Craftsmanship and enduring beauty are keynote at RIGARDS – and their latest natural horn collection is exciting and directional. Ti Kwa likes to blend old and new in one instrument, with inspirations that are fluid and eclectic. But at the core, vintage references are translated to eyewear in a modern yet non-conformist way, as elegantly expressed in RG0008, pictured above. www.rigards.com JG
rapp Eyewear continues to produce creative avant-garde frame designs. A family business, led by Shilo Rapp, trained as a goldsmith, the frames have a unique handmade look and feature materials like titanium and Italian acetate – always with a distinctive finish. Francine caught our eye: the style is like all of Rapp’s designs made in the brand’s own production workshop in Toronto. The acetate material has a subtle striated pattern. The shape also boasts a fantastic bevelling effect which gives it lots of character.
1st February 2015 The Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris is absolutely a little gem. Founded in 1928 by the founder of the La Samaritaine Department Store (sadly, now closed) Ernest Cognacq assembled an amazing collection of emblematic eighteenth-century art works. They are on display in a beautifully renovated sixteenth-century townhouse in the Marais. M. Cognacq chose items that would be representative of “the artistic décor of French life”… and include a stunning collection of portrait miniatures, superb paintings, busts, Meissen porcelains and furniture.
To celebrate the re-opening of the Musée Cognacq-Jay, Christian Lacroix, the peripatetic fashion and interior designer, was offered a “carte blanche” – a dual challenge of re-imagining the “guiding narrative” of the exhibition spaces, while exploring a concept which has shaped his own approach to his art – the fascination exerted by the eighteenth century. Lacroix has curated contributions from over forty contemporary artists, invited to reflect upon ten key themes identified in Ernest Cognacq’s collections. Some of the themes include: 18th century taste; Show, balls and sociability; Paris, capital of the Enlightenment; Fables, stories and novels; and Europe’s artistic economy. Lacroix’s selections have been assembled with a view to enhancing our understanding of the Age of Enlightenment, and its continued relevance in our own era.
Enlightenment: Carte Blanche à Christian Lacrox is an innovative exhibition, enhanced with Lacroix’s inimitable flair. The exhibition continues through 19th April 2015.
Photo credits: Vigée Lebrun: Musée Cognacq-Jay /Roger-Viollet
All photos: Agence Roger Viollet “Press Photo”
and at Eyestylist we’re happy to celebrate wonderful new eyewear discoveries – both beautiful and exciting – for 2015. This month we again feature outstanding International Designers in REVIEWS; visit an über-chic boutique in Amsterdam, meet a globally acclaimed craftsman in Designer of the Month; and visit an exceptional fashion exhibition in New York City. Eyestylist wishes the happiest and healthiest New Year to our sponsors and readers!
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30th January 2015 The little Ethiopian lad above smiles delightedly because he is able to read. He is among the fortunate children who have benefited from the initiatives of Orbis, the international eye charity that works to prevent and treat avoidable blindness, particularly in children. Eye surgeon, Dr. Julie Diem Le and the founder of the award winning British brand Zoobug, commented: “We have been looking forward to working with Orbis and supporting their initiatives for improving eye health care, and the availability of much needed trachoma treatments for children in Africa.”
Orbis and Zoobug are united in their objective to raise awareness of the global issue of childhood blindness, which is an enormous challenge to developing countries. Saving or restoring a child’s sight depends on early detection, the quality of the treatment and the follow-up care received. Orbis also operates the Flying Eye Hospital, which is a fully equipped mobile teaching hospital.
Dr. Le founded Zoobug with a strong message about eye protection for children and safety in the sun. The designs for youngsters combine fun, fashionable styles that children love, plus desirable colours and clever details. www.zoobug.com www.orbis.org JG