Design + Inspiration

From Japan, a new design piece called the Glasses Place by M. Scoop (above) caught our eye at Maison & Objet Paris www.maison-objet.com – earlier this Spring.  Made from natural wood such as maple or cherry, with a sophisticated artisan finish, the design – which has a sturdy base and gently tapered top over which the spectacles are placed,  makes an ideal match for high-quality spectacles that deserve to be well looked after. A second product, 70G, with a square shape and smooth lining, has also just been released by the company, produced in a similar choice of natural wood finishes.

M.Scoop creates a range of specialised storage products for small items and accessories such as glasses, mobile phones, pens and watches, making it easier to look after precious things safely at home, and to remember where they are! Find our more at www.mscoop.jp CN

Iris Apfel – at the amazing age of ninety-four, is clearly a style icon with international influence and respect – a feat few women can claim. The New York resident – whose trademark is voluminous eyewear and extravagant attire –  has dazzled the fashion establishment with Iris in Paris at Le Bon Marché – the ultra chic “grand magasin” on the Left Bank. The fashion muse (pictured above with Selima) is portrayed in videos; an in-store exhibition inspired by her fashion exuberance; and fabulous, stylistic window scenes created by illustrator Eric Giriat.

The illustrations show Iris dressed in her inimitable, uniquely individualistic style attending the opera; on a bateau mouche; visiting a park; and enjoying a café. The fashion legend is also known for her quotes – that flow with words of wisdom from this nonagenarian – and include: “Fashion you can buy, but style you possess;” and “having fun is the best revenge.”

For the Iris celebration, Selima Optique has created oversized sunglasses – the Iris signature – for Le Bon Marché, in collaboration with Iris Apfel. Iris in Paris continues at Le Bon Marché through 16 April. www.selimaoptique.com www.lebonmarche.com JG

Passionate eyewear advocates Nathanaël Wenger and Dirk Geissmann host the second edition of Die Brillenmesse in the Rhine city on the 23rd-24th April. Approximately seventy international independent brands will showcase their collections at Dock One – an historical location built in 1851 with surroundings that offer classic industrial architecture.

Participants include Danish label Orgreen, who will present their finely crafted optical and sunglass collections, and British brand Claire Goldsmith, with innovative optical designs for men and women. In the stunning photo above – from the Hall of Frames 2016 campaign – the male model wears Claire Goldsmith Burton, and the woman Sommelier by Orgreen. www.clairegoldsmith.com www.orgreenoptics.com

Dashing Italian style include frames by L.G.R from Rome. The latest collection by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone features Mauritania, a chic panto design in bold tortoiseshell acetate. www.lgrworld.com

Loving Strangers is the theme for the refined Titanium collection by Adrian Marwitz. Lover 7 in loving bordeaux is gracefully sculpted in a modern classic silhouette. www.adrianmarwitz.com

Blue and its many variations is a favourite eyewear colour. Lafont Paris has released a new design – Tradition – in subtle blue tortoise acetate, with fine detailing and a special-fit nosepiece – distinctive and comfortable to wear. www.lafont.com

Die Brillenmesse Köln is a wonderful opportunity to visit and leisurely experience and enjoy independent labels with beautifully crafted eyewear. Mark you calendars now! 23rd and 24th April at Dock One in Cologne. More information at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

The 3rd edition of the Scandinavian trade event, Copenhagen Specs, organised by Morten Gammelmark, took place last weekend in the Lokomotivvaerkstedet on the outskirts of the Danish capital. A strong attendance from local and international exhibitors ensured a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of inspiration for buyers travelling to the show; we met Scandinavian opticians as well as British and Dutch optical retailers, who had made the trip to enjoy a weekend away in the design capital.

Exhibiting for the first time in Denmark, Italian artisan label Hapter reported an “intense show” and a very warm welcome. The brand showed its new TXTL001 and RBBR001 designs which offer unique textured finishes exploring references to the mountains with interesting textiles and rubber materials worked into the frames. www.hapter.it

We were impressed to see US brand SALT Optics in Copenhagen, exhibiting their extensive new line, with fine metal and acetate styles featured. Jackie is one of the models in the Spring/Summer collection – the legendary eyewear shape has been given a slight makeover, resulting in a very refined and soft, feminine, rectangular lens shape. www.saltoptics.com

Sustainable brand Dick Moby from the Netherlands showed their M49 bio-acetate 100% biodegradable frames which feature CR39 lenses by Zeiss. www.dick-moby.com

Danish newcomer Falvin Eyewear was one of several Scandinavian representatives at the fair. The label is achieving rapid international recognition for its modern titanium frames, designed by jewellery designer Birgitte Falvin, and meticulously handcrafted in Japan. www.falvineyewear.com

The trip to Copenhagen also allowed us time to visit some of the city’s leading optical stores including the Orgreen flagship store – www.ørgreen-kbh.dk – and Optiker Poul Stig Briller in Frederiksberg and at Østergade 24 – www.poulstigbriller.dk.

For more information about Copenhagen Specs, visit www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Continuing our Eyewear Canine Companion series, today we meet Nelson, the beloved companion of Alessandro De Lorenzo at Boudoir Boutique in Venice, Italy.

How did you and Nelson meet? “He was born in a dog pound where his mother was rescued, so Nelson has never been mistreated. He is a Spanish Greyhound and was four months old. This breed is called Galgo in Spain, and the dogs are used for the rabbit hunt there. When the hunting season is over, most of the dogs are abandoned or killed – about 50,000 to 65,00 per year. Nelson is very well behaved; he likes bigger and smaller dogs, as well as cats and children. He’s really not a hunter. He loves to run – especially with other dogs, but he has inherited – from me – some laziness, and he loves to sleep most of the day.

What are Nelson’s duties in your boutique? “Well..he is in charge of the red sofa. If he’s left alone for more than five minutes, he starts testing the products – for example – eye drops, or tastes some of the frames. He greets clients and he makes sure nobody’s carrying weapons in their bags. Some people come by the shop just for him, and every day, at least a dozen tourists take pictures of him from the window.”

Does Nelson travel with you? “Most of the time we walk – that is the purpose of living in Venice! We go on the vaporetto (water bus) only if we have to go to the Lido, where the beach is. Otherwise we take the tram or the regular bus to go to the Venice mainland, and he’s OK with that. When I visit my parents in Cadore – the eyewear district – I use my car. He hates cars and he knows exactly what they are. When we go jogging and we run near parked cars, he wants to make a big arch around them.”

Does Nelson go to restaurants and cafés with you? “I am able to take Nelson with me; most places know us and the restaurant owners allow him to enter. Nelson’s lovely…but…food is way too attractive for him, so it’s hard to teach him proper table behaviour. Maybe when he’s a bit older…now I leave him home if I have to go out for dinner.”

“I would like to add that people consider rescue dogs, instead of professional breeders. There are associations that rescue greyhounds in Ireland, the United States and in Spain. In every country you can find pure breed dogs – and mixed ones, and cats – looking for adoption. They’ll be grateful to you.” www.boudoir.vencie.it JG