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.”

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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

Boutiques

Azami Optiek In The Hague

1st September 2012

Chic Boutique with Personality

1st September 2012 As I stepped out of the taxi at the entrance to a flower filled street in The Hague, I realised I was in one of those wonderful locations about which people dream to open a business. Azami Optiek is a spacious, elegant shop just steps from the golden gates of Queen Beatrix’s Palace. A protected pedestrian zone, flowers line the street, and the lovely atmosphere continues when you enter Azami’s shop, with its openness and fresh approach to eyewear. It was really a pleasure to enter this tranquil eyewear oasis, and receive a friendly welcome from Bijan Azami and his capable staff.

“When the shop was designed, it had to reflect me – my personality,” says Azami, “and I wanted this reflection of me, and the way I want to do business – it wasn’t about selling. It is helping to choose – that is different. It’s like being a guide: for many people eyewear is a new field. When you connect with the person, you can feel what they want.” The boutique has a family history, about which Azami is proud and happy to relate. “Actually, before I opened the boutique, it was a Persian carpet shop for thirty years, that belonged to my father. He was going to step down, and thought it would be a good location for an optical shop. My father helped me with many of the non-optical things in the shop, so he continued to be active. It was a gift to work with him; we were companions, and had a good five years together, before he passed away.”

Azami brings the same precision to his selection of eyewear, as he did in creating the lovely interior to present the collections. “When I choose a brand, I look for quality, good design, continuity of the brand, and the service of the brand,” he says, “and these are the prerequisites, plus an identity. We have only independent designers here – Face à Face, Anne & Valentine, Dita, Reiz, Rolf, Cutler & Gross, Derome Brenner, Mykita and more. There are different reasons why opticians choose a brand, including innovation — it’s an ongoing process, including the creation our own designs as well, in buffalo horn and acetate.”

Azami frameIMG_1158 — Elegance and refinement at Azami Optiek

Azami clients come from all walks of life, and word-of-mouth has proven highly successful. “The customer IS the brand,” declares Azami, “and the frames in our shop have no logos, no labels. Our customers come to use for their exam- we have the best machines – quality, the products, service, expertise, advice – and that is why they come to us. We are still doing well, even in this economy.”

Azami’s passion for eyewear goes beyond fashion and frames – he believes that there needs to be more information about eye health and care to underdeveloped nations. “Do you know that one billion people could be helped? I want to bring sight to people.” He is actively working on a programme to provide basic techniques in education and health, plus organising micro credit to countries were sight problems are particularly prevalent. “The inner cannot be without the outer, and design cannot be without meaning. The eyes are the mirror of the soul, and glasses are more than an instrument to see better.” www.azami.nl JG

Boutiques

Ottica iSee

6th August 2012

Super statement eyewear!

6th August 2012 Ottica iSee is in Santa Maria degli Angeli, just near the pretty medieval town of Assisi in Italy. The store concentrates on special labels like BlueMagicEye, Claire Goldsmith, Massada and Ksubi. I recently saw their window, a work of art featuring colourful, giant specs. Owner Alessio Brunozzi explained that he selected the shapes and had them printed on paper. A carpenter helped them cut the five different spectacle shapes from wood sheets and they were painted in bright colours. It was intensive work, says Alessio, but clearly worthwhile. www.ottica-isee.it CN

Ottica iSee di Alessio Brunozzi, Via San Pio X, 74, 06081 Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi, Italy