Boutiques

Wink Optometrists, Melbourne, Australia

7th September 2011

7th September Wink Optometrists is an independent eyewear boutique in Melbourne, Australia who introduced me to Karen Walker. “As an optical shop, we are unique,” explains owner Jo Twaddell. “We match customers with frames that enhance their own personality and fit their specific needs. So, rather than just filling shelves with ordinary, mass-produced stock, most of our frames are handmade and some can even be ordered to the customer’s requirements.”

“One of our favourite brands is Karen Walker eyewear. Karen Walker is a prominent womenswear designer from New Zealand, and her foray into eyewear design has been particularly successful because she delivers a product which is quirky and unexpected, rather than a carbon-copy of a pre-existing style. Walker takes risks with everything in her range, from her colourways to her advertising. She designs sunglasses that make a statement of confidence and individuality. As such, the brand is perfect for our store!”

“Another unusual brand that we stock is RVS By V. Inspired by his father’s optical collection as a child, designer Vidal has created a collection of vintage shapes with a fresh eye. The collection is available in a range of bold, matte colours, recreating iconic styles for the modern glasses-wearer. The range is handmade in Turkey and WINK Optometrists is the exclusive Melbourne stockist of the brand.”

For more on this shop visit www.winkoptom.com.au CN

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

Boutiques

Lafont Eyewear Paris, France

1st September 2011

1st September 2011 Lafont Eyewear always find the best locations. For their fifth boutique in Paris, they have chosen the area known as Passy, in the 16th arrondissement. The area has an intriguing history, as Philadelphian Benjamin Franklin, the first U.S. Ambassador to France, lived in Passy from 1777 to 1785. At that time, Passy was a village in the suburb of Paris, and Franklin a beloved resident. Nowadays, Passy is an eclectic mix of foreign embassies, beautiful apartment buildings and great shopping. Franklin, who wore glasses, would be delighted to find Lafont’s newest two-level boutique, in a classical French building, decked out in the company’s signature colours of rich hunter green and aubergine.

Lafont passy -interior display — Lafont interior display

Their diverse collections of ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses for men and women are elegantly presented in wood and glass armoires, and on customized shelves, from which customers can try on their favourite styles. The first floor is devoted to frames for youngsters. Lafont eyewear designs have superb kid appeal, and the collection of antique toys grabs attention too – for children and adults. You can always count on superb service at Lafont – not just when purchasing your frames – after sales care is attentive and friendly. This boutique is a little gem for true French eyewear – designed in France, made in France. JG www.lafont.com

Boutiques

Optiko, Brisbane

26th August 2011

26th August 2011 The Eyestylist team may be based in Europe but we’ve been contacted by some leading independent opticians further afield, so we will be reporting on many of them in the months ahead. We are particularly happy to be in touch with some great designers and opticians in Australia, all of whom we look forward to introducing to you soon.

Brisbane’s Optiko is one of Australia’s leading independent stores, and regularly features in Australian Vogue, given its extra special choice of eyewear collections and rare vintage sunglasses by labels like Marion Ramm, Krizia and Oscar de la Renta.

Optiko director Mike Makras explains the interior concept: ” The store is made up of two distinct areas, the first is marble encased and super light, and the inner room is a dark gentleman’s club style atmosphere. The store is now over 5 years old and is testament to the architect’s timeless design. Located in one of Brisbane’s oldest arcades, the building also houses the city’s largest and oldest gentleman’s club – The Tattersalls Club – so the architect used that as an influence.

We won the DIA (Design Institute Award) retail interiors award when we initially opened. We currently stock Cazal, Cartier, Cutler and Gross, and we have 3 in-house brands made in actetate, local wood, and buffalo horn. We also stock Lindberg, ic-berlin, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Virgin Vintage, RVS and lots of other rare makes.”

I am sure locals will be delighted to here that Optiko is in the process of designing a second store which will have lost of surprises! We will bring you more on this new opening in the winter. www.optiko.com.au CN

Optiko, Tattersalls Arcade, 215 Queen Street, Brisbane 4000, Australia

Boutiques

Oogappel

1st August 2011

Optics and Fashion in Amsterdam Eyewear boutique

1st August 2011 Amsterdam is a European destination I always enjoy, and a favourite optical shop is located there. I discovered Oogappel several years ago, a boutique with flair, style, desirable fame selections and superb service. Owner Sarah Smit is at the helm of this fashionable boutique, founded by her father thirty-five years ago. “We are an eclectic shop, with collections from luxury brands, but also from creators that we find worldwide”, explains Sarah. “Claire Goldsmith Legacy, Tom Ford, Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, Prada, Théo, Marni, Mosley Tribes, Persol and Dino Art are among the brands we stock. The eyewear is really distinguished with colours, materials, and shapes. Because we are situated in the centre of Amsterdam, in the fashion and museum district, we have visitors from all over the world who visit the boutique”.

The shop location is great, as it’s near the Van Gogh Museum, The Concertgebouw, The Rijksmuseum and the trendy Pieter Cornelisz Hofftstraat, with numerous fashion boutiques. The wood and white leather interior at Oogappel (which means ‘apple of one’s eye’) is very chic, cool and sophisticated. At the entrance is a signature chandelier by Brand van Egmard, the Dutch design duo, who also create amazing pieces for royal palaces and international hotels. If visiting the charming canal city of Amsterdam, hop on the No. 5 tram from Centraal Station to Baerlestraat. You can be assured of a friendly welcome from Sarah, shop manager Bart Singor and staff. Plus you’ll find exciting frames! www.oogappel.com JG

Boutiques

Optica do Sacramento, Lisbon, Portugal

27th July 2011

Eyewear style in the heart of the Portuguese capital

27th July 2011 We have recently come across Óptica do Sacramento, one of the few eyewear boutiques in Portugal to be working with luxury eyewear brands. Opened in 2009, this store is located in the heart of Lisbon, in the fashionable shopping area of Chiado. The store is found in a traditional Portuguese building with high ceilings and huge windows; a refined Marie Antoinette inspired interior features ornate lighting, Venetian mirrors, and a number of interesting vintage curiosities including a classic typewriter.

“The philosophy of this store is to have a wide selection of classic looks that never go out of style,” explains Rui Romão, sales manager, Optica do Sacramento. “We have become well known also for our different, avant-garde, vintage and retro style collections, which include Moscot, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Garrett Leight, Jacques Durand, Paul Frank, Cutler & Gross, Framers, KBL, Jil Sander, and Cheap Monday. We also provide a selection of vintage frames.” One to visit should you be visiting the Portuguese capital. CN www.opticadosacramento.com Óptica do Sacramento, Calcada do Sacramento, 14, 1200-394 Lisbon, Portugal.