Handcrafted Excellence in Original Designs
29th August 2014 European influences from Italy, Switzerland and France are among the short-listed entires for the Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Awards. Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei in Italy expresses artisan expertise and heritage in his beautiful collection of optical and sunglass designs. Zanon likes to explore unique eyewear possibilities, and an excellent example is Caravaggio (above) in acetate and metal, handcrafted with distinction. www.resrei.com
As a trained carpenter Dominik Gasser brings a different dimension to his frame designs. Influenced by his beautiful Swiss surroundings, his love of nature, fishing and craftsmanship, Gasser personally creates handmade natural wood frames in his atelier high in the mountains.
www.dominikgasser.ch
Gouv/Au frames are made in the oldest active eyewear company in France, founded in 1878. The subtly styled frames are classics with a contemporary twist. Quiet elegance is reflected in style 101, a perfect round shape in shiny Tokyo tortoiseshell lacquer with satin gold. www.gouvau.com. The winners of the 2014 Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Award will be announced at Stuttgart Hall of Frames in October. www.hallofframes.ch JG
The Orient Express
The King of Trains in Paris Exhibition
19th August 2014 A marvelous vintage steam engine is not a usual sight on Boulevard Saint Germain – but certainly an intriguing one! The gleaming green engine that captures the attention of passers by and motorists is part of a superb exhibition – Il Ètait Un Fois L’Orient Express. The trains are displayed in the outdoor space at L’Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris.
Carriage interiors can be visited, and a nostalgic look at train travel during The Golden Age reflects the amazing grandeur, service, elegance and pampering passengers enjoyed in another era. The “wagon-lits” as they are called in French, are beautifully appointed with fine wood panelling, and carved René Lalique glass insets. Gourmet dining is further enhanced with lovely cutlery and china.
www.imarabe.org www.orient-express.eu JG
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Jono Hennessy
The contemporary styling of Jono Hennessy’s latest optical collection flatters a variety of face shapes. With beautiful colourations of silky Japanese turquoise acetate, highlighted with laminated tortoiseshell, the frame has a soft glow that harmonizes with the lovely jewel tones that are a fashion trend for autumn/winter 2014/2015. www.jonohennessy.com JG
Kartaruga Venice
Original and Chic Accessories
1st August 2014 Marvellous masks, Carnival and Venice have a long and illustrious history. Masks by Kartaruga are sought after not only for Carnival, but are used for opera and theatre, cinema and fashion shoots. A mask is, of course, an accessory. So eighteen month ago, Kartaruga opened a stunning accessory boutique, with beautiful bags, scarves, jewellery and hats. Managed by the effervescent Francesca Cecamore on calle de le bande in the heart of Venice, the accessories are all created by independent designers. “I love jewellery, I love accessories!”, exclaims Francesca, “and we have specialist creators, several in Venice and Naples, who make items for us. The main purpose of accessories is to be elegant, but simple.”
Francesca and her staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and delighted to show customers the beautiful accessories. There are wonderful clutch bags in snakeskin and leather; great totes, elegant scarves in cotton and linen; an assortment of lovely jewellery, and super hats. You won’t leave empty-handed after a visit to Kartaruga! www.kartaruga.com JG
Photos: Exclusively for Eyestylist by Travelonics LLC
Coppe+Sid
Cosmopolitan Eyewear by Coppe+Sid
1st August 2014 Coppe Gualtiero and Sid Fiz talk to Eyestylist about their designs.
“We have been active in the optical industry for over twenty years. Our worldwide travel experience was an inspiration for us when the idea of creating Coppe+Sid emerged a few years ago. We wanted to create something of an exceptional quality with no compromise for our optician friends. When Coppe+Sid was born five years ago, there was no business planning, just a passion to create beautiful eyewear with the best materials in the best factories possible. Handcrafted in Italy is at the heart of our collection, and we are always inspired by looking at the rich and colourful past. Whether it is an old movie, architecture, fashion or a beautiful classic car that inspires us, we try to bring that forward to relate to today.
“We love acetate – it’s tactile and versatile – it has soul. We never work with mood boards or look at colours and think what is in this season. The “IN” season shape or colour is what we like to get away from as far as possible.We create modern classics, with no logo, made by the finest craftsmen. Our customers are people who appreciate quality and understand the artisanal work involved in producing Coppe+Sid. Our showroom in London has allowed us to work more closely with consumers and this is a great experience for us, to see customers and experience their feedback. We like to see the smile when they are fitted with a Coppe+Sid frame and hear the compliments! It is an absolute joy and an affirmation we are doing the right thing by pushing the boundaries when we create.
“In the last few years, we have seen a movement towards more artisanal craftsmanship – something of an old school production concept. At the same time, the new 3D printing is pushing the boundaries forward. It’s very interesting that on one hand we see a harking back to the old times, but also we see technologies developing eyewear that are looking to the future. Eyewear is an integral part of fashion – we look at iconic figures such as Michael Caine, John Lennon, Audrey Hepburn…can we imagine them without their glasses and sunglasses? Can we imagine Jack Nicholson without his sunnies? In relation to today’s world, specs are simply cool. Geek chic is here to stay. Glasses act as a face accessory – to hide – or to dress up and transform yourself. They are no longer just a pair of glasses. Consumers are aware of the powerful transformation the right pair of glasses have on the wearer.” www.coppeandsid.com JG
Photos: Exclusively for Eyestylist by Luca Santocono All Rights Reserved