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Christie’s Auction, South Kensington, London

23rd March 2011

Kinross House, Scotland and Property from the London Residence of Mrs. Winston Spencer Churchill

Furniture, paintings, portrait miniatures, silver, dishes and other household treasures from two historical properties – Kinross House in Scotland and the London residence of Mrs. Winston Spencer Churchill, goes ‘under the hammer’ in London on 30th March. Sir William Bruce, the great classical architect built Kinross House, and the London townhouse where the Churchill’s lived was designed by George Basevi, John Soane’s famous pupil. Mrs. Churchill’s husband was Randolph Churchill, the only son of Sir Winston Churchill, and Randolph’s wife was the glamorous Pamela Harriman. There are hundreds of beautiful, useful objects to enhance one’s home, each with the authenticity of a magnificent heritage.

This auction is an opportunity to capture an historical item, so save the date for this special sale – you could place a winning bid! Wednesday 30 March 2011 at 10.30 am. Christie’s South Kensington 85, Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LD www.christies.com JG

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

Photos: Christie’s Images 2011. Top: Portrait Miniature Lot. 91 from Kinross House; above, Lot. 190, pair of Louis XV Style Beech Bergeres From the London Residence of Mrs. Winston Spencer Churchill.

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Spring has arrived, long may it last

10th March 2011

‘Trees’ Series – Theo by Tim Van Steenbergen

24th March, 2011 Here is one my favourite new sunglass collections for Spring/Summer…the ‘Trees’ Series from Theo by Tim Van Steenbergen. The radiant colours are inspired by nature and the metal temple refers to the structure and textured patterns of a tree trunk. This concept is reflected in the names of the sunglasses…Oak, Beech, Pine, Maple Spruce and Ash.

Belgian fashion designer Tim Van Steenbergen (www.timvansteenbergen.com) has created a clothing collection which tells the story of “the lady gardener,” who loves nature and likes to be a part of it. The designer is inspired by the way flowers and plants move and grow. The same ideas are developed in the ‘Trees’ Series. Just as in the fabrics, various natural colours reappear in the glasses – for example, green and brown. He also refers to natural materials such as horn, wood and marble. Sparkling floral colours such as red, purple and coral complete the range of colours.

To complement the luxurious design of the series, Theo has chosen Zeiss sun lenses for quality UV protection. The lenses feature a “rock-hard” 5-layer antireflection coating. A very special addition to a very creative and beautiful collection. CN

www.theo.be

Boutiques

J.F. Rey in New York

6th March 2011

French brand opens own store

6th March, 2011 The French spectacle brand J.F. Rey has opened an optical boutique in Manhattan this Spring…run by a well-known optician called Joel Name who has been working in the business for many years. The shop can be found at 448 West Broadway, New York NY 10012.

Created by designer Jean-Francois Rey, J.F. Rey frames have a unique look about them – the designs are very trendy, often quite futuristic in shape and concept and feature very accomplished detailing. All J.F. Rey frames are produced in France. The company also produces a label called BOZ, which is very feminine and decorative, again with a unique touch typical of the J.F.Rey design studio. CN

www.jfrey.fr

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Claire Goldsmith

1st March 2011

Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses / Claire Goldsmith Legacy

Claire is her usual bubbly self when I speak to her for this feature before the optical fair Mido. She is about 7 months pregnant with her second child, but despite having to delay a few long-haul travel arrangements, she is as busy and excited as ever about business and new projects, as well as looking forward to being a mum of 2! “I feel like I’m having my third baby! The business is so important to me, and I am very protective about it and every new step we take,” she explains. Claire Goldsmith is the great granddaughter of Oliver Goldsmith, one of the most influential designers of spectacles and sunglasses, who designed for a mass of celebrities, from 1926 through to the 70s and 80s…Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn (the Audrey style “Manhattan” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s has just been re-released) and Michael Caine…and the list goes on and on. Claire opened Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses in 2005 and now has her own flagship store in the hub of London’s Notting Hill. The newly renovated shop offers the full offering of OG styles, plus the latest additions, including Claire’s first brand in her own name, Claire Goldsmith Legacy. It also houses the archives of Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, including a huge, unique collection of frame styles which span decades of eyewear history and fashion.

Claire Goldsmith Legacy – classic with a twist

Launched in 2010, CG Legacy is a collection of spectacles designed by the new team Claire has put together; it’s the expression of their enthusiasm for eyewear, born out of working with the OG archive, but embodying their own new design ideas in the present day. “We launched Legacy in 2010. I felt it was time I had my own line after many years dedicated to perfecting the reissue of OG vintage classics. I have the same DNA as my great grandfather but we are not the same person, so it was time to put my own mark on eyewear with my own line. We will have a total of 20 styles in the range from this March, 6 of these will be launched in Milan at Mido. We are growing Legacy at a calm, steady rate. It suits a slightly younger customer than the pure vintage OG concept, with its colours which are fun, and the designs which are really out there! I am working on new materials for Legacy, I am exploring different metals and titanium for the first time, it’s really a new departure for us and an evolving one. (more…)

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London Fashion Week

1st February 2011

One to watch: Andy Wolf Eyewear

London, 24th February, 2011 – Sunglasses are generally well represented at London Fashion Week both on and off the catwalks, thanks to British fashion favourite Cutler & Gross whose vintage shades are always a popular fashion editor’s choice. Specs tend to get slightly less of a showing, although I’ve been sent a few images this year…this one features Andy Wolf Eyewear which got an amazing showing on the models at the Irwin & Jordan show on Friday.

Andy Wolf Eyewear is based in Austria where its products are handmade. Launched in 2006, the brand has become known as a niche label offering style and elegance and beautifully crafted vintage effect styling…but without compromising on the functionality and wearability of the product. Hoping to see this one again in Milan next week. CN

http://andywolf-eyewear.com