Eyestylist

Contemporary shapes, appealing colours, materials with beauty and safety features keynote new designs for youngsters. Frames for children require precise construction in order to comfortably fit little faces, as well as be fashionable – important for today’s super-aware young set. British brand Zoobug has launched exciting, colourful new optical styles. ZB1020 in Navy (above) is rubber flex and the shape is ultra-flattering for young girls. The frame is also available in pretty pastels of Pink and Mint. Zoobug photo by Wanda Kujacz www.zoobug.com

Very grown up and sophisticated is LINDBERG’S titanium frame for children, which is hypoallergenic, lightweight, flexible and strong. Delicate cat-eye shaping in Julija (above) brings contemporary glamour to children’s eyewear. www.lindberg.com

Tortoiseshell is a favourite adult frame colour – and for children as well. Lafont Paris – with their speciality range of children’s frames – includes TAC (above) a smart tortoiseshell acetate design with contrasting sides in apple green. Detailed attention to fit is one of the many advantages of the frames. www.lafont.com

Brilliant blue acetate is a striking colour for Ghent (above) from the lovely collection of kid’s frames by Red Kids Eyewear. The Netherlands brand has created a new hinge system that is easy to replace if youngsters are too rambunctious in the playground! Visit www.redoptical.com for more designs.

For children and young teenagers, OMAN (above) by JF Rey is equipped with the Just Adjust Concept – exclusive to the French company. The colourful round shape in glossy acetate is innovative, stylish, and looks super on young faces. www.jfrey.fr JG

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