1st May 2014 Once upon a time, children who needed to wear glasses really didn’t want to. Styles and colours were limited, and frames just weren’t fun. Then, like a magic wand in a children’s fairy tale, there appeared a delightful collection of frames for youngsters with a catchy name – Zoobug – that appealed to little hearts and fashion desires. Eyestylist meets Dr. Julie Le, children’s eye surgeon – above with her daughter Prosper – who shares her story about the creation of Zoobug.
Was there a defining moment when you realised that there was a need for high quality protective eyewear for youngsters? “I saw a lot of UV related eye problems during my training as an ophthalmologist in the UK, but it only hit home when I tried to buy sunglasses for my one-year-old niece. There was little choice and the quality was very poor.
What are your design influences? “I design instinctively and draw inspiration from London life as we’ve got this amazing hub of creativity and style at our doorstep. I love experimenting with colours and strong shapes. But what looks good on paper may not always work on a child’s face; that’s why all my new ideas are prototyped and tested on actual children first. I am lucky I have many willing volunteers from family and friends. My quest for the perfect pair of sunglasses or ophthalmic frames lends itself to my progressive design method, where I am constantly tweaking and refining. It may take several seasons and versions to come up with a shape and fit that I am truly happy with. This is because children’s faces are so varied and pose the biggest challenge. I always design with a particular age range in mind, but even then, there are huge variations in shape and size. Now that children’s tastes are more sophisticated, it becomes harder as you need to understand what they are willing to wear at what age.”
Do you feel that parents are more aware nowadays about eye protection for children? “Yes definitely which is a great thing. We struggled in the early years but now there is much more public awareness for the need to protect children’s eyes and to spend a little more for quality.” What are the most fun aspects of creating eyewear for children – and the most challenging? “I am a big child at heart so if I get excited by a shape, design or colour , then I know kids will too. A good fitting frame that makes a child feel great and confident about themselves is the most rewarding aspect of my job. I’ve often been asked the question of why I left my surgical career to design eyewear for children. Well, I naively wanted to make a difference. In the UK, children had a raw deal when it came to the dreaded NHS frames, and it was unusual to think that children had any desire to look cool or stylish in their glasses. The issue of course, was the lack of public awareness to protect children’s eyes in the sun. I thought it would take 3-4 years to instigate change and return to my day job. Eight years on, and I’ve only just scratched the surface. In China, where we have just entered the market, parents don’t even believe in their children wearing glasses, fearing that it will make their vision worse and they will become dependent.” www.zoobug.com JG
April in Bloom….
and blossoming with innovative sunglasses and spectacles – see REVIEWS for stylish eyewear to enhance spring fashions. Designer of the Month features an Italian design duo, and there is a must-see BOUTIQUE in Madrid. Italian fashion heritage highlights a beautiful exhibition in London – click on CITY GUIDES. Remember to sign up for Eyestylist Exclusives – our newsletter with special frame and accessory trends to keep you aware of international style setters. It’s all on Eyestylist – www.eyestylist.com
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Adrian Marwitz
German Heritage with New Vision
29th April 2014 Adrian Marwitz continues a family history that has been synonymous with German eyewear since 1918. The brand was created by Marwitz’s grandfather, and Adrian is delighted and excited to guide the brand into the new millennium, with his passionate belief that eyewear is the ultimate fashion accessory. Marwitz frames are streamlined and sleek, uncluttered and pure, and feature first-class manufacturing processes – everything is handcrafted in Germany.
Urban Strangers is the latest collection – titanium frames in contemporary shapes with modern, high-tech features. Beautiful colourations are contrasted with ultra-thin stripes on the hinges and inner frame of the designs. Understated elegance with graceful distinction.Top photo: Urban Stranger No. 6 in Bronze www.adrianmarwitz.com JG
#Celebration – one of a kind eyewear
Cesare Cunaccia Eyewear at Boudoir, Venice
25th April 2014 Cesare Cunaccia is a true 21st century Renaissance Man. He is editor-at-large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, plus an expert in fashion, costume, art and design. Cunaccia’s latest achievement is a collaboration with Boudoir, the elegant eyewear gallery in Venice owned by Alessandro De Lorenzo (above) for whom Cesare has created exclusive designs, handcrafted in luxurious Water Buffalo horn. The eco-friendly horn is recommended for people with metal allergies, as it is totally natural. The contemporary shape of the frames re-enforces the distinctive beauty of genuine Buffalo horn. The designs are little masterpieces of Italian craftsmanship.
Each frame is packaged in its own case made of precious wood, personally selected by Cunaccia, with a cream made from beeswax and coconut oil, to polish and nourish the frame. Cunaccia suggests heating a small amount of the cream, apply it to the frame, rub gently into the frame (but not the lenses) and then wipe dry with a special cloth that is also included. Excellence, beauty and originality! Available at Boudoir in Venice.www.celebration.me.it www.boudoir.venice.it JG
Photo of Alessandro de Lorenzo exclusively for Eyestylist by Luca Santocono. All rights reserved.
Nature’s Best
Naturally Beautiful
22nd April 2014 Natural materials are a favourite with eyewear designers — all eco-friendly of course! Rolf Spectacles in the Austrian Alps – always working respectfully with nature – has garnered another prestigious award for an outstanding frame design. The Red Dot Design Award was presented to Rolf for elegant Arabella 71, from the Rolf Advanced Collection, which is handcrafted in luxurious horn and wood. A classic shape and superb details further highlight the intense character of the design. www.rolf-spectacles.com
Italian designer Luca Gnecchi Ruscone has launched a Special Edition frame in snakeskin, adapted to LGR’s handsome Tripoli sunglasses. The bold, voluminous contours of Tripoli are assuredly smart in black snakeskin (above), and the frame is also available in grey and brown snakeskin. Very distinguished! www.lgr-sunglasses.com JG