Kings of Past, the online store for vintage eyewear
29th October 2013 If you are a vintage eyewear connoisseur, wondering what the key looks are that fit with seasonal fashions of the season, we’ve got some guidelines. Musadik Rajani from Kings of Past, one of the specialists in fine vintage eyewear, tells us that nostalgic “traditionalist” pieces that are decorative and very feminine are becoming more and more sought after. “Think Jackie-O or Sophia Loren, for a touch of Hollywood glamour but choose earthy tones and retro shapes. The natural browns and lighter neutral colours are picking up, and items made with unique materials like natural wood and silk are in again. We have vintage wood designs by Gold & Wood and I’d say they are emerging as a special trend. Navy, two-tones and tri-colours are beautiful in eyewear, and there is a certain boldness returning with tartan, and with that, slightly grunge vibes too.”
Gold & Wood vintage frame above: http://www.kingsofpast.com/shop/vintage-gold-wood-ti-654-23-eyeglasses.html
According to Rajani, the classics are always popular although some shapes are always wanted. “For women, thin cat-eye shapes are gorgeous, particularly because they look great both as opticals and sunglasses,” he explains. “In men’s eyewear we are still seeing a fondness for the round shapes for their vintage overtones and memory of a bolder time period.” So is there an overriding trend? “Interestingly enough,” says Rajani, “because of our large range of clientele the biggest trend we’re seeing is individualism. Gentlemen who you may perceive to be into aviators may in fact purchase thick super large frames. Others want thin rounds or square/rectangles. Generally speaking, thin aviator frames or oversized Dior frames, for instance, are where we see most of the numbers but people today dress uniquely and in tune with personal characteristics. We love to be able to cater to this diversity, and it just adds to the excitement of what we can unearth from our vast vintage treasure trove…..it is going to be a great season!” Visit Kings of Past at www.kingsofpast.com CN
Jono Hennessy – Opera House Inspiration
Australian Designer Connects to Landmark Building
25th October 2013 Eyestylist continues the series Eyewear Artisans and Architecture with Jono Hennessy and the building that inspires his eyewear designs “Down Under”.
“This is my favourite building because I knew the son of the architect of the Opera House – Jorn Utzon – we used to surf together at Palm Beach when were were kids, so there is a personal connection. The reason I love the building is that it was so out of place when it was built in the 1970’s. At that time, Australia was very conservative, so it was an unusual and fabulous structure to have been built. I drive past the Opera House every morning when I drop my son to school, and it inspires me every time I see it.
“There is an annual light exhibition in Sydney called Vivid – they light up the Opera House as well as other landmarks around the city – and this three-dimensional light show lights up the Opera House. It has re-energised the architecture for me. The building opened in 1973, and it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. I feel the Sydney Opera House is a Landmark Building, in Australia and worldwide. It inspires me that although we are tucked away at the bottom of the world, we can still create something that is appreciated everywhere.” www.jonohennessy.com JG
The Winners!
Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Awards Announced in Stuttgart
22nd October 2013 The winners of the 2013 Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Awards were announced in Stuttgart on Sunday. Designers from three different countries were recipients – Suzy Glam from The Netherlands took the top prize with Gold; Hapter from Italy won Silver; and Bronze was awarded to Coblens from Germany. Opticians from leading fashion forward shops chose the final winners. There was great anticipation in the lead up to the event, and the winners were delighted and surprised! In the above photo, left-to-right – Marcus Knoop, sales representative for Coblens accepted the award on behalf of designer Fabian Hofmann; designer Eric Balzan from Hapter; and Etienne Frederiks who collaborates with Susanne Klemm at Suzy Glam. Our warmest congratulations to all the winners from Eyestylist and Hall of Frames! JG
HOF Stuttgart and Newcomer Award
Countdown to Stuttgart and Newcomer Award Winner!
18th October 2013 The second edition of Hall of Frames Stuttgart takes place this weekend (19th and 20th October) at Meilenwerk – an antique car museum with gorgeous cars as tempting as the eyewear that will be exhibited! A stellar lineup of brands are participating, including Götti Switzerland, Bellinger, Andy Wolf, Joel Lesca, Orgreen, Lafont Paris, Rolf Spectacles, Lindberg and many more. Above: Götti Switzerland will present their stunning new collections in horn, acetate and titanium at the event. Shown: Avaldi and August – distinctive rim-in-rim design in acetate and titanium.
The 2013 Hall of Frames/Eyestylist Newcomer Award will be announced on Sunday and anticipation is mounting as to whom the winner will be! The short list includes Claire Goldsmith; Blue Magic Eye; Suzy Glam; Hapter; Rigards; Coblens; Kuboraum and Nine. There are three prizes – gold, silver and bronze. So keep connected to Eyestylist for news of the 2013 winners! www.rigards.com www.hallofframes.ch JG
Gogosha/Goldsmith Shop-in-Shop
English Style in Los Angeles!
16th October 2013 English style meets Los Angeles savvy at Gogosha Optique with a near-replica of the iconic Oliver Goldsmith boutique in Notting Hill London, transported to the trendy SoCal shop. The fabulous OG sunglasses and Claire Goldsmith’s beautiful optical collection, plus the super little Mini Icons for kids are all on display, along with Limited Editions, vintage and handmade frames.
The two iconic brands are steeped in eyewear history, and this month long eyewear celebration is a superb opportunity for customers to discover the Goldsmith distinctive style, and explore the collections, while experiencing Gogosha’s unique personal service. The shop-in-shop continues through 31st October. www.olivergoldsmith.com www.gogosha.com JG
