Eyestylist

Eyestylist continues the Eyewear Canine Companion series and today we meet Ruby – “the best employee at Niloca” says owner and Niloca designer Colin Redmond in Australia.

Have you had Ruby since she was a puppy? “Ruby was actually born on St. Valentine’s day in 2009, and we picked her up as a puppy from the breeders on Easter weekend. She is an Airedale Terrier and our best employee.”

Can you please describe Ruby’s daily routine? “Ruby has her own fan base in our new location, which features a floor to ceiling glass frontage: this is where she bases herself on a restored 1930’s Art Deco arm chair. People walk by and can’t help but smile. During winter, she stays the entire day – only raising her head for pats from people walking in – and bringing treats I might add! The only other time she gets out of the chair is when a supplier visits and brings a tray of macaroons  – then it’s game on! Ruby’s main task might be a little surprising, as she is actually a very good judge of character. At day’s end we walk home together, sometimes stopping at the grocery store – where she gets more pats. The only time she’s not walking is during wet weather – her feet are made of sugar!”

What are some of Ruby’s special characteristics? “She has a snorting latex pig that she loves playing with – the snorter died in 30 seconds, but the pig remains. We found it in Paris years ago and she loves it. Now every overseas trip I have to buy a latex pig. One year I ran out of time, and she wouldn’t come for pats for a whole week. Luckily now I can buy the pigs at the local pet store if I ever forget. Sometimes if Ruby has been up all night chasing possums, she will be tired, and sleep solidly through the day.”

Has walking with your dog ever triggered a design idea? “I named a frame after her and it turned out to be the biggest selling frame I’ve designed. However, she did inspire a frame four years ago, and it will be presented at MIDO. Ruby and I were on the beach and what triggered the idea was a new yacht. The combination of materials were beautifully combined and technically advanced. The idea produced sketches that could not be produced until now, and the end result is pretty amazing. It will be another ‘eyewear first’ for our young design company.”

Does Ruby travel with you? “Ruby has travelled once to our outback workshop in Dubbo – a rural farming town and she loved it. Apart from that, Ruby whimpers when I start packing the bags for overseas – I don’t think she’d enjoy 24+ hour journeys. One time, I found Ruby sitting in my suitcase, looking up at me with big puppy eyes. The other place I take her is in the car to our country retreat. It’s a great place for me to refine designs and be inspired by nature’s offerings.”

Please tell us about Ruby’s watercolour portrait (to be unveiled in Milan) – is an animal portrait artist doing this? “Haha – it’s me! I was taught watercolours, which are a great medium that I don’t get enough time to indulge in. ”

Anything else you would like to add about your canine companion? “Without her there is no Niloca Eyewear. Ruby is part of the family, she is so much a part of our passion for life and love for what we do. Everyone that sees her smiles – she is the essence of good with a sense of humour to match, when you need it. A very instinctive and caring companion.” www.niloca.com JG

This weekend’s London optics fair at Excel saw several international launches and a growing attendance of international visitors, designers and fashion brands. Silhouette from Austria chose the show for the UK launch of Neubau Eyewear, their new youthful design-oriented brand dedicated to a modern urban audience and inspired by a young artistic neighbourhood in Vienna.

Drawing on Silhouette’s rich history and high quality Austrian manufacturing, the optical collection includes 12 models in six colours with full rim metals – highlights were shiny finishes in copper and bright gold – and multicoloured SPX shapes (available June 2016). A sunglasses collection, inspired by Silhouette’s historic eyewear archive and previewed at 100% will launch later in the year. www.neubau-eyewear.com

Further highlights included an increase in small independent labels in attendance at the show.  Henau from Belgium showed creative acetate sunglasses and opticals. Their unconventional trendsetting shapes show a commitment to variety, detail and original colours, recurring themes across the stands at 100%. Henau model M 2101 represents a modern pentagon shape with a bridge designed for an easy, comfortable fit. A new website launched last week at www.henau-eyewear.com/en

Model Hooper by Salt Optics was one of the ophthalmic styles selected for the 100% catwalk this weekend. The eloquent combination front has a tiny double rivet on both sides, perfectly in tune with the elegant lines and very narrow temples. www.saltoptics.com

British brands were out in full force at 100%; London’s iconic Savile Row (www.savileroweyewear.com) and Oliver Goldsmith collections (www.clairegoldsmith.com / www.olivergoldsmith.com) –  highlighted quality and finesse in British eyewear, while design label Kirk & Kirk showed their unique style and love of audacious colour in the transparent acrylic Kaleidoscope Collection, www.kirkandkirk.com.

100% Optical represents a new chapter for the UK market as a showcase for eyewear fashion and, in particular, the specialised independent eyewear producers, both local and international. The dates for the show in 2017 have been confirmed as 4th to 6th February 2017. http://www.100percentoptical.com CN