1st February 2015 The Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris is absolutely a little gem. Founded in 1928 by the founder of the La Samaritaine Department Store (sadly, now closed) Ernest Cognacq assembled an amazing collection of emblematic eighteenth-century art works. They are on display in a beautifully renovated sixteenth-century townhouse in the Marais. M. Cognacq chose items that would be representative of “the artistic décor of French life”… and include a stunning collection of portrait miniatures, superb paintings, busts, Meissen porcelains and furniture.
To celebrate the re-opening of the Musée Cognacq-Jay, Christian Lacroix, the peripatetic fashion and interior designer, was offered a “carte blanche” – a dual challenge of re-imagining the “guiding narrative” of the exhibition spaces, while exploring a concept which has shaped his own approach to his art – the fascination exerted by the eighteenth century. Lacroix has curated contributions from over forty contemporary artists, invited to reflect upon ten key themes identified in Ernest Cognacq’s collections. Some of the themes include: 18th century taste; Show, balls and sociability; Paris, capital of the Enlightenment; Fables, stories and novels; and Europe’s artistic economy. Lacroix’s selections have been assembled with a view to enhancing our understanding of the Age of Enlightenment, and its continued relevance in our own era.
Enlightenment: Carte Blanche à Christian Lacrox is an innovative exhibition, enhanced with Lacroix’s inimitable flair. The exhibition continues through 19th April 2015.
Hand Polished By ?
Eyewear with a Personal Touch by Götti
1st February 2015 Authentic Eyewear has been the philosophy of Sven Götti since he created his first collection twenty years ago. To reach the highest standard of a Götti acetate frame, it requires a skillful interaction of various processes. Götti thought of how they could summarize all these facts in a personal way – right to the beholder of Götti eyewear. The inscription “Hand polished by…” on the inside of the temple reflects the high quality of the material used from the best acetate Italian producer, plus it illustrates the specific Götti process. Manufacturing the frames is a success thanks to many years of a close partnership with experienced workers, who know every detail and how the accomplish the perfect technique.
Hand polishing eyewear is comparable with cutting a diamond. It takes years to perfect and develop the proper hand technique for the polishing. With a gentle touch of the chief polishers, details and colours radiate and become more intense. With talent and precision, they use trained movements to polish the unmistakable Götti shine on acetate eyeglasses. The design details and colour combinations are assembled with sensitivity, and the colours are produced exclusively for Götti. The label “hand polished by…” is the essence of all the puzzle pieces, that stand behind the design and colour brilliance. It is a quality seal that stands for a personal story.
Hand polisher Barbara at Götti
Hand polisher Barbara at Götti commented: “Every quality of acetate and every shape of the glasses is a new challenge. It is in my hands to optimize the motion sequences so that I can reach the perfect result. I put a lot of passion into the detail and it is always a glorious moment when I hold the finished frame in my hands.” www.gotti.ch JG
A New Year Launches…
and at Eyestylist we’re happy to celebrate wonderful new eyewear discoveries – both beautiful and exciting – for 2015. This month we again feature outstanding International Designers in REVIEWS; visit an über-chic boutique in Amsterdam, meet a globally acclaimed craftsman in Designer of the Month; and visit an exceptional fashion exhibition in New York City. Eyestylist wishes the happiest and healthiest New Year to our sponsors and readers!
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A Worthy Cause
Zoobug Joins Orbis to Prevent Child Blindness
30th January 2015 The little Ethiopian lad above smiles delightedly because he is able to read. He is among the fortunate children who have benefited from the initiatives of Orbis, the international eye charity that works to prevent and treat avoidable blindness, particularly in children. Eye surgeon, Dr. Julie Diem Le and the founder of the award winning British brand Zoobug, commented: “We have been looking forward to working with Orbis and supporting their initiatives for improving eye health care, and the availability of much needed trachoma treatments for children in Africa.”
Orbis and Zoobug are united in their objective to raise awareness of the global issue of childhood blindness, which is an enormous challenge to developing countries. Saving or restoring a child’s sight depends on early detection, the quality of the treatment and the follow-up care received. Orbis also operates the Flying Eye Hospital, which is a fully equipped mobile teaching hospital.
Dr. Le founded Zoobug with a strong message about eye protection for children and safety in the sun. The designs for youngsters combine fun, fashionable styles that children love, plus desirable colours and clever details. www.zoobug.com www.orbis.org JG
Ørgreen at OG, London
Iconic store opens doors to Danish titanium collection
28th January 2015 The OG flagship store in London is now stocking Danish label Ørgreen, following the alliance between the two brands, announced last September (https://www.eyestylist.com/2014/09/designers-unite/). Arriving just in time for Spring, the Copenhagen brand does fine titanium frames and sunglasses with an emphasis on sleek modern styling in accessible style-driven colourways.
Try a classic style like Observer (above) for super comfort and up to the minute refinement or go a little bit more wild and fashion savvy with the excellent Visionaire, a modified pince-nez inspired design with circular eye shape; the brilliant modern colours include mat Olympian blue with sandblasted titanium.
Where? The latest frames by Danish label Ørgreen are now available at the Oliver Goldsmith store (OG STORE.LDN), London: 15 All Saints Road, London W11 1HA http://www.olivergoldsmith.com/shop.aspx www.orgreenoptics.com