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Grand Ballon, Tumbler, Tulipe

1st March 2015

DOC Fashion Collection by Mondelliani Glasses

New entries in the DOC series by Italian artisan label Mondelliani, Grand Ballon, Tumbler and Tulipe feature in colours Pinot Grigio, Blanc de Noir and Cabernet. The wine references also extend to the elegant shapes of this fine-tuned trio, inspired by classical wine glasses, sinuous and elegant in form and silhouette. Pretty reflective Carl Zeiss lenses are flat and tinted, in line with luxury eyewear trends, for an old-fashioned aesthetic. Handmade in Italy. Find Mondelliani glasses at leading optical stores including Auerbach & Steele, London and Noble Optik, Munich. www.mondelliani.it CN

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Arts + travel

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

1st March 2015

Retrospective of Visionary Fashion Designer

1st March 2015 The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is presenting an extraordinary show of one of the most innovative designers of his generation – Lee Alexander McQueen. Originated by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the V&A presentation will feature 30 additional garments, including some rare early pieces, lent by private individuals and collectors. McQueen courted controversy – his extravagant catwalk presentations, for which he was renowned, combined storytelling, music, film and theatrical performance.

Butterfly headdress of hand-painted turkey feathers by Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen

The thematic presentation includes the Cabinet of Curiosities, which showcases designs produced by McQueen in collaboration with fellow creatives such as milliner Philip Treacy. In total, the exhibition will showcase more than 200 ensembles and accessories, the largest number of individual pieces designed by McQueen and collaborators ever seen together.

Dress of dyed ostrich feathers and hand-painted microscopic slides by Alexander McQueen

McQueen always inspired – he combined a profound grasp of tailoring and eclectic range of influences with a relentless pursuit to challenge the boundaries of art and fashion, blending the latest technology with traditional craftsmanship. He was influenced by his Scottish heritage and the colonial past, plus his fascination with the animal world inspired him throughout his career. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is a landmark exhibition not to be missed! Opens 14 March until 02 August 2015. www.vam.ac.uk JG

Image credits: Top photo Tulle and lace dress with veil and antlers by Alexander McQueen Widows of Culloden A/W 2006 Model: Raquel Zimmermann, Viva London Image: firstVIEW Butterfly Headress: La Dame Bleue S/S 2008 Model: Alana Zimmer copyright: Anthea Simms Dress of dyed ostrich feathers Voss S/S 2001 Model: Erin O’Connor Image:REX

Boutiques

Benic Opticiens – Saint-Malo, France

1st March 2015

Brittany Boutique with Eyewear History

1st March 2015 With a history that stretches back to the First Century, Saint-Malo has been through numerous trials and triumphs – including Corsairs, pirates and bombing. Nowadays, the charming walled city on the sea is a favourite destination for global visitors. Also with an extensive history is Benic Opticiens in Saint Malo, which opened in the late 19th Century. “Benic is a very old boutique,” reflects Guillaume Jourdes, Benic’s owner and an optician, “and the shop was known for telescopes, barometers, and magnifying glasses, all items necessary for the sea.”

Innovative Independent Labels at Benic Opticiens

The 21st Century Benic Opticiens is a comfortable, spacious boutique located on a cobblestone street that leads to the sea. The atmosphere is very friendly, and the décor gives the feeling of being in a cared for and well loved home. Jourdes worked in Lyon and Rennes before taking over Benic in 2012. He completely transformed the shop into an oasis for independent brands including theo, Caroline Abram, Thierry Lasry, Andy Wolf, Mykita and Anne et Valentin, among others. A local artist creates eyeglass cases exclusively for Benic.

Being in a location that is known for summer holidays, does this affect business? “Fortunately, not any more,” says Jourdes, “because people come to Saint-Malo year ’round. Yes, July and August are our busiest months, but there are so many events – including Festivals, The Route du Rhum, and Christmas is busy – so there is always something going on. Tourism is important, and we also have a local clientele who live here full time.” Jourdes notes that people on holiday are more likely to browse and look in a relaxed manner for frames. Both the frame selection and the ambience at Benic Opticiens are so inviting, it’s easy to understand why! 25, rue de Dinan 35400 Saint-Malo www.benicopticiens.com JG

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Johanna Braitbart

1st March 2015

Accessories with Parisian Chic and Flair

1st March 2015 Tucked away on a petit “rue” in the Parisian Marais district, is a charming oasis for accessories. Johanna Braitbart designs marvellous selections of hats, headbands, jewellery, and distinctive scarves and bags. Eyestylist discovered her captivating designs in the prestigious Parisian stores Franck et Fils www.francketfils.fr, and also in chic Le Bon Marché www.lebonmarche.com

Accessory Selection by Johanna Braitbart

The fabrics in which she crafts her designs are elegant and luxurious – Braitbart has a special knack for sourcing unusual materials. “Many of my fabrics are found in France,” she says, pointing to elegant silks, satin, wools, laces, beads and feathers, “and I also find materials in Germany and leathers in Italy.” Her travels also result in gorgeous finds from New York and Marrakech.

Très Chic! Parisian hat style by Johanna Braitbart

“I’m inspired by vintage – always – geometric shapes, and gentlemen farmer style. I also like L’école de Vienne, Sarah Moon photography, and sculpture. Many of the influences from the past are new ideas for now.” Braitbart says that trends “include lots of light colours – like macaroons – pink, yellow, green, blue and green. Then there are bright tones of electric blue and red, plus florals, polka dots and stripes. We offer a bespoke accessory service, and you cannot find that easily in Paris any more. People want special accessories.”

Handcrafted in Paris in Johanna Braitbart’s Atelier

Le Marais is a must-see when in Paris – and so is Johanna Braitbart’s chic boutique for unique, handcrafted accessories. You’ll discover wearable treasures with long lasting memories. 26, rue des Blancs Manteau 75004 Paris www.johannabraitbart.com JG

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Artisan Eyewear…

25th February 2015

Sunglasses and optical frames, beautifully designed and crafted take the spotlight this month – visit REVIEWS for stunning new releases. A British brand is Designer of the Month, and Munich is the destination for a sleek Boutique. In CITY GUIDES, Christian Lacroix has “carte blanche” in a historic Paris museum. Click and stay with Eyestylist for all the latest eyewear and accessory news.

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