8th March 2012 I caught sight of Moss Lipow’s Eyewear: A Visual History in the Regent Street branch of the fashion boutique Anthropologie today. A lovely display of books is on offer in the store this season, adding to an already very tempting shop floor full of fabulously quirky dresses, separates, accessories (soft suede and leather bags and purses in stunning brights) and an eclectic selection of fun homewares downstairs. If you haven’t got your copy of this classic eyewear monograph, here’s an opportunity. www.anthropologie.eu/page/home&setlang=en. For further information on Moss Lipow’s Eyewear: A Visual History, visit www.taschen.com and read our interview with the author posted on Eyestylist in January. CN
Trend series: Spring’s Statement sunglasses
Portofino by RockOptika
8th March 2012 With the bounty of statement styles around I’ve been looking for what’s on offer beyond the very popular catseyes and aviators. For men, this striking men’s sunglass model from the young British designer Tom Herrington caught my eye, given it breaks with obvious trends. Herrington has an optical boutique in Hastings on the South Coast of England, not far from me, and I have been lucky enough to see his new RockOptika Collection in this incredible seaside setting. The retro notes from the 1960s and 1980s combined in this particular design are sharp and bold (and have made it a bestseller for the label), and a close inspection shows a passion for quality as well as overall stylishness. The frames are designed in the UK and crafted in France. The latest stockist in London is the amazing fashion emporium Wolf & Badger in Notting Hill, London. Also available at Covent Garden’s McClintock (www.mcclintock-eyewear.co.uk) and Frames in the Lanes, Brighton (www.framesinthelanes.com). For more stockists and information visit www.rockoptika.co.uk CN
Trend series: Spring’s statement sunglasses
Eyestylist meets Thierry Lasry at Premiere Classe in Paris
5th March 2012 Lasry makes beautiful statement eyewear…and these models are perfect examples. Speaking to Lasry today in Paris, he explained the use of 1980s vintage materials for some of his styles, such as Agony 385 (above) which has an incredible mosaic or marble material layered onto the front. These sunglasses are custom-made and limited to under 1000 pieces, given the limited availability of the decorative materials used in each one. Lasry’s gold templed sunglasses – he noted that black and gold in particular – are highly sought after in the fashion world (models like Lively and Sexxxy) but we have to say it’s the workmanship of his most decorative pieces that stand out for Eyestylist. The next big thing from Lasry is superb crystal frames – watch this space! www.thierrylasry.com CN/JG
Trend watch: Spring’s statement sunglasses
Octagonal sunglasses – Pollini with Cutler and Gross
4th March 2012 The quirky octagonal and hexagonal shapes are having a revival – these sunglass designs date back to the 1960s and a number of our friends who collect or sell vintage frames have some stunning examples from both the 60s and 70s by Dior and other big fashion names. This style from Pollini is produced in a new collaborative capsule collection with Cutler & Gross and is available exclusively through Pollini stores (including their new boutique on Via della Spiga, Milan) and Pollini stockists worldwide. www.pollini.com CN
Sneak preview
Anne et Valentin’s Octet, coming soon…
2nd March 2012 I have already featured a few of the photos in this series by Anne et Valentin…here is another special one featuring the new model Octet, which we hear is launching at Mido, the Milan eyewear show, in just over a week! I can’t wait to try it on; it’s an acetate frame which has a slightly catty look about it, yet it looks a little deeper than the catseyes we have seen last year. A very pretty example, and we think it’s beautifully accessorized with red bag and matching nails. The photo was taken outside the Anne et Valentin store in Paris. www.anneetvalentin.com CN