14th February 2013 Bocca is a totally handmade heart frame tribute to the talented craftsmen who work in the Face à Face workshops. This unique piece is fun and innovative, created with passion by the people who ensure the excellence in each Face à Face frame. Eyestylist joins Face à Face in wishing everyone love and peace! www.faceaface-paris.com JG
12th February 2013 We continue with our series “Men’s Eyewear – The Designer Approach” and Eyestylist meets Pascal Jaulent of Face à Face Paris.
Do you have a particular male model in mind when you design men’s eyewear? “Design meets the personality of the wearer. The men I am designing for will express energy, contemporary elegance, an assertive character in a well-balanced temper. No ‘chichi’ nor useless details; graphic lines will shape a strong look and bold volumes impose a natural confidence. More personally, my ideal male model would be the character of James Bond – Pierce Brosnan being my favourite actor.”
What is your philosopy on colour, material and eyewear shapes for men? “Beside the basic tones of men’s colour universe (black, grey and all metal nuances, classic brown, ink or navy blue, and a little bit of green), colours add the sporty/energy touch that is part of most men’s personality. These flashes of lightning can be neon orange, green, blue, strong red or bold yellow. I do not like pastel tones nor gold on men. The material dimension, as well as the technical concept are quite important to men: natural materials such as horn, and wood bear the luxury dimension in men’s frames. Both acetate and metal perfectly fit male expectations. Face à Face being rooted in contemporary design, most of our men’s frames have been rectangular/square with both trends to soften or sharpen them.”
Do you think that men are becoming more experimental with their eyewear choices? “I think that men are becoming more experimental in general, and as far as their eyewear is concerned, more aware about self-expression/character, function and fashion. No doubt that we still have a lot to add in order to expand the potential of the men’s eyewear market. I am absolutely thinking in that direction.”
11th February 2013 Are you looking for a unique, romantic destination for a Valentine treat? What could be more romantic than a treehouse! The tree houses featured in Taschen’s delightful new book by author Philip Jodidio are a long way from the childhood versions one might have known.
Tree Houses have grown up – and this stunningly illustrated book is a wonderful tour of the best tree houses in the world, some which are designed by architects, others the work of unknown craftsmen. In this era of concern for sustainability and ecological responsibility, the treehouse may also be the ultimate symbol of life in symbiosis with nature.
Whether you can visit these unique structures, or travel there through these gorgeous pages, Tree Houses gives a new perspective on the world – rustic, contemporary and romantic.www.taschen.com JG
Photos: Canopy Tree House Copyright: Inkaterra
Nicko Bjorn Elliot Tree House Copyright: Jesse Colin Jackson
8th February 2013 Iconic Belgian eyewear company theo has a special bond with Valentine’s Day – a theo year starts on 14 February! To celebrate, theo has launched dashing frames in sizzling red, including Coconut 8 (above) with its daring shape and bi-colouration. Sure to please your beloved!
Theo has also collaborated for the third time with designer James Van Vossel. His latest creation is frames with integrated nose pads (above). Out of one thin metal plate, Van Vossel cut a shape in which he already provided a nosepiece. Then, he bent the nosepiece backwards, so there is no frame between the lens and the nose. An innovative masterpiece! James 6 is a trendy round shape and in bright red – brimming with colour vitality. www.theo.be JG
7th February 2013 Take a peak at the latest eyewear emporium in L.A…a new GLCO (Garrett Leight) store that will be the mothership of this growing L.A. specs label headed by the son of the founder of Oliver Peoples, Larry Leight – or the “Prince William of the LA shades scene!” as ‘Urbandaddy’ cutely calls him! With its slick but laid back ambiance, the design of this cool glasses destination perfectly reflects the core values of this young, energy-infused label that focuses on classic design and fine quality.
Garrett explains the new location: “We needed to be in West Hollywood because there is a demand for our product there. The individuals that hang out in this neighborhood are most in line with the characters that are attracted to our brand DNA, and overall it makes the Garrett Leight experience more central to the city of Los Angeles.
“We now have the shop in Venice Beach on Abbot Kinney Blvd. called A. Kinney Court and the new La Brea store. My goal is to continue loving what I do on a daily basis, which is creating brand equity by maintaing our integrity and respect for design, quality, style, and value.
“I am a one-step-at-a-time person, and any brand is a reflection of its leader. Right now we are continuing to hire great people to join the team, building a great office for ourselves in downtown Los Angeles, and developing my vision for the future of the optical industry. America and Asia are a major focus for us this year. Europe is also strong for us.”
So the expansion continues? “Expansion is always a part of the plan, GLCO is trying to change the world.” And clearly that is a serious promise of exciting things to come. We are watching. CN
GLCO, Garrett Leight, La Brea, 165 S. La Brea, Los Angeles www.garrettleight.com
For more on Eyestylist on Garrett Leight designs click on www.eyestylist.com/2012/07/when-paris-meets-los-angeles/