Eyestylist

Three glamorous cat’s eyes

27th April 2012 While there are masses of cat’s eyes, classic and modified, I decided to pick out some special ones for our vintage coverage…but I have to emphasise there really are so many good ones this was not an easy exercise. Here are three that I’ve seen in the last days that have a special something in terms of the styling…. but I have loads more to recommend in our Sunglasses Special next month…

The sunglasses above are a vintage pair, part of a collection by Lunettes Kollektion’s designer Uta Geyer, who has an online vintage store at www.lunettes-shop.de. This is a very strong shape by the much-loved designer Christian Roth, a friend of ours who has made eyewear history with a number of brilliant one-off creations (I didn’t know these were by Christian Roth when I selected them, so it was a pleasant surprise). I’m very keen on the squared off sides of this interpretation, and the lens shape which is cheeky and elegant at the same time.

From this year’s collections, this design from Vanni, an Italian brand produced by Nico Design, has charisma. It is very feminine, cute in its patterning and the two-tone front is a very important trend this year that looks really splendid here. I haven’t tried this on but I should expect it to be an easy-to-wear catseye, sweet and classic.

Also from Italy, by the label Italia Independent, is this hybrid between a catseye and a butterfly design, produced in metal for a completely different effect. The model is called I-I 033M; it is quite sleek and a very nice choice for smaller faces. This colour is punchy, as is the statement gold version. From what I hear this brand is now quite widely available in London; try Bromptons (www.kensingtonopticians.co.uk) 2020 Optical Store (www.20-20.co.uk), or Schullers (www.schulleropticians.com) www.italiaindependent.com CN

Kyla Marion Albany, New York

26th April 2012 “How did I start collecting? My mom loved auctions and antique shops; she had a great eye for Limoges and Bavarian china. Once she went to the Salvation Army and spotted an old serving cart under a pile of junk. So I grew up that way, and then I met my great friend Jamie (passionate Vintage collector and antique dealer), and he introduced me to thrift shops. My first collection and largest, except for Christmas, is a vintage sailor doll and an early pond boat collection. I started that in New York City, during the winter, when I wasn’t sailing. The collection was featured in a magazine called Country Collectibles. Vintage appeals to me because it is so charming and warm. Nothing is made as well now – for instance, I have school chairs at my cottage that have no nails in them. The furniture has a lovely patina, and so do old oil paintings. It’s just a preference. The past is so interesting and collecting is so fun. I go to yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops, and of course, antique shops. I even found a few things on the street. It’s the thrill of the hunt – finding something special unexpectedly – for my collection – or starting a new one. Both homes have vintage furniture, linens, and china. I also have early cement birdbaths and urns, so I enjoy extending my love of vintage outdoors. And of course, I love Vintage eyeglasses, clothes and accessories!” JG

Crystal Frames

24th April 2012 Clear plastic – or crystal – frames were a stylish expression in the 1950’s and 60’s – as they are today! Designers are re-inventing – or re-launching – frame designs in elegant, clear crystal. The above frame is from Blue Magic Eye – style 3303 – with distinctive temple detailing.

This handsome vintage concept is sometimes enhanced with new materials, such as Lafont’s combination of crystal and carbon, or spiked with sophistication, as in Framers’ sleek crystal and black sunglasses. www.bluemagiceye.com www.framers.de www.lafont.com JG