For our June edition, we explore the intriguing aspects of global eyewear materials. Clodagh and I are always fascinated at how science and technology enhance the realisation of luxurious and unique eyewear. Remember to check out Boutiques for savvy eyewear shopping, and Design and Inspiration provides market and trend updates. Throughout the month, we’ll also bring you current events in City Guides. Welcome to new discoveries – and June Eyestylist! JG
28th June Today I have Gold and Wood’s sunglass model Galaxy 2 in my hand, and it’s really quite something. I have seen nearly all the wood eyewear collections this year and each one is unique. This particular style from the luxury brand Gold & Wood is lightweight, and very sophisticated, produced in ebony with an incredible geometric 3D decoration in amourette wood – this detail reminds me of a medieval bas-relief, except the style of the patterning is timeless. It’s certainly a classic sunglass design and the use of wood will have great appeal to connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship and minute attention to detail. CN
21st June 2011 The onset of summer reminds me of this wonderful French chateau I stayed in this time last year. And I can’t resist featuring it here, and am hopeful I will soon get a chance to go back. It is just off the motorway which many travellers use to go from Normandy to South West France…and it’s everything you might want from a luxury stopover with a very intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you turned up at a friend’s house – although it’s a very large rambling place with stunning furnishings, a mix of French country house, bohemian elegance with some lovely eccentric touches.
We arrived as a family after 6 hours driving on the motorway; my boys went straight for the pool and enjoyed their early supper in the garden. They were particularly intrigued by their wood panelled room – adjacent to our room, the Chambre des Canards and the very ancient bathroom (with modern fittings of course). This place should be kept a secret, it’s the perfect chateau for unwinding, and the unpretentious hosts make you feel extremely welcome. I have stayed in many other chambres d’hotes and chateaux in France and this is the very best I can recommend. There is very little doubt that you could feel anything but delighted to visit this wonderful hotel and well-loved family home! www.chateau-saintpaterne.com CN
17th June 2011 Elegance, beauty and refinement have been the hallmark of stunning Trussardi accessories for 100 years. The Italian company’s eyewear collection in beautiful materials and superb colours is lovingly crafted, and there is a great selection of styles. This design I particularly like, with its voluminous shape that shields the eyes from the sun’s penetrating rays on summer days. Matte acetate comfortably caresses the eye area, and the frame is a pleasure to wear. Three desirable colour choices – the rich purple featured above, a soft “demi” brown, and a strong havana. Tru Trussardi frames are available at Piccadilly Opticians, 13 Piccadilly Arcade, New Street in Birmingham. Further info at www.trussardi.com JG
15th June 2011 If eyewear and fashion are passions, make immediate space on your shelves for this excellent book. Dominique Cuvillier is a trend consultant, writer, and collector of eyewear. This well-researched book, with a preface by Alain Mikli, and richly illustrated with superb photos, traces the history of eyewear from its origins in the 14th Century to the present. Grand names – past and present – vividly reveal the evolution of eyewear and its status as a style statement. Le Grand Livre Des Lunettes is a grand celebration of eyewear. Published by E/P/A Hachette Livre – éditions du Chêne www.editionsduchene.fr JG