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Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses

A Collector’s Dream in Amsterdam

16th August 2011 Amsterdam abounds with majestic museums – Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh, Hermitage Amsterdam – just to mention a few. The newest addition to this gilded list is “art” of a different kind – a stunning bag museum. The Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses opened in 2007, in a magnificent canal house on the Herengracht.  The exclusive, unique collection of 4000 bags is a fascinating testimony to social history, and how styles in fashion and art have influenced bags throughout the centuries.  Finding the bags has been a passion for Hendrikje Ivo, antique dealer and collector, who discovered her first bag in England over thirty-five years ago.  What started as her personal fascination has become an iconic museum in a luxurious canal house, that was once a private home.  From the 16th century through to the fashionista labels of Chanel to Prada, Hermès and Judith Leiber,(her cupcake bag shown above) the bags will enchant, amuse and delight.  I’ve visited several times, and always find new discoveries.  The Tassen Museum is “it” for bag lovers! JG www.museumofbagsandpurses.com

Eyewear Enthusiasts

Anne-Solène Guerin, Marketing Executive, Paris, France

21st August, 2011 “My fashion style is classical, yet not boring.  So I like to find clothes that have extra special details, or sometimes – in bright colours. Quality and good cuts are very important.  For example, if I’m looking for a raincoat, it’s usually Burberry, and I like designs by Catherine Andre.  I also like Renouard (www.maroquinerie-renouard.com) from Brittany.  With glasses too, I like something different.  I have a small face, and the trend right now is for big frames, but large shapes make me look like a fly! It was a problem to find small sunglasses, but when I tried on Lafont, it was – OK – that’s it! I didn’t know the brand before, and I really like the small shape. I love to sail and on the water wear Vaurnet (Anne-Solène in Vaurnet, shown above) with polarized lenses. The shape is great as it protects the eye area, and they are really designed for sport – they don’t move and fit well.” JG

Colour trends: jewel tones

4th August 2011 Jewel colours are to make an impression in fashion this coming season, with deep ruby, amethyst, emerald and sapphire vying for attention among the shades of garnet and cytrine. If you have a peak at the catwalk shows by Nicole Farhi (http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2011/ready-to-wear/nicole-farhi) or Italian designer Alberta Ferretti (http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2011/ready-to-wear/alberta-ferretti/catwalk-report) these shades will instantly come to life for you.

We have asked a few eyewear designers to preview their interpretation of these colours. Claire Goldsmith’s scarlet version of Campbell and model Corban from the CG Legacy collection (above and below) are beautifully in tune with these glamorous tones…sometimes in mono but also present to punctuate more sombre tones and classic black. CN

Corban by Claire Goldsmith, in cassis
Watson by Claire Goldsmith, pictured in indigo

 

 

Fluffer

Chrome Hearts

I confess to a passion for voluminous frame shapes, so Fluffer is definitely a design with great appeal – I loved it the moment I saw it. The details are intricate – it’s a classic retro shape, with a 3-dimensional titanium punch-out frame front.  The “floating” lenses are securely held in place with nylon wire.  Leather simulated enamel inlays accent the top portion of the frame front above each lens.  A sterling silver barrel with the Chrome Hearts “plus” motif marks the point where the temples make the transition to Tegu leather – the hide from a Tegu lizard. The end-tips feature the Chrome Hearts motif in sterling silver.  Fluffer possesses distinguished characteristics. For further details, visit www.chromehearts.com JG

No. 1 Heather

Mykita

I have just had this Mykita frame fitted with my prescription by my local independent optician, Wilson, Wilson & Hancock in Tenterden. I have picked out this frame for practical reasons. I like the most high-tech metal frame designs for their comfort and lightness and this ticks those boxes. While I am more used to wearing titanium (also very light and comfortable), this line is created from 0.5mm thick stainless steel sheets, and it is very light. It is also  interesting for its functional snap-hinge, the clever design of which means there are no soldered joints or screws used in this style. As far as design goes, Mykita No 1 offers frames for all wearers…you can choose a classic one or a very trendy look. The Heather is a good compromise for me in this area, I see it as an every day frame – not too much of a statement, but there is a vintage feel which makes it a bit special. It is easy for work, everyday wear and subtle enough to be worn with any outfit. I am wearing the Heather in blackberry; the gold is also striking. CN