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Martha

Isson

I am pleased to introduce the Australian brand Isson on Eyestylist.com for the first time. Launching in Paris this month, their latest collection is inspired by Bauhaus, a movement which encouraged a radical experimentation in architecture and the applied arts. Model Martha is a memorable shape, and typical of the line, which uses vintage Italian and Japanese acetates, in pearlescent light reflecting finishes including tortoiseshell (pictured), fleckle and rocks, and layered acetates which house silk threads and metal shavings. Each model is named after key Bauhaus founders/designers such as Walter, Hermann, Martha and Gertrud. Model Martha is a unisex style, with an unusual shape, distinctive metal insert at the front, and thick temple. Isson’s designer Catherine Federici says, “Each piece requires its own set of rules. Who would wear it? Where would they wear it? How would it make them feel? By trying to tap into the psychology of the wearer, subtle design features such as shaping are being used to characterise each frame through its features. Be it a wide temple, temple tip design, or an angled front.” CN

www.isson.com.au

The Zolman

Moscot Eyewear

The New York Yankees, The Big Apple, The Empire State – both nicknames – and Frank Sinatra belting I Love New York are iconic symbols of the American city. To that list can be added Moscot Eyewear, the Manhattan based company that has been producing its own frame icons for over a century. The Zolman (above) in flesh acetate is from the new collection, featuring the key attribute for the autumn season – the burgeoning trend for perfectly round shapes. Traditional values and craftsmanship are reflected in every frame. This cool and classic design has no exposed hardware, and a three-barrel hinge.  Moscot Eyewear is available throughout Europe.  Visit www.moscot.com for stock lists. JG

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Anthony Meima

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Meima and see his eyewear collection in his charming Parisian atelier. Meima is a master in working with acetate – his frames feature shapes that embody classic elegance, refinement and flow. I particularly like this style, with his signature acetate thickness at the temples, which gives depth and richness to the design, and the linear colour contrast on the frame front. Hand-made in France, the frames are beautifully crafted, and possess a definite “feel good” factor on the face. JG www.meima.fr

Elma

The Black Edition, Götti Switzerland

We are fortunate to have a peek preview in advance of the new collection designed by Sven Götti – The Black Edition.  There are four distinctive models – all in black – featuring the latest high tech assets and precision details. To ensure this reed-thin titanium frame retains its luscious black finish, a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process is used.  And everything on the frame is Black – front, pads, earpieces, even the miniscule screws are black.   Just a sliver of a silver hinge provides subtle contrast.  Black is seductive, sensuous, secretive and elegant – Götti captures all these qualities with The Black Edition. JG www.gotti.ch

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