8th April 2013 If you love vintage and would like to start the S/S season with a new frame with vintage overtones, we have picked three pieces that make a modern statement. Choose from classic round, oversized with a flat top or super feminine butterfly. The colours are perfect for now; soft and calming pastels and natural tones that feel fresh and easy as temperatures start to climb.
The latest from Mykita / Damir Doma is model DD04 (above), launching in May in the Damir Doma flagship store and selected retailers. It’s a sculptured take on the round shape, this time in acetate, and it is deeply rooted in the 1930s, with its clean-cut minimal temples. A super no-fuss reinterpretation of an old classic design, with colours ranging from tortoise to amber, the collection was presented at Damir Doma’s A/W 13/14 catwalk show. www.mykita.com
For more on the first releases in this collaborative collection which explored material combinations, visit https://www.eyestylist.com/2012/10/trend-watch-juxtaposed-materials/
From Dutch designer Ralph Vaessen, we have noticed this wonderful contemporary super luxe sunglass style that is made in Germany by hand. Vaessen is a master in luxury horn, and it is interesting to see how he has accomplished a combination of genuine horn and coloured wood – that’s a rarity in eyewear. Model Constance boasts fine details such as the layering effect at either side of the front of the frame and it has a delicate butterfly shape, with subtle graduated lens colour to match the natural tones of the horn and coloured wood. It’s a frame that is likely to remain covetable for seasons to come. See the S/S collection by Ralph Vaessen at www.ralphvaessen.com
For instant attitude, look no further than the Turkish independent label, RVS by V.’s new project, Point of View (POV), and their bold sunglasses collection which I previewed in Milan in early March. There are 20 models (each offered in 3 or 4 colours), all quite different with a lot of retro elements, from pearlised finishes and marbling effects to the use of old-school materials such as tortoise. Designer Vidal Erkohen is a vintage collector who has brought his love of the past to the drawingboard for this launch. “With POV, I wanted to make something different on a new level that is distinctive from our RVS by V. collection.”
My style in this collection was the oversized flat-top, Amnesia (pictured above in clear/apple but also very nice in black); with its contrasting browline, this design speaks volumes if you are looking for a cool, urban mood. Stockists include Dr. York, LA and Astrologo Ottica, Rome. www.rvsbyv.com and coming soon to www.poveyeworks.com CN
Götti Celebrates!
Happy 20th Anniversary Götti Switzerland
Götti Switzerland family and friends, opticians and customers, and the wonderful Götti staff toasted the company’s 20th anniversary in Lucerne with delicious Swiss specialities, music, dancing and festivities. Eyestylist was delighted to participate in this occasion, and we had an opportunity to chat with founder and designer Sven Götti. “This is such a good and special moment,” said Götti, “as when we opened the store it was my dream to design. However, I felt I needed to learn more about optics and what customers really wanted. So we started slowly, and it’s a good feeling to know that people like what we create.”
Twenty years on, Götti designs have global reach in more than 1200 speciality shops around the world. The company has been recognised with prestigious awards including the Red Dot, The Swiss Economic Award, and the Travel & Leisure Award. Götti creations are a trinity of style, technical accomplishments and innovation. Watch this space for more news on the exciting Götti exhibition, that will be travelling to various European cities. Congratulations to Sven and the Götti team! www.gotti.ch JG
Photos: Top photo: Sven Götti with his dog Lucky Copyright: Gilles Stüssi
Paris Haute Couture
Designer Masterpieces at Paris City Hall
1st April 2013 The elegant surroundings of Paris City Hall celebrates haute couture with a dazzling selection of designs by fashion luminaries from Doucet to Dior, Chanel to Courrèges, and Vionnet to Yves Saint Laurent. The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Galliera Museum in Paris and Swarovski, whose crystals have a long history with haute couture and designers. Over one hundred designs are featured – many of which have never been on public display before. Haute couture was born in Paris in the mid-19th century, and since then, generations of designers have transformed this supposedly frivolous discipline into high art.
What is amazing on viewing the gorgeous assemblage of outfits is to think of the talent and skills in the hands of the people who made the designs a reality – embroiders and plumassiers (feather workers); hands that knew exactly how and where to place or form a flower and other couture embellishments. The exhibition is a beautiful tribute to Haute Couture and provides insight into the behind the scenes process of world-famous fashion houses. The exhibition continues through 6 July 2013 at Paris City Hall, Saint-Jean Room, 5 rue Lobau, 75004 Paris. Open every day except Sundays and bank holidays, from 10h00 to 19h00. JG
Photos: Coutresy of Paris City Hall Top photo: Balenciaga Evening Outfit August 1967
Hoet in Brussels and Bruges
Stylish Boutiques in Belgium
1st April 2013 Hoet in Belgium traces its optical origins to 1884, and the family legacy continues to this day. Patrick Hoet and his daughter Bieke oversee the design office with their team, and the Hoet stores are run by Lieselotte Hoet (Patrick’s daughter) and Lieselotte’s husband Frederik Ghesquière. The tenacity of the company is formidable, as they have endured World Wars and economic upheaval. Hoet faith in the future was confirmed when just after WW2, they opened a boutique in the charming setting of Bruges, a major attraction for tourists. The present location of the Brussels store opened seven years ago, and the unique interiors of both shops were created by Hoet.
The chic Brussels boutique (above) is a mecca for diplomats, European Union personnel and functionaries, expats and visitors, who enjoy roaming the spacious (220 square meters) interior for Hoet frames and accessories. Are there other labels in the boutique? “Very few”, said Frederik Ghesquière, “and rule number one: no visible logo’s. Rule number two: original design. Rule number three: quality. For example, we have Factory 900, Wollenweber – the horn collection – Reiz, Xavier Derome, and from our ‘classic’ client – Lindberg.”
As Bruges is a favourite summer destination in particular, the client profile is different. “We don’t present ‘tourist’ glasses,” says Ghesquière, “and over the years we have acquired some reputation in Bruges. When asked, the hotel concierge advises visitors to see our store. That is, of course, if the guests are not looking for ‘branded’ eyewear.”
Hoet has considered opening shops outside Belgium, but for the time being, limit themselves to having their own collections on display at selected shops in other locations. In-store events are held, particularly in Brussels, because there is more space, and Hoet participates in Design Brussels, and Modo Bruxelles which are yearly features. They often also invite creators from other sectors – art, fur and jewellery – to participate in a Hoet occasion.
Brussels and Bruges are both inspiring and interesting destinations – and even more so with the delightful Hoet boutiques to visit – a must on the Belgium itinerary! www.hoet.be JG
Sixties style
1st April 2013 There is a 60s fashion moment in the air for spring/summer. Monochromes and geometrics, curvy shapes, chic leathers and transparents, and orange and pink colour flashes…to set the mood, we have picked some favourite authentic vintage pieces from the online vintage store, Atelier Mayer, as well as some new 60s remix designs, from homewares to stationery….in eyewear, we have selected three gorgeous statement styles that evoke this colourful, fun-loving decade… the brand new Spice style from French designer label BOZ, and two exotic iconic classics from Oliver Goldsmith and Christian Roth.
1. Original Lanvin 1960s black and white shift dress, WWW.ATELIER-MAYER.COM; 2. Spice sunglasses from BOZ, www.boz-eyewear.fr; 3. Nicole Farhi double buckle leather belt, £145, www.nicolefarhi.com 4. Hex (1966) by Oliver Goldsmith, colour, Ivory. www.olivergoldsmith.com 5. 1960s black, red and white halter neck mini dress, WWW.ATELIER-MAYER.COM; 6. Frederic Malle Rubrum Lily scented candle, £48 available at Liberty’s www.liberty.co.uk; 7; Panton chair by Vitra, £200 at www.skandium.com; 8. Icon The Flick compact notebook, £6.50 by Castelli, www.castelli.co.uk; 9. Series 1001, Christian Roth for Optical Affairs, www.christian-roth.com CN