Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 24th March 2017

Mondelliani flagship, Rome

Mondelliani glasses, selected independent brands (Hoet and Theo) and bijoux accessories. The curated collections by the Mondello family have a new design home in Via dei Prefetti, an historic street with an abundance of chic stores located in the Campo Marzio neighbourhood.

The minimal interior, balancing bright colour and elegant white displays was designed by Claudia Campone of Studio THiRTYONE in Rome. An area for eye tesing has also been included as part of the project – allowing the team to offer state-of-the-art eycare as well as beautiful accessories.

Accessory display, Mondelliani shop

Following the opening in December 2016, Rosaria Mondello commented: “Eyewear is the accessory that speaks about who we are, more than any other. If you wear black and choose a red frame, for me, you are all about “red”. If you wear a “statement” frame, such as a heavy rimmed black design, you need to be able to carry it off, with grit and a strong character, otherwise you will look like a member of the Beagle Boys. What gives us great satisfaction is finding the right frame for each person: this requires sensitivity, taste and attention to detail”.

Via dei Prefetti 11, Rome. Other stores are located in via del Bergamaschi and via dell’Oca, Rome. www.mondelliani.it CN

| Eyestylist 23rd March 2017

Die Brillenmesse Köln – input and new collections

May launches with a merry start as the Die Brillenmesse independent eyewear show takes place in Cologne. The Rhine City event is held in the spacious surroundings of Dock One, and features independent eyewear designer flair. Nathanaël Wenger Co-director of the show (above with co-director Steffen Keil) gives an exclusive interview to Eyestylist about the forthcoming show.

Elizabeth von Guttman – founder of System Magazine – wears elegant rimless from The Collection Götti Perspective

Could you please share with us the development of Die Brillenmesse Köln? “We are on track with Cologne with around 30 exhibitors so far, and quite a few more in the pipeline. With the business uncertainty, some smaller companies are reducing their marketing costs this year. Cologne is still new and we think and believe that Cologne is a perfect place for our show.”

Who are some of the exhibitors in Köln this year? “There is interesting brand variety that includes Adrian Marwitz; Andy Wolf; Götti Switzerland; Anne et Valentin; Baars Eyewear; Blackfin; Coblens; Götti Switzerland; Lunor; Orgreen Optics; Joel Lesca Optique; Kerl; Miamai; Masunaga, Markus T.; Martin & Martin; Robert la Roche and TD Tom Davis Ltd. to mention just a few.”

Universus 3 in Loving Grey by Adrian Marwitz

Die Brillenmesse is a great supporter of independent labels. Nowadays, as eyewear is evolving rapidly for both the industry and the consumer, what challenges do independent creators face? “First there is a great uncertainty in the market due to the global crisis (Trump, Turkey, Brexit etc.), the future of online, clients changing behaviour (higher demands, price sensitiveness, information level…) and big pressures on Retail in general. So it is not easy to find a clear direction in these turbulences. We try to give some direction by supporting independent labels, design and innovation, but also Newcomers. Nowadays, it is even more important to find new ways of doing business and being different from the mass-market. This is our mission, and we can see that it works with many independent opticians in Switzerland. I think it is important that opticians focus on their strengths – which is personal contact, artisanship, good advice, innovation and high-end quality.”

MIAMAI sunglasses in Ocean

Please tell us about the Think Tank sessions that are part of the Die Brillenmesse Programme.“The response to the Think Tank sessions was positive and we will feature similar subjects as in Stuttgart. This will include how to reach new clients, digital change, and technical innovations. Again, the aim is to give the independent opticians some input and inspiration on how they can keep direction in a rough sea. We are also delighted that two Vintage collectors – Christian Metzler and Alexander Dosiehn will show their Vintage Collections in Köln with amazing beauties!”

Orgreen’s Chromatic Ecstatic Collection will be featured at Die Brillenmesse Köln

Mark you calendars now! Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th May at Dock One in Cologne for Die Brillenmesse Köln 2017. Further info at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

 

 

| Eyestylist 17th March 2017

Multiple choices: Opticals with flair

Prescription frame wearers can anticipate stylish selections with the new optical collections. Whether you are an avid fan of the cat-eye shape; round in all sizes; rectangular; square or aviator; choices abound in traditional and unconventional materials, plus fabulous colours and alluring neutrals. Anna-Karin Karlsson embraces optical designs with romantic charisma. Le Papillon (above) is gracefully feminine: 24caret gold plated, with elegant butterfly accents. Explore more of the Swedish creator’s luxurious designs at www.annakarinkarlsson.com

Lance by SALT. Optics

The latest collection from SALT. Optics includes timeless designs in beautiful nature-inspired colourations. Slim styling in Lance features a new colour for the California brand – Dried Herb. Discover more of the SALT. eyewear universe at www.saltoptics.com

Dixon from The Signature Collection by Fleye Copenhagen

Fleye Copenhagen has introduced their stunning new Signature Collection – beautifully crafted silhouettes with form and texture. The frames mix cool metals with warm natural materials – as in Dixon – and the results are designs with unique character and style. www.fleye.dk

Weber by l.a. Eyeworks

Green is a predominant tone in collections – with colour sensitivity that is a pleasure for the complexion. Weber in Kiwi Shimmer on Gunmetal Satin – acetate overlay on stainless steel – is a chic frame by l.a.Eyeworks. Superbly crafted in Italy, the shape is flattering for both men and women. www.laeyeworks.com

Ron by Vue dc

Red in a variety of jubilant, joyous tones is trend-setting this season. Ron by Chris Mascré and Yolande de Clercq at Vue dc in lustrous acetate combines retro panache with modern, artisan techniques. www.vuedc.fr JG

 

 

| Eyestylist 16th March 2017

The Mimetic Collection by L.G.R

World War II history has a role in the latest L.G.R frames – The Mimetic Collection – by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. Luca discovered material in his grandfather’s old warehouse that was used in uniforms worn by Italian soldiers during the war. Inspired by the original fabric, Luca then found an artisan workshop in Italy that could reproduce the material in 100% cotton, using a stone wash technique for a distinctive effect. The Mimetic Collection features the material used as flaps (above) or wrapped around the frames on the acetate and metal version. Explore the L.G.R eyewear universe at www.lgrworld.com JG

| Eyestylist 13th March 2017

Design curiosities

Eyewear experiences continue to expand beyond the everyday. Innovative brands take new risks with clever techniques to bring new technological scope to new collections. 3D printed frames are a fast expanding eyewear choice, increasing the opportunity in personalisation as well as comfort and practicality. The Danish label MONOQOOL shows fast-paced innovation in this arena, with the launch of super thin frame structures in its new Slider Series. The frames, which weigh just 4 grams, have an ultra thin front design combined with cool horizontal temples and a clever hinge system. www.monoqool.com

Siens Eye Code: Eye Code 16 in shiny silver

Siens Eye Code from Milan presented their first Creatures collection in 2016 with a concept that boasts three patents for hinge, lens assembly and packaging “integrated to the glasses”. The idea is to unite art and technology, vision and science, to blend each element in one high-tech product produced using traditional expertise in the Veneto. The brand has exciting new entries coming for Autumn 2017 that we have been able to preview ahead of the Autumn fairs. More details at www.sienseyecode.com

Uranus by Bob Sdrunk

Italian lifestyle brand Bob Sdrunk is creating a buzz with its 100% made in Italy designs from a team of expert opticians – attentive to design, modern quality and the all important fit. The round model Uranus is typical of the unconventional shapes in the collection. The very narrow metal construction of the style (pictured in gold) with cross bar balanced over the classic round shape brings a chic contemporary look that is immediately appealing. www.bobsdrunk.com CN