Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 1st January 2013

Chic Swiss Concept Boutique

Le Labo Sets the Pace for Fashion Accessories

1st January 2013 Followers of Eyestylist know that I really love Switzerland, and I have found yet another reason to be enchanted – a delightful Concept Store in Geneva – Le Labo. The boutique is the creation of Leila Krir, an optician with fashion flair, optical expertise and unbounded enthusiasm. “I worked in the luxury eyewear sector for more than ten years,” explains Leila, “and I acquired great experience and know how in high-end client relationships. I met a lot of opticians and eyewear designers, and I fell in love with many concept stores that I visited during my different journeys. That’s where the idea of combining both the fashion and eyewear aspects originated.”

The boutique opened in September 2011 and the shop features an impressive roster of eyewear designers: L.G.R., Lotho, Andy Wolf, Prism, Strada del Sole, Retrospecs, Marma London, La Loop and Linda Farrow among others. In addition, Le Labo has a variety of unusual accessories that include scarves from Yarnz, hats from Inverni and cuff links by Samuel Gassmann. Leila is also researching other accessories to introduce into the boutique for next summer.

 

Eyewear and Accessories unite fashionably at Le Labo Geneva
Eyewear and Accessories unite fashionably at Le Labo Geneva

The fashion and optical profile is further highlighted with monthly events held in the boutique. “We could have a designer appearance – like Italia Independent, or have a vintage theme, or a Christmas motif, perhaps combining with other stores in Geneva who have the same philosophy,” says Leila, “as our typical customer is trendy and demanding – looking for the ‘rare pearl’.” If Geneva or somewhere in the region is your destination, do include Le Labo on your ‘must see’ list – it’s a wonderful celebration of fashion eyewear and accessories. www.lelabo-geneva.com JG

 

New-season frames

1st January 2013 January is the start of a new hunt for the leading creative designs at Eyestylist.com. I have seen much of Anne et Valentin’s 2013 sun and optical collection but I shall be revisiting this one over and over in the months ahead. One of the women’s specs that pops out from what I have seen so far is this vibrant cat style Adele (above) – a modern take on the traditional catty shape designed in sweet colours including a shiny tortoise and a forest and emerald green. The style is featured in the label’s look book 2013 which we have found very inspiring. And the cat’s eye shape is a safe choice again in 2013 – it’s going to be popular.  www.anneetvalentin.com

Theo / Eye Witness
Theo / Eye Witness

At Theo, the creative eyewear specialists in Antwerp, we have been much impressed by the houndstooth trend they have reinterpreted in frames, first reviewed by Eyestylist here: www.eyestylist.com/2012/11/ew-te-227/. A totally inspired Eye Witness collection combining the innovative, reproduced pattern and trendy colour pairings such as the red with orange highlighted here, we are following this design concept with a close eye. www.theo.be

New children's collection by ic! berlin
New children’s collection by ic! berlin

ic! berlin say they will be showing a new selection of frames for children in Munich in a few weeks time (opti ’13), including this perky little shape with cute eye lashes. This is one of a number of highlights we predict are coming in children’s spectacle design this year. www.ic-berlin.de CN

The season

and reason – for celebration…and we are always ready to toast independent specs designers at Eyestylist! Click on REVIEWS for exceptional shapes and colours in glasses and sunglasses. For creativity from Australia to Iceland, visit Designer of the Month and Boutiques. Valentino is highighted in City Guides, with a stunning exhibition in London. And we highlight frames featuring diamonds and art deco details.  To all our readers – Joyous and Healthy Holidays!

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| Eyestylist 29th December 2012

Ready for Resort!

Colourful Frames for Sunny Climes

29th December 2012 When the temperatures dip to zero, resort fashions look so tempting…..so do sunglasses that look as if they were especially created for the beach and poolside. I’ve come across two lovely styles that are fun, colourful, and perfect for warmer climes and sunny days. Sheriff and Cherry’s nautically inspired Mediterranean blue acetate frames (above style 8766) with blue lenses are spiked with white trim on the temple ends, and an anchor and star motif, handmade in their Croatian workshop. www.sheriffandcherry.com

Beautiful colourations by Andy Wolf
Beautiful colourations by Andy Wolf

 

Both sea and sky tones are featured in Summazeit (above) by Andy Wolf. Luminous acetate in tones of turquoise, violet, yellow and soft pink highlight the round shape. Handcrafted in Austria, the turquoise lenses are stunning! www.andy-wolf.com JG

| Eyestylist 26th December 2012

Trend watch: grainy effects, textures, wood-look

I have been looking at the beautiful grainy effects and natural finishes and textures in eyewear. Not only are we seeing more and more frames made from horn and wood where the natural colouring, texture and natural grains in the material are clearly visible, but there are also more and more wood-look and marbled acetate styles on offer, that have grainy surfaces or striated colouring….all of which are very elegant and show remarkable attention to the end result.

Examples pictured here include the natural horn frame (below) by the Hong Kong based label Rigards – the textured surface is very beautiful, and reminds me of early 15th or 16th handmade spectacles but the Rigard shapes are interesting and often wacky for a 21st century interpretation. www.rigards.com

Horn spectacles by Rigards

The Carter Bond frames (examples top and below), designed by Jono Hennessy, have the warmth and feel of wood to the point where I was sure it was wood; I have a selection of these sitting on my desk and everyone keeps commenting on how cool the matt wood frames are. But I have been put right: “These frames are acetate. It is a technique Jono has developed to give that natural wood look; the frames are fully adjustable, so they adjust and glaze exactly the same as another acetate frame.” Impressive! Designed by Jono Hennessy in Australia. www.carterbond.com

Carter Bond 9039

I am also very taken with the subtle textures inside smooth acetate. The white example from Bologna’s Blue Magic Eye (top image, centre frame, model BME V3107) shows a gentle pattern that is similar to that of the smooth inside of an oyster shell, coloured in a pure striated snow white and combined with a silver metal detail on the arms. It is a very chic design, robust, with a clever pairing of the materials. www.bluemagiceye.com CN