Of all the Bond girls, Pussy Galore was the most difficult to seduce. In an effort to capture her aloof, “Golden Goddess” good looks, Orgreen’s PUSSY GALORE frames bring high glamour to a voluminous cat eye design. Featuring high-perched corners and a beautiful low bridge. Slip on the Mat Ivory and Sandblasted White Gold version with Rose Gold Chrome lenses and you’re any match for Mr. Bond. We like it! www.orgreen.com CN
The beauty of the Mediterranean is inspiration for Mondelliani in Rome. The latest collection of sunglasses features sensuous shapes in luscious acetate colours – including No. 53 in Indigo Blue and Pompeii Pink – that is reminiscent of a Mediterranean sunset. Note the chic lifted eyebrow for an additional glamorous accent. www.mondelliani.it JG
Paola Costantini at Pollipo’ is passionate about handcrafted eyewear and accessories. Her sun styles include contemporary designs in elegant forms, and graceful colours. N. 595 in Cool Baby Blue acetate in a flattering sun shape with a distinctive silver nosepiece, is a perfect accent for summer fashions. The beautifully handmade Pollipo’ case is natural leather with a brushed Fuchsia finish. www.pollipocchiali.it JG
1st May 2015 Cologne is the cultural centre of The Rhineland, with numerous and fascinating museums and art galleries. It is also home to an amazing selection of optical shops. Augenweide Optik is an elegant oasis where customers can discover international brands that fosters optical style. “Customers in Cologne love design,” says optician Michael Franzen, “but it must not be loud design; they prefer soft design with no logos. Clients are very reserved and refined, but want the best quality.”
Franzen opened the shop with his business partner Wilfred Wirtz twenty-one years ago, and they have experienced various eyewear evolutions during this time. “We have grown with our customers since we opened, and our clientele is professional men and women who are architects, lawyers, and teachers.” The shop features la crème de la crème of independent labels, including Orgreen, LGR, Lindberg, Götti, Rolf, Face à Face and WOOW, theo, l.a.Eyeworks, and the speciality German brand Wolfgang Katzer. “There are approximately over 300 optical shops in Cologne – I believe it is the most in Europe,” says Franzen, “and the reason for this is probably because there is an excellent School of Optometry here. When students graduate, they want to stay in Cologne, and open their own shop, so the majority of shops are independent.”
Augenweide is one hundred and fifty square meters, so the feeling is delightfully open, airy and welcoming. Beige and cocoa tones, with black floors, and beautiful, warm wood panelling and cabinets further enhance the ambience. Large windows offer the possibility of spacious displays, and during Eyestylist’s visit, the decoration included lavish flower paintings by a local designer, in bright spring colours, along with cheerful flowerpots, and beautiful frames. Discover more at www.augenweide.de JG
1st May 2015 The term “luxury” is a fascinating subject, as it can have many different interpretations, depending on the person. The Victoria and Albert Museum explores the concept of luxury with a new exhibition What is Luxury? Exceptional examples of contemporary design and craftsmanship are featured alongside conceptual projects that interrogate fundamental ideas of luxury, its production and future.
Included in the presentation is an entirely handcrafted mechanical watch – The Second Space Travellers’ Watch – by British watch maker George Daniels. Fashion is represented with a laser-cut couture dress by innovative Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen (top photo), and more than 1000 hand-knitted nylon bubbles create the Bubble Bath necklace by Nora Fok.
The exhibition provokes thinking and debate through fictional scenarios that consider issues like privacy, resources and access that could determine present and future ideas of luxury. With over 100 remarkable objects, What is Luxury? takes visitors on a revealing journey, and prompts them to consider what luxury means and how it relates to their own lives. What is Luxury? a V&A and Crafts Council Exhibition, sponsored by Northacre, is at the V&A through 27 September 2015. www.vam.ac.uk/whatisluxury JG
Photo Credits: Top image: Voltage Dress, Iris van Herpen, 2013 Paris M. Zoeter x Iris van Herpen; Middle photo: The Second Space Travellers Watch George Daniels, 1983 Jasper Gough, Sotheby’s; Bottom photo: Combs, Hair Highway Studio Swine 2014 Studio Swine