiful storefront – optical or accessory stores – for the coming Christmas season, please send us your pictures – the best ones will be included in this section in the weeks ahead or featured on our Facebook page. Refer to our website for contact details. CN

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

Cruz Oculista, Av. Dr. Armando Goncalves, Edificio Plaza Loja 17, 3000-059 Coimbra, Portugal

Boutiques

Pauric Sweeney launches sunglasses

15th November 2012

Mayfair, London

15th November 2012 Pauric Sweeney’s Mayfair store is the kind of place you can get hooked on beautiful luxury accessories very quickly. A contrast to the delightful cobbled back street where it is found, the minimal interior design is reflective of the designer’s character and love of refined luxury. The colourful geometric display in the window is described as typical of Sweeney’s style at home.

I visited, on recommendation, to see Sweeney’s first sunglasses collection. Born in Co. Donegal and trained as an architect, the designer launched the accessories label in 2004 and since then has gained international recognition. Produced in prestigious leathers sourced in Italy and finished by hand with elegant stitching and eye-catching detail, he now makes everything from totes to clutches, and has added a successful Diffusion Line – Pauric by Pauric – as well a men’s accessory range.

Made in Japan, the sunglasses blend the designer’s interest in materials and surfaces with references to softly rounded vintage shapes and detail such as retro-chic metalwork, contrasting with pretty shades of acetate. Colours include black, a soft pink (above) and a translucent cobalt blue. Retailing at £330.00, the styles have been produced with a nice quality and finish making them a chic accompaniment to a Sweeney bag – we like the combination of the Dbox (above) and the pale sunglasses (above) in particular. More to come? We shall keep an eye out. Stockists include Luisa Via Roma, Florence, and Avenue 32 (www.avenue32.com). 33, Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J6NP. www.pauricsweeney.com CN

Boutiques

Somers Optiek

1st November 2012

Trendy theo boutique in Antwerp

1st November 2012 Located close to Antwerp’s celebrated cathedral, is an eyewear emporium worth celebrating – Somers Optiek – the theo boutique. Approaching the shop from one of Antwerp’s charming alleys, a delightful splash of colour greets the visitor. And the windows are definitely eye-catchers! Among the unique features of the boutique is that there are few frames on display. “We don’t show many glasses,” says Communications Director Miet Vaes, “as we like the opticians to help the customer to find their perfect glasses.” Sunglasses are displayed on the right of the shop, while there is a separate section, for optical frames. Seventh-five percent of the frames are theo creations, while the balance are guest collections, which rotate on a regular basis.

never use this file without our written permission — Gracious interior at Somers Optiek in Antwerp

The two-level shop is a splendid use of space and imagination. On the lower level is an art and photography gallery, plus an area for eye tests. The vibrant colours, beautiful woods, the pleasant lighting and the openness, along with a very friendly staff, provide customers with an upbeat experience…and then, there are the wonderful Theo frames! “We have many professionals who visit the shop,” says Miet, “and they want something they cannot find elsewhere. We like to create that little bit more – the personalised approach that suits their clothes, profession and lifestyle. The time we spend with customers allows us to know them a little bit more, so they feel comfortable and relaxed.”

If your travel plans include Antwerp, make certain that the innovative Somers Optiek is a destination! www.somersoptiek.be JG

Boutiques

The Box Boutique, London

12th October 2012

12th October 2012 It may have been set up as a fine footwear destination, but the Box Boutique has now become one of the most striking destination stores in London for accessories, including some of the most sought after creative sunglasses. Eyestylist.com visited the store to meet co-owners and sisters, Elena and Yulia Pashevkina.

“We are one of a kind,” explains Elena, “our shoe brands include exciting names like Ruthie Davis, Chrissie Morris and Crisian & McCaffrey. “We pick our labels without really following trends, and so we have been able to introduce something new in London, sophisticated, and diverse.”

Alongside the shoes, three complimentary sunglass brands are showcased: Anna-Karin Karlsson, a-morir, and Mykita. “We started with Kerin Rose’s embellished sunglasses, and we introduced Anna-Karin’s designs last year. The two designers are different and individual, but both fit so perfectly with our concept. Mykita is desirable; our customers relate to the gold sunglasses they created with Bernhard Willhelm Franz, worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, and the collection also offers something intriguing for our male customer.”

The setting of the Box Boutique is also glamourous and sophisticated, with neon and neo-baroque placed side by side. The sunglass brands are a perfect pick in this context, an exciting find for Eyestylist.com.

The Box Boutique, 45 Maddox Street, London, WIS 2PG. www.theboxboutique.com

Boutiques

The Eight Glasses Gallery

1st October 2012

European Style Boutique in Taiwan

1st October 2012 A special thank you to Francis Klein Eyewear for bringing this charming boutique to our attention. David Le’s desire was to create a boutique with the authenticity of a European atmosphere for The 8 Glasses Gallery. Le’s sister,who is an interior decorator, orchestrated the library/bookcase design in beautiful wood, where the frames are prominently displayed. The overall effect adds to the essence of the glasses.

The boutique opened last year in the Neihu Min Chuan East Road District of Taipei, Taiwan. An optician for many years, Le says:”With the diversification of worldwide designer brands, it is clear that glasses are a fashion accessory. In fact, many people have the hobby of collecting glasses.” For the boutique, Le’s preferences are for frames from independent creators, whose special design and colour techniques translate into fine frames. Amongst his selections are Lafont, Francis Klein, Theo, Markus T, and others. A shop with true international flavour and frames! JG