Boutiques

Altdorf Switzerland

1st November 2011 During my recent visit to Switzerland, I was pleased to meet Ralf Wenger, the owner of Jauch Optik in Altdorf. Located in the Swiss canton of Uri, the town of Altdorf and the William Tell legend are intricately connected. Tell was the expert medieval marksman and Swiss patriot, who allegedly shot an apple from his son’s head in the marketplace, just a few meters from the building that Wenger purchased in 2004. The old house is now the smart setting for Jauch Optik, with the exterior carefully preserved, and the interior streamlined and furnished in beautiful woods. Paintings by a variety of local artists give a gallery feel to the charming boutique.

“Its a small house with only two floors,”says Wenger, “and our concept for the shop is that when customers come to us, we have the right solutions for their eyecare needs. We keep a ‘Vision Profile’ on every customer, so we know exactly what they require – whether for working at the computer, going to the cinema, or being on the ski slopes.

“Our in-store events have included a presentation of hairstyles and frames, art and wine programmes, makeup and eyewear. We believe in featuring authentic eyewear designers, so we avoid licensed brands. We have Mykita, Framers, Blac, Bellinger, Beausoleil and Kaenon among others.”  Wenger is creating his own legend in Altdorf at Jauch Optik. www.jauchoptik.ch JG

Los Angeles, California

1st October 2011 Julia Gogosha’s bubbly enthusiasm is like fizzy champagne as she talks about her love of eyewear. Two years ago, she opened her first optical boutique in Los Angeles, and in July this year, a second shop on West 3rd Street (above) was launched with a grand opening party. Julia explains her retail philosophy: “My aim is to be THE Los Angeles destination for independently designed and handmade eyewear. I see myself as an ambassador for independent designers and do not carry any licensed merchandise in our stores.  We focus on fit and point of view to match the person with the right frame – every frame has a unique owner. We are a high-end, service and design driven boutique.”

In just over three years, Gogosha Optique has evolved into one of the premiere boutiques in America for modern, independently designed, and individualized frames. Style aware clients can find the newest creations from Claire Goldsmith, Thierry Lasry, Anne et Valentin, Théo, Salt, Barton Perreira, Mykita and more. Visitors to Gogosha Optique arrive from all over America, and throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.

Julia also presents in-store events – customers can meet their favourite designers. Recently she hosted Designer Showcases with Thierry Lasry from France, and California based Salt. Julia Gogosha and Gogosha Boutiques merit their reputation as bona fide eyewear gurus. Gogosha Optique 8238 West 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 www.gogosha.com JG

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.

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