Boutiques

1st July 2011 Our search for top-rate opticians has taken us a long distance from home this time, but to a place for which I have a special fondness (but that’s another story, Mexico is one of my favourite places to visit). In the incredible metropolis of Mexico City is this unique little shop, an inspirational gem in our view, and so it’s very pleasing to share it with our readers. If it was in my neighbourhood I’d be a daily visitor, just for browsing the fine eyewear and touchy feely atmosphere. The opening took place in May and according to owner Jose Juan Castellanos, they are rushed off their feet! Some lovely collections are featured and displayed in a quirky way which reminds me of the colourful arrangements of a fine delicatessen, a traditional book store or the precise presentation of an old-school cake shop! My favourite details are in fact the cake stands in the window, which give special place to individual frame designs.

An extra touch I adore is the blog featuring customers in their frame choices – it’s been done with a true eye for style in eyewear, it is not commercial but beautifully artistic. Find these fabulous frames from the shop on personalities at http://dr-york.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

Collections here include many eyestylist favourites including Mykita, L.G.R. and l.a. Eyeworks; I wish we lived nearer, those outside seats for balmy evenings look very appealing.  CN

If you would like to be featured in our Boutiques section, please write to us at [email protected] showing a new image of your optical shop.

1st July 2011 I am impressed by the number of beautifully designed new independent optical retailers that we are discovering (please write in if you have a shop in the making that you’d like to show us), and here’s one that I am pleased to have come cross in lovely seaside town Alicante, on the South East coast of Spain. With its minimal white backdrop, Optica no. 5’s pure interior elegantly showcases a wide selection of luxury frames and sunglasses…the philosophy of the owner is that there is a particular style to suit each and every one of us…so they will help you find it!

Open since 2008, the brands available  at Optica no. 5 include Mykita, Linda Farrow Vintage, Paul Frank, Anne et Valentin, Oliver Goldsmith, Marni and Cutler & Gross. Emphasis is on variety, so they don’t just stock the latest styles. They choose a wide a selection of lines to suit different personalities – and they cater to local customers and Spanish and foreign tourists visiting the area.

Owner Pablo Martinez Sanchez commented: “We are not satisfied by offering only the latest products. Our aim is to show retro and avantgarde, finely detailed styles and fresh shapes; and truly interesting products, from the most defined sleek model to the most daring chic designs.”

Clever lighting transforms daytime white interior space to fluorescent pink, blue, green or orange  on the walls if required in the evening, creating a vibrant and seductive mood.

“The design is really a very personal choice,” says the owner. “We see ourselves as pioneers in optical retailing in Spain. Our products are really different and we are one of just a few independent optical shops offering this level of service here. It works brilliantly.” Optica Numero 5, C. Teniente Alvarez, Soto no 5, Alicante, Spain CN

www.opticanumero5.com

Optical Charm & Chic

16th May 2011 The Flemish region of Belgium is a little jewel, with its charming canals and medieval castles. There is another jewel as well – Carine Van Bossele Opticians.  Mme Van Bossele and her son, Véran Bekaert, have a distinctive boutique in the village of Lede. The interior is stunning, and Bekaert explains: “The concept was to mix modern style with the warmth of Asian art and colours.” Throughout the shop are beautiful examples of Asian artefacts – tapestries and sculptures. Visiting Carine Van Bossele is like going to a vernissage – frames are treated as art. “We chose frames because we personally love them for their beauty and colours,” says Bekaert, “and more and more, we are searching for limited series frames – the small collections that have that extra touch. It is a quest to find them! Of course, Théo, Paul Smith, Mykita and Tim Van Steenbergen are always available.”

The shop has a wonderful garden, and in the summer customers enjoy drinks on the terrace while trying on frames. “Bring the world in front of your eyes” is the boutique’s theme.  This is successfully accomplished with exclusive collections in stylish surroundings. www.carinevanbossele.be JG