Eyestylist

Die Brillenmesse Cologne

15th March 2016

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

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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

Creative spirits

Eyewear Pioneer – Annette Hoffman

14th March 2016

With her exceptional ‘eye’ for fashion and eyewear, in nineteen seventy-five, Annette Hoffman opened her boutique in the picturesque area of Montmartre in Paris. At that time, the concept of independent eyewear labels was relatively unknown, and Mme Hoffman was one of the first to support budding designers. Forty years on, independent brands have brought innovation, beauty and amazing designs to eyewear, and Les Créateurs d’Opta continues with their presentation of international independent eyewear creators.

Caroline Abram at Createurs d'Opta 40th Anniversary celebration — Caroline Abram at Createurs d’Opta 40th Anniversary celebration

Celebrations were held recently, and the dynamic Mme Hoffman has taken a step back from the business, and Erik Sudre (both seen above) is now CEO and Opta partner. Sudre commented: “The party was very happy and full of emotion. The theo team attended, including Wim Somers; Pascal Jaulent from Face à Face; Susanne Klemm and Etienne Fredriks from Suzy Glam; and Caroline Abram among others were also with us.”

Etienne Fredriks, Susanne Klemm, Elien Weytjens, Belgium trainee at Les Créateurs d'Opta, Celia Kemedji Opta optician — Etienne Fredriks, Susanne Klemm, Elien Weytjens, Belgium trainee at Les Créateurs d’Opta, Celia Kemedji Opta optician at the anniversary celebrations

Time – and success – has certainly validated Annette Hoffman’s concept for individualist eyewear that continues to grow and flourish, and the charming boutique remains an oasis for the best in independent brands. www.opta-createurs.net JG

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Design + Inspiration

Travels to Copenhagen

11th March 2016

The 3rd edition of the Scandinavian trade event, Copenhagen Specs, organised by Morten Gammelmark, took place last weekend in the Lokomotivvaerkstedet on the outskirts of the Danish capital. A strong attendance from local and international exhibitors ensured a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of inspiration for buyers travelling to the show; we met Scandinavian opticians as well as British and Dutch optical retailers, who had made the trip to enjoy a weekend away in the design capital.

Hapter at Copenhagen Specs — Hapter from Italy, at Copenhagen Specs

Exhibiting for the first time in Denmark, Italian artisan label Hapter reported an “intense show” and a very warm welcome. The brand showed its new TXTL001 and RBBR001 designs which offer unique textured finishes exploring references to the mountains with interesting textiles and rubber materials worked into the frames. www.hapter.it

We were impressed to see US brand SALT Optics in Copenhagen, exhibiting their extensive new line, with fine metal and acetate styles featured. Jackie is one of the models in the Spring/Summer collection – the legendary eyewear shape has been given a slight makeover, resulting in a very refined and soft, feminine, rectangular lens shape. www.saltoptics.com

Sustainable brand Dick Moby from the Netherlands showed their M49 bio-acetate 100% biodegradable frames which feature CR39 lenses by Zeiss. www.dick-moby.com

Danish newcomer Falvin Eyewear was one of several Scandinavian representatives at the fair. The label is achieving rapid international recognition for its modern titanium frames, designed by jewellery designer Birgitte Falvin, and meticulously handcrafted in Japan. www.falvineyewear.com

Lindberg at Poul Stig Briller, Copenhagen — Lindberg at Poul Stig Briller, Frederiksberg, Copenhagen

The trip to Copenhagen also allowed us time to visit some of the city’s leading optical stores including the Orgreen flagship store – www.ørgreen-kbh.dk – and Optiker Poul Stig Briller in Frederiksberg and at Østergade 24 – www.poulstigbriller.dk.

For more information about Copenhagen Specs, visit www.copenhagenspecs.dk CN

Arts + travel

Silver speaks

10th March 2016

A new exhibition opened at the V&A this week entitled Silver Speaks: Idea to Object. Curated by Corinne Julius, it celebrates the exceptional level of creativity and skill in British silversmithing. Presenting new works by 18 members of the Contemporary British Silversmiths (CBS), the objective is to offer visitors a snapshot of the craft in Britain today encompassing designs which show a variety of techniques and applications, from the traditional to the cutting edge. Above: Two Bowls – Hand raised and fabricated in Sterling Silver by Juliette Bigley – “Two bowls represents two contrasting interpretations of the archetypal bowl form playing particularly with ideas of inside and outside and the space that lies between these two opposites.”

Silver Speaks: Idea to Object takes place until 31st January 2017, in the Silver Galleries, V&A, London. Silver Speaks: Idea to Object is part of an 11-month programme of events organised by CBS. Further information at www.contemporarybritishsilversmiths.org/ and www.vam.ac.uk CN

Reviews

Blue Noon by Lunettes Kollektion

9th March 2016

Spotted at the Milan show: a favourite style at Berlin’s Lunettes Kollektion – Tabula Rasa – which comes in a new capsule collection focusing on engraved temples and etched lenses. Unique and mysterious, the decorative effects add a splash of street energy to a classic style, fitted with charming pale tinted lenses, on point but not over flashy. Subtle yet visible to the onlooker, the lens engravings are based on signs, arrows and geometries influenced by the architectural shapes of Marrakesh, and appear on all colour choices, from a warm pale yellow through to a copper effect mirror. Lunettes Kollektion is a small Berlin based label, known for its high-profile designer collaborations, that has allowed it to achieve a strong following in fashion circles in Germany and further afield. www.lunettes-kollektion.com CN

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