Eyestylist

OPTI-Munich keynote: Eyewear variations

24th January 2017

Variety’s the very spice of life. That gives it all its flavour William Cowper

The English poet chronicled 18th Century daily life in the countryside, with all its magnificent diversifications. Three centuries later, variety is the mainstream of living and culture. Eyewear enthusiasts can partake in a medley of amazing optic alternatives this weekend (28-30 January) at OPTI-Munich. International designers and labels will present their latest collections in optical designs and sunglasses. Featured here is a selection of the imaginative and inspiring eyewear that will be on display. Monoqool from Denmark (Koncert above) will debut their new SLIDER series with 3D printing. www.monoqool.com

Lovingly handcrafted designs by Christian Mascré for Vue dc feature sleek silhouettes in acetate. www.vuedc.fr

Artist Beni Bischof wear AMOS from Götti DIMENSION

Götti Dimension highlights superbly elegant 3D printed frames, and sporty models with the patented “spin & stow” temples. www.gotti.ch

Suzy Glam Smokes Cigars by Susanne Klemm

Suzy Glam Smokes Cigars in the colour Pipe is a new men’s design that radiates luxurious detailing and finish. www.suzyglam.com

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Shasta shines with vivacious shaping and dynamic colourations in an optical design by l.a. Eyeworks. www.laeworks.com

Jérémy Tarian presents his collaborative design in association with his workshop at HEAD Géneve (Geneva University of Art and Design Switzerland). Eva Gaumé’s winning design is now part of the Tarian + Collection. www.jeremytarian.com

Lillum from the KOALI Collection Morel France

Nature’s beauty and bounty inspired the streamlined designs in the Koali collection by Morel France. www.morel-france.com

Cinque from Soupcan Acetate Collection by TAVAT

The new collection by Tavat – “Soupcan Acetate” – includes supremely light designs with striking colourations. www.tavat-eyewear.com

Come explore these innovative brands – both established and new – and discover and experience the many exciting aspects of eyewear at OPTI-Munich this weekend. www.opti.de JG

Creative spirits

Silvana Stefanovic-Riley @embellish_or_perish

23rd January 2017

Silvana Stefanovic-Riley @embellish_or_perish talks to Eyestylist about glasses, Advanced Style, and a lifelong passion for fashion…

“I started wearing eyeglasses to correct short-sightedness in high school,” says Silvana when we start to look into her first experiences of eyewear. “In those days I saw this as an impediment and I only wore glasses when I absolutely had to.” It’s a common reaction, yet, after a while, like many, she found a new direction in her glasses.

“Over time I relaxed into wearing my prescription sunglasses and started to appreciate them as an accessory that can enhance the look rather than detract from it. As for sunglasses, having lived in Australia for over 40 years, this harsh sunlight requires good sun protection for eyes.”

Photo credit (above): Lauren Farley of @doculifephotography

Photo credit: Lauren Farley of @doculifephotography — Photo credit: Lauren Farley of *@doculifephotography*

Explaining her favourite styles, Silvana is inspired by design and individuality: “I love colour and accessories. This makes it easy to find glasses to suit each outfit, mood and occasion. Each year, I buy two pairs of prescription glasses or sunglasses to add to my collection. I have recently purchased this year’s glasses. I have sent one of these frames to Brazil to be hand painted by the talented Erida Schaefer of La Frida Eyewear.”

Sunglasses in particular provide an opportunity for some fun and self-expression. With a sizable collection Silvana says she is always on the lookout for new and different sunglasses to add to the stash. “On occasion. sunnies also provide a much needed confidence boost by covering up the effects of the odd sleepless night. I often take selfies in the same outfit but change the sunglasses and the difference that sunglasses make to the overall aesthetic is incredible, she says.

LaFrida handpainted Eyewear by Erida Schaefer - Brazil — LaFrida handpainted Eyewear by Erida Schaefer – Brazil

Advanced Style
“I had followed Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style Blog and IG for a number of years as a ‘passive’ observer,” explains Silvana when we ask about her pictures in Advanced Style. “I do not recall how I initially came across Advanced Style in the first place, however there was a recurring theme of older women using personal style as a form of self-expression. These women radiate vitality, zest for life and creativity that defies the societal expectations of older people. Older people in general, and especially older women with grey hair, are not seen as being at the forefront of social change. Yet the Advanced Style movement initiated by Ari Seth Cohen is now a worldwide phenomenon.”

Through Ari’s Blog and Instagram, Silvana got to ‘know’ many other Advanced Stylistas, and learnt what gives them the life’s energy to continue to be active, creative and self-expressive older women. “I always thought that I would eventually become somehow involved with the spirit of this sentiment”, she explained. “However full-time work and other family commitments alway took precedent. Despite this, my interest in the Advanced style phenomenon continued. I admired the first Advanced Style Book, then the Documentary movie and eventually the second book – Advanced Style Older and Wiser.” (more…)

Design + Inspiration

Instant refresh: VON-IKKE accessories

20th January 2017

Handmade eyewear chains add an extra enhancement to specialist frames, and new labels are popping up with innovative ideas balancing practicality and eye-catching design. VON-IKKE eyewear cords are handmade in Mainz, Germany by Elisa Biscotti and Mario von Wantoch-Rekowski. Discreet quality details such as nickel-free eyelets and loops coordinate with the colours of the cords, and all the designs are made in Germany in their entirety.

Colours include bold brights such as orange, violet or coral, and multicoloured versions of which our favourites are the two-tone blue with multicoloured patterning entwined in the cord.

Having caught on quickly with opticians in Germany in the year since they created the start-up, the label is also producing a new Hangar necklace, which acts both as a frame chain and elegant piece of wearable art. Stockists include Vogel Optik in St Moritz (www.vogel-optik.ch) and Coblens Augenoptik (www.coblens-augenoptik.de) and For more information about VON-IKKE chains and their unique Hangar necklace, visit http://vonikke.de/ CN – Photography by Elisa Biscotti – www.elisabiscotti.de

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear Explorations at 100% Optical London

17th January 2017

Eyewear fashion and flair await visitors at 100% Optical on February 4-6 at Excel in London. The spacious venue is an ideal setting for premier eyewear brands to showcase their latest collections. The impressive line up of quality, visionary-thinking eyewear companies includes Götti Switzerland who will present their Ultrasmart and Minimalist concept. The new campaign was photographed in the National Museum Zurich, an architectural landmark built in 1889. The designs are worn by five different protagonists who love entities that are simple – yet beautiful. The frames designed by Sven Götti express an eyewear landmark as well; with designs that are beautifully constructed; extremely lightweight, plus they exude aesthetic value and technical perfection. Julie Richoz, porcelain and glass designer, wears ADAN (above) elegantly streamlined in pure Titanium. www.gotti.ch

The iconic round frame enjoys a chic revival, and Luca Gnecchi Ruscone creates a modern interpretation with George – the ultimate round frame. L.G.R designs are entirely handcrafted by artisans in Italy. George is sleekly silhouetted in cellulose acetate, and available in black matt with grey lenses (above), and three different shades of Havana Tortoiseshell. Explore more superb L.G.R eyewear creations at www.lgrworld.com

Beautiful colourations are a hallmark of Kirk and Kirk designs from England. The acrylic frames – totally handmade in France – are radiantly luminous, and include Carey (above) shown in Emerald. With a strong signature shape, Carey is also available in gorgeous tones of Ocean, Aqua, Coral and Sunset, among others. Discover more about Jason and Karen Kirk’s unique designs and fabulous colours at www.kirkandkirk.com

Blackfin has launched a beautiful new frame for women – Doran – with clean-cut square lines. The ample contour features a subtle cat-eye, and Blackfin’s patented Swordfish temple tips. A three-dimensional finish brings additional flourish to the design. Excellence is assured with the frames crafted in Italy by master craftsmen, seasoned with passion and an enriched heritage. www.blackfin.eu JG

Boutiques

Lafont Boutique rue Vignon Paris

16th January 2017

Over ninety years ago, a chic little optical boutique opened in the Madeleine area of Paris. The distinctive location on rue Vignon is close to the famed Madeleine Church, and a short stroll from Concorde. If boutiques could talk, what a fascinating tale the Lafont shop could reveal! The building was constructed in the early 19th Century, and has survived global depression, a World War, and numerous changes in selling eyewear. The boutique strides confidently towards its centenary, rich in history – complimented and enhanced by modern times and trends.

Cosy, calm, and elegant atmosphere at rue Vignon Lafont Boutique

Louis Lafont opened the boutique in 1923, and a guided tour by Matthieu Lafont – the third generation to be working in the business – provided a fascinating insight into the family legacy. Frames from the archives are on display in custom-crafted cabinets, so the shop is a delightful mixture of Lafont history, and the current collections.

Tools of the eyewear trade at L’Atelier Lafont

In this cosy, elegant atmosphere, clients are able to choose from the vast range of Lafont frames – optical and sunglasses – for men, women and children. In addition, Lafont has opened their first Atelier, tucked behind this architectural gem. The original stalls where horses were once kept provide further flashback into the rich Lafont heritage. In the Atelier, clients can creat a pair of one-of-a-kind frames with numerous possibilities for shapes, colours and materials. Certain materials are exclusive to L’Atelier Lafont, including buffalo horn. Pedigree, experience, and artisan craftsmanship are expressions of refinement and authentic luxury available at the L’Atelier Lafont.

History and contemporary trends unite at Lafont Boutique on rue Vignon Paris Vingnon

If a visit to Paris is on your agenda, a positive and rewarding experience is definitely a visit to the Lafont Boutique and L’Atelier Lafont — 11 rue Vignon 75008 Paris.www.lafont.fr JG

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