Eyestylist

Independent Innovators

1st July 2014

L.G.R. Sunglasses Rome, Italy

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.

Tripoli by LGR — Tripoli by L.G.R. Sunglasses

L.G.R. sunglasses for men feature strong, bold shapes that include Tripoli with polarized vermillion lenses.

LGR - Sun Specialists — L.G.R. – Sun Specialists

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

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Arts + travel

Welcome Aboard!

1st July 2014

History of Travel Bags in Amsterdam

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.

Wool and Beaded Travel Bag Berlin, Germany Mid-19th Century

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.

Samsonite Luggage Trio 1950's — Samsonite Luggage Trio 1950’s

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

Boutiques

Boudoir Venice

1st July 2014

Enchanting Venetian Eyewear Boutique

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!

Alessandro De Lorenzo Boudoir Venice — Alessandro De Lorenzo, Boudoir 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…”

Boudoir Interior - Stylish and Charming — Boudoir Interior – Stylish and Charming

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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Summertime!

30th June 2014

Beautiful sunglasses and soft new pastels highlight eyewear. Visit all the Eyestylist sections – Reviews, Boutiques, Designer of the Month and City Guides for exciting eyewear, accessories and cultural happenings. Remember to sign up for Eyestylist Exclusives – on the homepage – our monthly newsletter with exceptional glasses and accessory news. Click and stay with Eyestylist!

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Bruno Chaussignand

28th June 2014

returns to Showroom Next Door, PFW

28th June 2014 Bruno Chaussignand is a trained optician, owner of O Mil’Yeux – www.omilyeux.com, an independent optical store in Montpellier, France and designer of the eponymous eyewear collection, produced in France in the traditional spectacle making region of the Jura. Already available in NYC, L.A. (Gogosha Optique / www.gogosha.com) Japan and across Europe, at leading optical stores and concept stores, Chaussignand says his label is growing fast – he has a team of reps in France and an agent in New York – but he is clear about his personal desires when it comes to style and design, and his love for well crafted hand finished frames.

“The collection is moving forward. At first, I was more geared towards men,” he explained to Eyestylist.com this week, on the eve of PFW, “but now I am bringing in more women’s designs and we have at least 7 or 8 new styles to show in Paris in September too (www.silmo.fr). My focus is on the balance of each design, originality, so that people have something different to wear, but also the pleasure, comfort and genuine quality of the frames we make in the Jura.”

Details such as the density, the bold sculptural bevelling or “carving out” of the frame, created through use of deep acetate sheets, and work on the temples have become a part of Chaussignand’s signature, as have his paired down metal shapes that reinvent classic aesthetics, with touches of luxurious comfort and subtle refinement.

Bruno Chaussignand shows this week at the Showroom Next Door, Paris Fashion Week (until Thursday 3rd July 2014) and in September at Silmo, Paris. The Showroom Next Door, 108 Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3eme / www.brunochaussignand.com CN

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Eyestylist

Independent Innovators

L.G.R. Sunglasses Rome, Italy

Welcome Aboard!

History of Travel Bags in Amsterdam

Boudoir Venice

Enchanting Venetian Eyewear Boutique

Summertime!

Bruno Chaussignand

returns to Showroom Next Door, PFW