Boutiques

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

19th July 2011 Mykita has re-opened its Berlin Flagship store featuring a new concept and a Zeiss Relaxed Vision Center. Mykita will collaborate closely with German optical brand Carl Zeiss in the future. The aim, says Mykita is to pool both companies expertise in optics and design, to create cutting-edge new products. An interesting link-up. www.mykita.com CN

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

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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