There is a colour concerto in full swing this season at Orgreen, with the newest collection of Titanium frames. The Danish company loves to experiment, and the results are frames with seductive character and aristocratic charm. Insider(above)unites matt olive brown with matt dusty blue, for men who desire signature styling, and handmade craftsmanship. www.orgreen.dk JG
During Hall of Frames in Zurich, I had the opportunity to see the entire Res/Rei collection, which I admire for its top-notch quality, cutting edge precision, and the beautiful acetates. Domiziano (above) is a perfect example – marbled blue acetate, with a distinguished bridge, combined with stainless steel. Designer Oliviero Zanon takes great pride in creating frames with classical traditions, plus sophisticated chic. www.resrei.com JG
1st November 2012 Located close to Antwerp’s celebrated cathedral, is an eyewear emporium worth celebrating – Somers Optiek – the theo boutique. Approaching the shop from one of Antwerp’s charming alleys, a delightful splash of colour greets the visitor. And the windows are definitely eye-catchers! Among the unique features of the boutique is that there are few frames on display. “We don’t show many glasses,” says Communications Director Miet Vaes, “as we like the opticians to help the customer to find their perfect glasses.” Sunglasses are displayed on the right of the shop, while there is a separate section, for optical frames. Seventh-five percent of the frames are theo creations, while the balance are guest collections, which rotate on a regular basis.
The two-level shop is a splendid use of space and imagination. On the lower level is an art and photography gallery, plus an area for eye tests. The vibrant colours, beautiful woods, the pleasant lighting and the openness, along with a very friendly staff, provide customers with an upbeat experience…and then, there are the wonderful Theo frames! “We have many professionals who visit the shop,” says Miet, “and they want something they cannot find elsewhere. We like to create that little bit more – the personalised approach that suits their clothes, profession and lifestyle. The time we spend with customers allows us to know them a little bit more, so they feel comfortable and relaxed.”
www.somersoptiek.be JG
1st November 2012 From a very young age, I had the good fortune to be introduced to painting by Edgar Degas. My aunt was enchanted with Impressionist paintings, and Degas was her idol – as he is among many art connoisseurs. His influence in the art world continues to this day, and now for the first time ever, there is an exhibition in Switzerland devoted to the latter part of the French painter’s life. Above: Trois Danseuses jupes violettes, pastel on joined paper c. 1895-1898 Photo: Maurice Aeschimann, Onex/Geneva
Foundation Beyeler in Basel, has assembled 150 works by Degas – rich and various artistic expressions – that include paintings, pastels, drawings, sculptures and photography. It is a rare opportunity to see important works by a 19th century master, as many pieces are from private collections, and rarely on view. Edgar Degas continues until 27th January 2013. www.foundationbeyeler.ch JG
Photo of Jockey Blessé Kunstmuseum Basel/Martin P. Bühler
1st November 2012 The spectacular beauty of the Austrian Tyrol region, and a fascination with classic cars, has produced one of the more unusual – and successful collaborations in eyewear. A chat with any member of the Rolf team usually begins with how beautiful the weather/scenery/trees/snow is in their area. Rolf founders – Roland Wolf, his partner Marija Lljazovic, Marija’s brother Martin, and Christian Wolf (above photo, left to right) – draw upon nature’s mountainous bounty and beauty to create their eyewear. I’ve had the pleasure to chat with Christian on various occasions, and most recently, with Christian’s brother Bernhard, who is Sales Director, during SILMO. Bernhard reiterated how the Tyrol area has influenced their work. “Our parents are natives of this region, and our love of the land is the foundation for our frame creations, with trees and stone enabling us to realise our dream of perfect natural eyewear,” says Bernhard.
Rolf Spectacles burst onto the eyewear scene in 2009 with beautiful wood frames sourced from the Tyrol – and immediately they won a Silmo d’Or, and again in 2010. They won two Red Dot Awards (2010 and 2012); they received the Eyewear of the Year Award in Japan this year; and last month, Rolf Spectacles were the Gold winners in the Hall of Frames/Eyestylist.com Newcomer Awards. Very impressive for a three year old company! The other driving force for Rolf Spectacles is old cars – because decades ago, cars were made by hand. “Nowadays, only a few car companies build cars by hand – this happens everywhere – also in the optical business,” says Christian, “however, at Rolf, everything is made by hand, and crafting just one pair of glasses requires hours of handwork, and a high degree of craftsmanship. The sanding stages require lots of concentration and precision.
“At Rolf, we are always searching for new materials that correspond with the company’s philosophy of using natural sources. One of our challenges was to try a material that was not yet used in eyewear. So stone is the perfect addition to our wood and bamboo frames, since stone also offers unique characteristics.” Rolf Spectacles adhere to the fine traditions of classic crafting and detailing precision, and these qualities are realised in each innovative design in natural materials. www.rolf-spectacles.com JG