Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 1st January 2014

Beckett

Anne & Valentin

Beckett was launched in Paris in the autumn – the name gives away the inspiration and design. A unisex style with classic intellectual overtones and a spiritual twist, the design is part of ‘Les Elegantes’, a collection that shows a new stroke of inspiration for Anne & Valentin: each model has been directly inspired by frames that have gone down in history. “Our designers worked hard to recreate classic shapes into modern, updated forms, taking advantage of the latest technologies. ‘Les Elegantes’ are the culmination of this quest : gold and silver rimmed frames, sometimes married with a chocolate brown accent, others with coal black.”

The designs are more subtly shaped than their predecessors, from the round or square pair of glasses to the beveled P3. The unexpected marriage of matte and gloss effects, and two-tone temples with Calder-style hinge, create an air of intrigue. From £308.00. www.anneetvalentin.com CN

 

Song

L.G.R.

Sleek and refined, Song combines timeless design with beautiful hand finishing, a trademark of this Italian artisan label. One of five new retro-inspired models, Song is available as an optical style or as a sunglass fitted with Zeiss G15 lenses in green – the narrow double bridge is elegant either way. 100% handmade in Italy. www.lgr-sunglasses.com CN

| Eyestylist 1st January 2014

Stranger No.1

Adrian Marwitz

Several of today’s innovative new designers have a passion for eyewear in their DNA and family legacy. The eyewear dynasty of Adrian Marwitz began in 1919 with his grandfather. Nowadays, Adrian continues the family history with frames in Titanium – his favourite material – that are handmade in Germany. Stranger No. 1 is from Marwitz’s new collection of Urban Strangers, shown here in sophisticated matt blue – predicted to be a notable colour for 2014 – in a shape that harmoniously unites tradition and trend. www.adrianmarwitz.com JG

| Eyestylist 1st January 2014

Alaïa Retrospective In Paris

Palais Galliera Celebrates Iconic Designer

1st January 2014 After a long period of renovation, the sumptuous Palais Galliera has re-opened in Paris with a gala retrospective of Azzedine Alaïa’s timeless designs. For decades, the Tunisian creator has been a dramatic influence on fashion. Alaïa cuts straight to the essence of each garment – the shapes he constructs are bold and creative statements in their own right, without need for further adornment.

Subline Shaping by Azzedine Alaïa
Subline Shaping by Azzedine Alaïa

The exhibition features over seventy garments – clothes that are sensual, sublime and superbly sleek. Unlike most designers, Alaïa travels little, except within his own fertile imagination and visualization. When Alaïa arrived in Paris in the 1960’s, he had the good fortune to meet two Parisian legends – the actress Arletty and the designer and author Lousie de Vilmorin. These elegant women, along with Greta Garbo, and in later years, models Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Yasmin Le Bon inspired him to make ‘garments that last’. He also likes to say: “I make clothes, women make fashion”. A Must See Exhibition!

Until January 26th www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr JG

| Eyestylist 1st January 2014

Amaury Store – Paris

1st January 2014 Just a short stroll from several of the most notable monuments in Paris – Notre Dame, La Sorbonne, and Le Panthéon – is a new establishment creating its own distinguished legacy. Amaury is an innovative gallery – dedicated to handcrafted artisan creations. Amaury Cagniard is a young, sophisticated eyewear designer, and a connoisseur of fine quality products. In this recently opened boutique, you’ll find Amaury’s beautiful eyewear collection in horn, acetate and metal. His frames are gracefully refined, all handmade in France in the renowned Jura area.

Refined and elegant eyewear by Amaury
Refined and elegant eyewear by Amaury

In addition, the boutique offers an eclectic selection of intriguing products – including leather accessories – the leather sourced from a small producer in Florence, Italy -and  olive oil from a small grove just outside Rome. Perfume, soap, men’s hats and jumpers in luxurious materials with classic chic, and imaginative furniture from Sculptures Jeux – a French company – can also be leisurely viewed and appreciated in the 350 square metre shop. Each item is chosen with care and concern for authenticity – the same philosophy that Amaury endorses for his eyewear collection. “I make a frame design and then it evolves without force; sometimes I have a precise idea, but everything must flow, be clear and pure without eccentricity.” Just like his gallery boutique. Amaury Store 5, rue Dante 75005 Paris France For more details, visit www.amaury.eu.com JG