Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 1st April 2015

Coterie

New opening in Chengdu, Southwest China

Coterie’s new store in Chengdu is its 10th to date. The independent chain champions top level collections, international independent designers and artisan labels, including Anna-Karin Karlsson, a-morir, Mykita and Thierry Lasry.

“In our Chengdu store,” explains David Leung, “we also launch Vava, Lapis and Coco & Breezy. We allocate certain brands exclusively to each location, depending on demographic and positioning in the area.” The store is in a newly opened shopping area – Taikoo Li, where Hermes, Givenchy, Chloe, Apple, and Maria Luisa have all opened flagships in recent months.”

“It seems to us that Chinese consumers are starting to move toward specialised designer eyewear labels. In general, we see more openness to quality design products than we did a few years ago when we first started,” explains Leung.

Interior, Coterie in Chengdu
Interior, Coterie in Chengdu

Asked about further expansion, Leung says while there is much interest abroad, Coterie plans to innovate in other ways, through new collaborations, a wider accessories offering and a unique shopping experience for consumers in China.

“We believe good quality, inspiring design, and value for money are always the criteria for consumers’ selections. Regarding trends, we have seen in the last year a particular interest in mirrored lenses, combination and oversized frames overall.” Find out more about Coterie at www.coterie.cn CN

Springtime!

…the season for new eyewear that is beautiful, desirable and finely crafted by independent designers. Click on REVIEWS for lovely examples. A seaside optician features in BOUTIQUES, and the Designer of the Month creates exceptional accessories. See CITY GUIDES for an exhibition that pays tribute to a revolutionary fashion designer. Eyestylist…where you find exciting, innovative eyewear by creative specialists.

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| Eyestylist 27th March 2015

A sustainable story

Monkey Glasses

27th March 2015 Sustainable fashion trends are more prevalent than ever before and that is increasingly having an influence on accessory design. For frames, recycled materials, when used creatively, can produce interesting designs that are modern, comfortable, wearable – and well-priced.

Created by husband and wife team Mai-britt and optician Morten Seaton, Monkey Glasses from Denmark make frames from a biodegradable material that consists of 90% cotton fibres and wood mass. The result is wood-look frames, with precise attention to detail – model Betty (pictured above) is one of their most accomplished sunglass shapes in 2015. Surplus materials are recycled into accessories and jewellery, and every time a set of frames leaves the shelves the company donates a percentage to the ‘Save the Orangutan’ charity – www.savetheorangutan.org.

Monkey Glasses released its first collection of sustainable glasses in 2010 and now sells worldwide to selected stores and online at www.monkeyglasses.co.uk. CN

| Eyestylist 24th March 2015

Hall of Frames Cologne

Independent Eyewear on The River Rhine

Hall of Frames has announced a new show for their independent eyewear events – on the banks of the River Rhine in Cologne. Show organisers Nath Wenger and Dirk Geissmann said: “We are very excited to organise our first show in Cologne! The city has a rich tradition in the eyewear industry, and “Die Brillenmesse” will be held on 25th and 26th April in the Dock One Hall, next to the River Rhine.

“Over fifty of the best Eyewear designers will present their spring news in a cool and relaxed setting. The expectations are high because the opticians in and around Cologne are famous for good taste and openness towards fine Eyewear. Only the best opticians can survive and “Die Brillenmesse” is the platform for some of the most beautiful brands in the market.”

Slav Nowosad will make his first appearance at a HOF event and present what he describes as his “atypical frames” (above Sun 5055/00)) Aesthetics, technology and design without limitation are Nowosad’s approach to unusual eyewear. Nowosad Designworks are designed and handmade in Poland. www.slavnowosad.com

 

Suzy Glam Breaks Rules in Nude Matt Acetate
Suzy Glam Breaks Rules in Nude Matt Acetate

Suzy Glam – Gold winner of the Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Award in 2013 will unveil beautiful new designs in Cologne. Suzy Glam Breaks Rules features curvaceous, elegant lines in nude matt acetate. www.suzyglam.com

 

Sahara by L.G.R. with a unique brushed surface on the frame front
Sahara by L.G.R. with a unique brushed surface on the frame front

L.G.R. from Italy will attend with their latest – and fabulous – designs including Sahara, with a distinctive brushed effect on the frame front, and superbly crafted mineral glass lenses. L.G.R. frames are handmade in Italy. www.lgrworld.com

 

Daydream by KBL in Tortoise and Turquoise Acetate
Daydream by KBL in Tortoise and Turquoise Acetate

KBL Eyewear in Germany is synonymous with youth, quality, and performance, and presenting for the first time at HOF.  The initials KBL stand for Kind of Bohemian LIfestyle, and the designs reflect a “bohème” nature – expressed in Italian acetate and Japanese titanium. www.kbleyewear.com For more information on HOF Köln visit www.diebrillenmesse.de JG

 

 

| Eyestylist 20th March 2015

Rigards+Royal Selangor

History and Tradition with RIGARDS Collaboration

20th March 2015 Innovative RIGARDS has partnered with the world’s largest and most admired pewter maker – Royal Selangor – to create frames with unique individuality and character. Two noble materials – Horn and Pewter – are used to create a design that is beautiful and unique. Royal Selangor has been crafting pewter since 1885, and remains privately owned, with fourth-generation family members safeguarding time-honoured pewter practices. “We are delighted to work with this amazing company,” said designer Ti Kwa (above), “and create a frame that combines the best of Horn and Pewter.”

 

Rigards+Royal Selangor Horn+Pewter
Rigards+Royal Selangor Horn+Pewter

The rims of the frame front are meticulously hand-polished to a velvety finish, while the rest of the horn structure is rendered, by hand, in a contrasting matte texture. The side pieces feature an artful fusion of horn and pewter, with a hammered satin finish for the arm tips. An elegant custom-crafted leather case is embossed with Royal Selangor’s classic wave motif. An unusual, expressive design with history and spirit. www.rigards.com JG

Photo of Ti Kwa exclusively for Eyestylist by Gilles Stüssi All Rights Reserved