Niloca Eyewear’s flagship store
1st October 2014 After the launch of a first titanium collection for 2014, Australian brand Niloca opened their own flagship store, Scoogle. Located in Southbank Melbourne, the shop is offering the complete Niloca range of eyewear (a hot topic at this year’s Silmo Paris), alongside other handpicked speciality labels including Theo and Hoet. “Set in a post Botanica new world Gothica, the store is serviced, focused on and inviting for all serious eyewear fashionistas,” explained one of the team to Eyestylist.
The store’s design theme and location were serendipitously entwined even before the location had been found. Housed in the new Guilfoyle building the botanic theme integrates seamlessly with its namesake, Sir William Robert Guilfoyle, a recognised international botanist. A trademark feature of Sir William’s work was the Conservatory, similarly an internal feature of the Niloca store. From the oxodised iron drawers to the reclaimed Australian hardwood desk and deep coir carpet, the design of the interior is perfectly in tune with the unique merchandise within. Open 7 days a week by appointment. www.scoogle.com.au
Find out more about Niloca Eyewear at www.niloca.com CN 
l.a.eyeworks
Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi Co-founders/Co-designers
1st October 2014 Creative colour vibrations, unexpected shapes, and innovative materials have characterised l.a.Eyeworks for thirty-five years. Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi are genuine pioneers in eyewear – they launched their first collection in 1979 – long before eyewear had achieved the stylish accolades that glasses now enjoy.
When McReynolds and Gherardi decided to embark on eyewear design, they believed it was time to open up a new kind of conversation about glasses. Their philosophy is that frames are more than just something you wear. Eyewear also expresses individuality and personal expression. McReynolds and Gherardi are purists in their approach to eyewear – each design is hand-drawn – the first step on a path of meticulous production. They use only the finest materials that are shaped by a combination of technology and hand-finished crafting.
The designer’s restless imaginations and ability to absorb from their surroundings has resulted in an expanding legacy of glasses that balance innovation with wear-ability. They recall: “Seeing Andy Warhol’s work in the 1960s was such an incredible revelation to us. Warhol’s ideas gave us permission to break the rules. Watching a video with the legendary jazz singer Anita O’Day was the inspiration for another design.”
Do McReynolds and Gherardi have a particular l.a. Eyeworks moment or experience that is especially memorable? “We’re easily overwhelmed when we think of all the incredible opportunities we’ve been offered and the moments of transformation we’ve witnessed. Different memories flash across the radar at different times. The other day, we recalled the marvellous story a customer told us about walking on the Great Wall of China, and spotting something colourful on the ground. On closer inspection, that “something” was an l.a. Eyeworks cleaning cloth!”
What do McReynolds and Gherardi feel are the biggest changes in eyewear during a thirty-five year period? “Without a doubt, from design to production to communication, rapid evolutions in technology have challenged the possibilities for making glasses. Some developments – like eyewear as some kind of venture capital enterprise – are not so interesting to us. Nevertheless, the ‘basics’ of glasses as apparatus, sensitivity to the future of fashion, great storytelling, and the principles of good design have never really changed.”
As the year-long anniversary celebrations commence, already the exciting news includes l.a. Eyeworks induction to the prestigious CFDA – Council of Fashion Designers of America. A new website is to be launched this autumn, and the latest collection previewed at SILMO is a tribute to Gai and Barbara’s creativity and signature flair for colour. Autumn 2014 also unveils a new series of l.a. Eyeworks “Uncensored Visions” – dazzling portraits that feature a sensational group of performers and models wearing iconic l.a. Eyeworks designs. McReynolds and Gherardi’s creative vision has established an exciting eyewear legend. www.laeyeworks.com JG
Photo of Gai Gherardi exclusively for Eyestylist.com by Gilles Stüssi All Rights Reserved
SDS NS001
Strada del Sole
One of the super glam Swiss made Strada del Sole sunglass styles in an exclusive collaboration between Pascal Zuber, designer of the eponymous label, and supermodel Nadine Strittmatter. Two shapes have been created in traditional black or tortoise; each individual product requires more than 80 stages, many of which are carried out by hand. According to Strittmatter, “This collaboration has been a good experience, as I have been able to express my creative side. The Swiss label is attractive in its simplicity, with the addition of a luxury touch, high quality materials and authentic artisan production. ” Available in shops from mid October. www.stradadelsole.ch CN
Ella
RVS by V.
For 2015, Ella has us falling for acetate adorned with modern metal clips. RVS by V. from Turkey highlights its metal collection this season and combines it perfectly with colourful Mazzucchelli acetate in a totally different approach. “The result is a beautiful harmony of classic gold and silver metals,” explains designer Vidal Erkohen. Keep your eye on this collection for spectacular mirrors combined with classical shapes and luxe finishes such as tortoise and horn. www.rvsbyv.com CN
Piedade
Paulino Spectacles
A classic from the Portuguese label, Piedade is, like all the styles in this line, named after designer Ramiro Paulino’s relatives. “I never met her,” he explains, “but as a child I fantasized that grandmother “Piedade” would have been a bullfighter, inspired by the one photo that existed of her, in which she used structured hair and a lace shirt.” This sweet and elegant handmade style is available in four colours including the tinted crystal we highlight here. www.paulinospectacles.com CN