Italian elements of history, art, literature and centuries of artisan craftsmanship merge creatively in Res/Rei frames. Claudia is a powerful eyewear interpretation in acetate and metal. The upper part of the frame is sculpted with smooth flow in tortoiseshell acetate, and contrasted with fine metal in soft turquoise. Designer Oliviero Zanon creates eyewear with distinctive poignancy. www.resrei.com JG
1st July 2014 Beautiful shapes, superior craftsmanship, and exquisite details keynote the L.G.R. collection. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone’s instinct for original eyewear is inherited from his beloved grandfather, and his fascination with Africa. The Rome based designer expresses flair, individuality and style in his creative collections. This summer, mirrored lenses are making a big splash in sunglasses, as the models in the top photo show as they enjoy outdoor adventures. Left, Keren – with green mirrored polarized lenses, and right – Aswan – with stunning red mirrored polarized lenses.
L.G.R. sunglasses for men feature strong, bold shapes that include Tripoli with polarized vermillion lenses.
Song (above) is a dramatic design in Havana 02 with Zeiss Organic lenses. Unique metal detailing on the brow line and nose piece accents the elegant acetate. www.lgr-sunglasses.com JG
Photo: Top photo by vera Colombo Centre image by Fay Baldwin Bottom photo by Daniele Ratti, taken in Asmara, Eritrea
1st July 2014 How times change! An original exhibition at the charming canal-side Tassen Museum in Amsterdam shows the history of travel and development of suitcases from 1850 to the present. Excursions in the early days relied on gigantic trunks that were the norm for travel by coach and ship, as well as luxurious luggage sets, and extravagant dressing cases containing silver brushes and crystal vials. Travel during the 19th Century was uncomfortable and dangerous; for that reason trunks had to be weather proof and sturdy, so that they could be tied to the top or back of a coach.
The invention of the steam engine changed not only how people lived, but how they travelled. It was then possible to cover much longer distances by steam train or ship. The carpet bag, which could also serve as a rug in unheated train compartments, was popular for train travel during the 19th Century. Later came the use of woolen railway bags, decorated with depictions of flowers or animals. For luxurious cruises, cabin trunks (top photo: Wardrobe Trunk Belber Trunk & Bag Co. Philadephia c. 1930) were designed for extensive wardrobes with drawers for shoes and clothing hooks for coats, dresses or suits.
How people travelled and the types of bags used changed dramatically during the 1970’s when air travel became more affordable. Mass tourism put different demands on suitcases and travel bags; luggage became smaller, lighter and was equipped with wheels. And now creating luggage that accommodates one’s belongings that fit into an airplane’s overhead locker is the latest challenge.
Welcome Aboard is a delightful exhibition that traces the history of suitcases and travel bags, reflecting the mobility and speed of the changing times. The exhibition continues through 31 August 2014. www.tassenmuseum.nl JG
1st July 2014 Venice is a fascinating oasis of beauty, history, art, music and eyewear delights! On a recent visit, I had the great pleasure to discover Boudoir – an amazingly chic little boutique with stunning eyewear, plus accesrsories and exquisite perfumes. Proprietor Alessandro De Lorenzo enthuses an ingrained ardour for eyewear, and has assembled a collection of inventive eyewear creators. His handpicked selections include Hapter, Lindberg and Lindberg Precious, Oliver Goldsmith and Claire Goldsmith, and Flippan’Look, among others. There are also capsule eyewear collections by Cesare Cunaccia and Oscar Mamooi. Perfumes by Cristopher Brosious and Meo Fusciuni, and home scents by Villa Buti filter throughout the boutique and create a wonderful ambience. De Lorenzo and his partner devised the original interior, which is an eclectic and charming mix of unusual furniture; beautiful mirrors, flowers and trees. All very natural with a subtle magic – just like Venice!
De Lorenzo observes differences with an optical boutique located in La Serenissimia – Venice’s formal name. “Venice, with less that 6000 residents, isn’t a real city,” he says, “So I deal mostly with tourists, especially from America and other English speaking countries. People from abroad have a more contemporary approach when they choose accessories like glasses. Venice used to be a city and a kind of “Mecca” for special shopping. My goal is to give my contribution to go back to this. I want people to say ‘in Venice, you can really find cool glasses.’ Having the chance to do my work in such a beautiful place pays back every effort. Plus having clients from so many different countries is a bit like travelling myself…”
The boutique is easily reached from San Marco by bobbing along on a Vaporetto and alighting at Ca’Rezzonico, then it’s a short walk to Calle Lunga S. Barnabas, where the eyewear and accessories are incredibly tempting. Eyewear from Boudoir will retain long lasting Venetian memories. www.boudoir.venice.it JG
Photo of Alessandro De Lorenzo exclusively for Eyestylist by Travelonics, LLC
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