17th April 2011 As the April edition of Eyestylist highlights children’s frames, we thought our readers would like to see how great kids look in their glasses. We’ve had lots of images sent to us that beautifully illustrate how comfortable, cool and chic the young set is wearing specs. Style aware kids already know the power of eyewear as a fashion accessory! Pictured above, boy wearing Zoobug Aviators (www.zoobug.com). JG
14th April 2011 Stripes are fashionably prevalent this season. In eyewear, Marc Jacobs introduces a new acetate sunglass collection with a jaunty, glamorous spirit. This 1980’s inspired multi-coloured design features vertical stripes on the temples. Available in a variety of chic colours, these frames possess both a modern and vintage feel. The striking colour combinations add distinct zing to spring outfits. Jacobs, who studied fashion in New York City at the renowned Parsons School of Design, is an award-winning designer whose clothing and accessories are sought after by an international following of style aware clients. JG www.marcjacobs.com
Julbo Eyewear
11th April 2011 The same family has run this distinctive French brand since 1888. Julbo Eyewear focuses on technical innovations, and their children’s collection of fine quality sunglasses takes into consideration the delicacy of young eyes. Double injection Polypropylene is soft and supple, and quality, shock resistant lenses and a wraparound shape insure perfect protection with Solan, shown above. Little adventurers will like the soft touch of the material against their skin, and parents will be delighted that the frames offer comfort, and stay put on little faces! www.julbo-eyewear.com JG
6th April 2011 During a meeting in Milan, l.a. eyeworks (www.laeyeworks.com) introduced me to the books of the American author and illustrator Remy Charlip, of which Arm in Arm is a true classic for children, and most often cited. Remy is now in his eighties, and rather wonderfully he has collaborated with the Los Angeles eyewear designers to produce a design for their lens cloths this year (image above). The commission brief was for a design that would be a “dance for the eyes”. This is one of the first drawings that Remy has created since he suffered a stroke some years ago, making it all the more incredible; it is likely to become a highly sought after accessory.
For anyone who is lucky enough to be close to Parma in Italy in the next weeks, there is an exhibition about Remy’s amazing designs and illustrations entitled “Remy Charlip, danzare il mio libro” which is on until 25th April (Galleria San Ludovico). Some of Remy’s original editions are on display, as well as drawings and the many books that he has written and illustrated. The exhibition is part of the Festival Minimondi. For more information visit www.minimondi.com CN
4th April, 2011 One of our favourite stores in Venice, which sells frames by brands like Reiz, TD Tom Davies, l.a. eyeworks and Lindberg but also jewellery and other interesting accessories and furnishings, has launched a new website at www.boudoir.venice.it
One of the reasons we have been following this store is that the owner, Alessandro De Lorenzo has launched a project to find a young eyewear designer called the DES-EYE-N Award, organised by LAB30100. Collaborating with prestigious stores around the world (see list below) the competition, which is designed for MA students studying fashion, product or industrial design, is open until end of April (30th) this year and entry is free of charge. For more information visit www.lab30100.com.
The ten optical stores collaborating in the project LAB30100 are:
Boudoir Venice; Optic Extrascharf, Berlin; Nathalie Bladt, Leuven; Oliver Goldsmith store, London; Optika Eclectic Eyewear, Saskatoon, Canada; Gogosha Optique, LA; Bruce Eyewear, Vancouver; Visual Culture Optical, Hong Kong; Loonen Brillenmakers, Oosterhout, the Netherlands; and Optica Toscana, Madrid.