Design + Inspiration

Influential and progressive designs permeate the latest collection at KBL Eyewear with timeless elegance, graceful silhouettes, and trendy layering. The designs for men and women highlight the frames – crafted in Japan  – in beautiful quality materials, and subtle, sophisticated colourations. Echoing modernity and detailing, the newest collection campaign was photographed at the Philharmonie de Paris – the innovative concert hall designed by Jean Nouvel. The unique basket weave design of the building reflects the KBL concept – eyewear with originality and flair. Eiffel – the sleek sun style (top image worn by the male model) unites titanium and acetate in a contemporary shape, with slender temples. Champs-Elysées (on the woman) is luxuriously enhanced with layered acetate on titanium.

Optical designs by KBL flourish with minimalist concepts in titanium and stylish spirit. The Lancaster (above left) is a full titanium frame with a double bridge – both discreet and distinctive. The Grant (above right) also in titanium – sports a Windsor rim, in the tradition of fine heritage eyewear. Discover the entire KBL collection 6th-9th October at SILMO Paris! JG

Photos: Elisa Teichtmeister; Styling: Pur Styl – Jasmin Teichtmeister; Photographed at Philharmonie de Paris

Eyestylist.com begins an engaging new series today – Designer Domiciles – which will feature delightful conversations with international creators about where they reside, and their passion and enchantment for their neighbourhood and region. And what a great way to kick-off this series than with Claire Goldsmith – Director Oliver Goldsmith – London! 

City where you were born: I’m a proud Londoner born and bred.

If you could live elsewhere…it would be: I would have to say, somewhere with better weather! Somewhere warmer! The weather is literally the only thing I would change about London if I could. If only it could be 9 months of summer and 3 months of winter. So I think I might want to live in New Zealand as the climate there is just about perfect for me.

What intrigues you most about London: I love London for its layers that have come about through hundreds of years of history. I love the idea that 200-400 years ago the streets I walk everyday were so different. I love the grime and the “secret London” that lies behind the frontage. London is a fascinating city with an incredible history wherever you go in it.

A fascinating London street you love: So…a little known fact – London has some amazing hidden alleyways often housing some of the most traditional and lovely little drinking establishments. These tiny old pubs literally transport you back in time. If you are lucky enough to stumble across one of these alleyways, you will never forget it. Here are a couple not to miss if you come here: – Newman Passage, Fitzrovia – is one of my favourites!  – Bull Inn Court, Covent Garden – Lamb’s Conduit Passage, Holborn – Ely Court, Farringdon – Wine Office Court, City of London – Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden.

Your favourite London restaurant – and why? There are so many good restaurants it’s almost impossible to choose one! But I would have to say if I have to choose just one, it would be The River Cafe – a West London classic where you can sit outside on the river. It has a super casual vibe to it, but it’s a Michelin star restaurant. It’s so relaxed and comfortable and always without fail, you eat phenomenal food. It’s a total favourite.

Another city that holds a fascination for you…and why: I think I would have to say Tokyo. I went a couple of times for work but never for pleasure. I would really love to spend some time there just exploring it a bit more. That goes for cities in Japan generally.

Music that inspires you: I used to listen to albums of artists I liked. Now I listen to music I like. Spotify has changed the way we listen to music. I tend to play Spotify playlists on radio and listen to music I would not normally listen to, or even know about. As  result I now like quite a broad spectrum of music. Spotify has opened up my music tastes a lot!

A book that influenced you: The Handmaid’s Tale – a story of a future I hope to never see. I studied it at A-Level (18) and never forgot it. And have just finished watching the TV adaptation of it and it was incredible! Dare I say it – possibly even better than the book itself. When does that ever happen…

Your personal style – describe in three items: Trainers. Black tapered trousers. Coats.

The most photogenic location in London: London is photogenic. It’s hard to take a bad picture of her!

Three objects that mean the most to you: The watch my dad gave me on my 21st birthday, but sadly never quite got to give it to me himself. The bracelet my grandmother left to me that I always loved, because she literally never took it off in all the time I knew her. My “Grisly box” where I keep the teeth that have fallen out of my kid’s mouths, because I am a gross mum who loves their grisly little milk teeth!

Who really inspires you: Usually it’s other women running businesses and managing their families effectively!

Claire will be presenting the new collection of Oliver Goldsmith and Claire Goldsmith at SILMO Paris in October. www.olivergoldsmith.com JG

Eyewear creatives owe much to the international trade fair, SILMO, which takes place every year in Paris. Founded in the Jura, the traditional spectacle-making region of France, today the French show has grown into an international platform for designers and creators in eyewear, with fairs in Sydney, Istanbul and (shortly) Bangkok as well as Paris where the fair also boasts a strong alliance with the fashion industry via Premiere Classe, the Parisian fashion accessories fair.

Taking place in early October, the 50th edition of SILMO promises a large selection of exhibitors as well as celebrations, special events and what promises to be a memorable SILMO d’Or awards ceremony. As the climate of expansion in the independent sector continues, a significant number of newcomers are listed as exhibiting. They include Komorebi (Belgium), Stealer (Korea) and optician, Joseph Haver (Israel) who launches a brilliant eponymous sunglasses edition (image: above, new campaign by Joseph Haver).

Independent eyewear leaders returning to the annual event include: Ørgreen Optics. The Danish brand will showcase seven bold, yet elegant male and female titanium styles – photographed in a campaign by Philip Messmann. The shapes range from round vintage looking styles to contemporary square college inspired silhouettes. The colour combinations include timeless black, varying shades of brown, and stylish tones of blue and red.

Expect to find further impressive innovations at the Ørgreen stand this year – visit www.orgreenoptics.com and https://www.eyestylist.com/2017/04/orgreen-optics-20-years-tribute-future/ for additional information and our 2017 interview with Henrik Ørgreen.

Claire Goldsmith (UK) brings the iconic OG Sunglasses collection with new colour proposals and new lens details. “The Introduction of 2-base lenses into the Icons collection is giving some of these classics a completely fresh look. Combined with some luscious new acetate from Mazzuchelli some OG icons got a facelift!” Also showing is the new CG Optical Collection. www.olivergoldsmith.com / www.clairegoldsmith.com

US eyewear producers Kenmark return annually to Paris with their designer eyewear collections, Vera Wang and Zac Posen. Vera Wang’s fashionista sunglasses line will be available to view with the new ophthalmics, designed with superb references to directional trends and bold shapes in captivating acetate colours. www.kenmarkeyewear.com

Designer Ti Kwa of Rigards always delivers innovation and expertise in his exceptional artisan eyewear: the Sterling Silver Collection will be one of the highlights at the Rigards stand at SILMO, an expression of precise, luxurious design that is rare, exotic and always surprising. View more details about Rigards at www.rigards.com

SILMO Paris 2017 takes place from 6th to 9th October at Paris Nord Villepinte. For more information visit: www.silmoparis.com Further Previews will be available on Eyestylist in the coming weeks. CN

Visitors to the autumn edition of Hall of Frames Zurich have the opportunity to explore new, expressive and exciting visual horizons. The two-day event – 15th and 16th October – will showcase independent designers and brands, with exceptional collections of beautiful frames. (Top image: Dante-S by Götti Switzerland)

Among the designers exhibiting are Götti Switzerland, Adrian Marwitz; Blackfin: Face à Face Paris; Miamai Eyewear; Neubau Eyewear; L.G.R; Didier Voirol; Johann von Coisern, Orgreen, and more! Over fifty brands will introduce their latest styles in a new, remarkable and architecturally impressive location.

The Umweltarena (Environmental Centre) in Spreitenbach – less than thirty minutes from central Zurich, is a fascinating ecological centre – an ideal location when sustainability has become a global challenge. The optics sector is aware of the need to care for resources, and increasingly, frames are being crafted in sustainable materials.

In addition to fabulous frames, visitors are invited to participate in the “Think Tank” sessions, given by experienced professionals, and include short talks on topics relevant to optician’s needs and interests.

Save the dates! 15th and 16th October – and discover innovative eyewear that exudes style and statement design, plus enjoy visiting the fascinating, dynamic Umweltarena ecological centre.

www.hallofframes.ch www.umweltarena.ch JG Entourage of 7 image: Marc Gysin Photography www.marcgysin.com Model: Tina Thommen by www.aqua-models.com Jewellery: Bucherer Lucerne

Striking new creations with design inspiration infused with the contemporary, technical excellence of IC! Berlin, will be presented at SILMO Paris in October. Experience and capture the imagination of individualistic and passionate frame wearers with minimalistic styling; durability; comfort; and special characteristics. The beauty of durable, stainless steel – in which the frames are crafted – is further enhanced with a patented, screwless spring hinge. Top image: Left Mona sun; right Leon sun

Family history plays an important role in the creation of SEEOO. Gerald Lasnik, founder and CEO, discovered hidden treasures in his Austrian grandfather’s attic, including a pair of reading glasses. Lasnik was so delighted with this vintage find, he wanted to bring this eyewear back to life…with a modern, reinterpretation of a distinctly unique – and legendary classic.

The result is SEEOO MONALEON – a progressive and harmonising concept – complimented by traditional and evocative styling. Expressed with modern flair and avant-garde high tech innovation, the collaboration with Ic! Berlin and the sleek SEEOO MONALEON designs will be treasured by many creative and enthusiastic eyewear consumers. www.seeoo.at JG