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Traditional Crafting Techniques in Vienna

26th July 2013 At Eyestylist, we are always excited to find accessories with history. So when I was in Vienna, Sarah Halbeisen of Baumvision Europe kindly introduced me to the fourth generation Viennese family owned boutique – Mühlbauer – a premier player in the worldwide headwear market. Over a century ago – 1903 – Julianna Mühlbauer opened a small millinery shop, which has blossomed into a global enterprise, with designs sought after by an international clientele, including Merly Streep and Brad Pitt.

This shop is paradise for passionate hat lovers and wearers – like me! Age-old know how and traditional crafting techniques of hat making are interpreted in exciting and unusual designs for many occasions. The summer collection was on display when I visited – and it’s brilliant. Included are casual straw sun visors, baseball caps, stunning wide-brimmed designs, and a fun lobster series that is ready to party. Elegant straws are perfect for weddings, summer horse races and boating events. If you love hats, Mühlbauer hutmanufaktur seit 1903 is the place to visit in Vienna, at Seilergasse 10. Good news – you can purchase on line too – at www.muehlbauer.at JG

Chic Sunspecs for Summer

23rd July 2013 British based Coppe+Sid have a selection of elegant sunglasses for summer destinations that are beautifully crafted, and available in subtle, stylish colours. Phuket (above) expresses the classic elements in eyewear design that are so important to the two designers – a graceful shape, fine Zeiss lenses, and the marbled effect on superior quality acetate is particularly stunning. www.coppeandsid.com

Oliviero Zanon, who admits to a passion not only for eyewear, but also acetate, designs for the Italian based Res/Rei. With Lucio, (above) two-tone acetate in black and Havana is moulded into a round shape with gentle volume and extended temples. All Res/Rei creations are handmade in Italy, with precise attention to details, fit, and of course, beauty. www.resrei.com JG

Handcrafted in Vienna by Mona Moore

19th July 2013 We love accessories at Eyestylist! Eyewear, jewellery, hats and bags are special favourites, particularly when the items are handmade and created with passion. On a visit to Vienna, I was fortunate to meet designer Mona Moore, who creates one-off jewellery – every item is completely handmade and unique. “I’ve always loved beads and jewellery,” explained Mona, when we met surrounded by the artistic atmosphere of The Vienna Opera House and The Albertina Museum, “and I wanted to do only exclusive pieces. I find items everywhere for my designs – in markets, on holiday, in shops. Once in Venice I found some amazing Murano glass, and I placed a special order for handmade glass blown beads. It took six months for them to be made; then I returned to Venice to collect them. It’s important to me that everything is one-of-a-kind.” Above: Chandelier earrings

Coral stones, crystals, mother of pearl and freshwater pearls, lava stone, frosted and iridescent beads, and wood and glass beads are used individually in designs, or beautifully, eclectically mixed together, with stunning results. Earrings, bracelets, gorgeous, swingy necklaces, and hatpins are imaginative, unusual, desirable and exciting to wear. For more information about Mona Moore’s exclusive designs, visit www.monamoore.at JG

16th July 2013 I have recently been wearing a classic style of sunglasses by Sunpocket, the company that specialises in foldable designs. The one I have is Kauai in matt black (above) but it comes in many versions, and there is even a new edition (see below) in a collaboration for concept store Colette in Paris.

The frames are made in Mauritius, and aim for a balance of quality, affordability and overall style. It’s not the first style of its type that I’ve tried (I know the Persol ones), but I’m finding it useful to carry these as my spare pair of shades. The shape of the Kauai works for everyday – it’s a bit like having a pair of jeans that you can wear with anything. And the story is quite intriguing – Sunpocket shades were originally popular with skiers and climbers in the 1970s, and they became a bit of a cult accessory, first in France, but now more widely.

The sunglasses fascinate my children because they fit into a tiny well designed transparent box – they must be quite robust or they might not have survived the constant opening up and packing away again by a six year old.

Created in the 1970s, Sunpocket was relaunched in 2011 by Swedish entrepeneur Jacob Hoglund. Stockists now include Opening Ceremony (stocked in NY and the new store in London open from July 19th), Selfridges, UK, Lane Crawford, Hong Kong and Colette, Paris. CN

www.sunpocketoriginal.com

Championship Style with Leisure Society

12th July 2013 Beautiful eyewear, gorgeous polo ponies and a winning Belgian team were among the highlights at the Dutch Open Polo event, held in the Dutch countryside at the picturesque Polo Club Vreeland. As co-sponsor of the event, Leisure Society designer Shane Baum was present to see the Belgium team win the coveted trophy, plus the luxurious, elegant sunglasses – Highgate – from the LS collection.

The stunning frame in gold and tortoiseshell with enamel detailing, features lenses protected with Diamond Cast anti-scratch coating. With these fabulous frames, the Belgium team is bound to win even more polo matches! JG

www.leisure-society.com

Photo: Belgium Polo Team with Sarah Halbeisen from Baumvision Europe