The stunning beauty of Australian Botanical plants and flowers is the theme for the lovely new Limited Edition collection by Jono Hennessy. Flattering angularly sculpted shapes and expressive colours in acetate and metal influence the frames, as seen in style 8381 (above) in lush Lechenaultia Blue. Other gorgeous colours include Sturt Desert Pea and Outback Ochre. For more details on this special collection visit www.jonohennessy.com JG
Hans Schneider and his daughter Sina gave us a warm welcome in Munich, on a cold snowy evening during the annual eyewear event Opti. Their family-run store, located close to the universities and prestigious art galleries opened at this very same address in October 1970, and, as Hans and his daughter explained, the whole interior, as it was then, has been preserved. “We have only needed to renovate the floor,” explained Sina. “My father had the interior furnished by an “optical” furniture specialist from Hanover (a rarity at that time!), according to his own taste and design brief.”
During the first two years’ of business, Scheider recalled that he sold Zeiss lenses, opera glasses and Rodenstock lenses and spectacles. It wasn’t until 1972 that he added some of the up-and-coming Italian eyewear labels; and as things began to change and the choice in collections grew, Schneider took a selection of fine eyewear designs including the German labels Cazal and Jil Sander – at that time sold directly by the design house itself – and, by the early 80s, Alain Mikli from France.
“Today, with the vast number of collections available, we are still seeking out the innovators and designers that show excellence, quality and detailing. We have selected items that my father and I both identify as individual and of good quality…we are working with brands like Lindberg, Oliver Peoples, PQ and Eyevan from Japan,” says Sina. “I love some of the more underground styles by Activist in Brooklyn. My father has an incredible appreciation of all things that are well made, using traditional techniques, but he is also known for recommending the very individual frames produced with a modern, more daring aesthetic. He has a real eye for which frame will suit a customer, young or old, and true expertise when it comes to finding something different. He’s inspirational.”
Brillen Schneider, Amalienstr. 33/32, 80799 Munich, Germany www.brillen-schneider.de CN
From Japan, a new design piece called the Glasses Place by M. Scoop (above) caught our eye at Maison & Objet Paris www.maison-objet.com – earlier this Spring. Made from natural wood such as maple or cherry, with a sophisticated artisan finish, the design – which has a sturdy base and gently tapered top over which the spectacles are placed, makes an ideal match for high-quality spectacles that deserve to be well looked after. A second product, 70G, with a square shape and smooth lining, has also just been released by the company, produced in a similar choice of natural wood finishes.
M.Scoop creates a range of specialised storage products for small items and accessories such as glasses, mobile phones, pens and watches, making it easier to look after precious things safely at home, and to remember where they are! Find our more at www.mscoop.jp CN
Iris Apfel – at the amazing age of ninety-four, is clearly a style icon with international influence and respect – a feat few women can claim. The New York resident – whose trademark is voluminous eyewear and extravagant attire – has dazzled the fashion establishment with Iris in Paris at Le Bon Marché – the ultra chic “grand magasin” on the Left Bank. The fashion muse (pictured above with Selima) is portrayed in videos; an in-store exhibition inspired by her fashion exuberance; and fabulous, stylistic window scenes created by illustrator Eric Giriat.
The illustrations show Iris dressed in her inimitable, uniquely individualistic style attending the opera; on a bateau mouche; visiting a park; and enjoying a café. The fashion legend is also known for her quotes – that flow with words of wisdom from this nonagenarian – and include: “Fashion you can buy, but style you possess;” and “having fun is the best revenge.”
For the Iris celebration, Selima Optique has created oversized sunglasses – the Iris signature – for Le Bon Marché, in collaboration with Iris Apfel. Iris in Paris continues at Le Bon Marché through 16 April. www.selimaoptique.com www.lebonmarche.com JG
Passionate eyewear advocates Nathanaël Wenger and Dirk Geissmann host the second edition of Die Brillenmesse in the Rhine city on the 23rd-24th April. Approximately seventy international independent brands will showcase their collections at Dock One – an historical location built in 1851 with surroundings that offer classic industrial architecture.
Participants include Danish label Orgreen, who will present their finely crafted optical and sunglass collections, and British brand Claire Goldsmith, with innovative optical designs for men and women. In the stunning photo above – from the Hall of Frames 2016 campaign – the male model wears Claire Goldsmith Burton, and the woman Sommelier by Orgreen. www.clairegoldsmith.com www.orgreenoptics.com
Dashing Italian style include frames by L.G.R from Rome. The latest collection by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone features Mauritania, a chic panto design in bold tortoiseshell acetate. www.lgrworld.com
Loving Strangers is the theme for the refined Titanium collection by Adrian Marwitz. Lover 7 in loving bordeaux is gracefully sculpted in a modern classic silhouette. www.adrianmarwitz.com
Blue and its many variations is a favourite eyewear colour. Lafont Paris has released a new design – Tradition – in subtle blue tortoise acetate, with fine detailing and a special-fit nosepiece – distinctive and comfortable to wear. www.lafont.com
Die Brillenmesse Köln is a wonderful opportunity to visit and leisurely experience and enjoy independent labels with beautifully crafted eyewear. Mark you calendars now! 23rd and 24th April at Dock One in Cologne. More information at www.diebrillenmesse.de JG