Eyestylist

LDS 09

1st February 2012

Lucas De Staël, Paris

Founder of Paris based spectacles company Undostrial, Lucas de Staël has launched his own eponymous label, after two years of detailed research and development. The designs in the first collection, Once Upon a Time, play with organic materials such as wood and leather, placed together with cold stainless steel. As the designer explains, “As if worked by a silversmith, the frames perfectly balance flexibility and lightness, classicism and purism. Each frame is comfortable and as pretty as a jewel!” I saw these for the first time in Munich last month and found them very exciting in terms of the way in which the two types of material, organic and metal, are combined….11 shapes, 7 leather colours and 5 wood options are available. www.lucasdestael.com CN

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Reviews

Wim

1st February 2012

Martin & Martin

I am always very impressed by the finishes of this acetate collection when I have the frames in my hands, and I had the pleasure of seeing these models a few weeks ago. They are the work of a small German label, Martin & Martin. Model Wim is available in six different colours, some of which are transparent with a graduated effect, and some of which combine colour with an elegant wood-look finish (such as the red and natural lining pictured above). See the full collection and visit the brand’s new website at www.martinxmartin.de/brillenfassungen CN

Eight

Lunor I 12

1st February 2012

Lunor

With its traditional styling and craftsmanship using precious contemporary materials, this classic from luxury company Lunor is very good-looking. It has a telescopic slide temple, which allows you to extend the sides – this was typical of mid 19th century metal spectacles and was a temple style known in France as early as the 1780s – and this feature has been developed especially by the makers, in a modern context. The frame also features an open temple tip, also used in the 19th century, and emerging today as a smart trendy design feature. For added luxury, these Lunor spectacles are delivered in a smart individual folding wood case. Lunor is based in Germany and was set up by Gernot Lindner, an eyewear collector who has his own collection of antique spectacles dating from 1650 to 1950. The company is now run by Lindner’s friend, Ulrich Fux, a master optician, and his son, Michael. www.lunor.de CN

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Nine

Horde

1st February 2012

Lafont

2012 sees some new interpretations using carbon in eyewear…this material tends to have an industrial feel but Lafont has come up with something quite different to create a very chic finish. Spotted at the trade show Silmo in the autumn, (and I’ve been eager to show it), model Horde conbines carbon temples with a colourful transparent acetate…both materials are patterned but in such a way that it avoids being flashy and manages to capture an elegant feeling….and a refreshing one that moves away from classic black and the slightly overplayed geek chic formula. Lafont has also created handsome “Riviera” sunglasses using the carbon, which combine French class and a touch of innovation with the clever use of the material. www.lafont.com CN

Boutiques

Selima Optique

1st February 2012

Parisian Haven for Vintage Eyewear

1st February 2012 The Marais district of Paris has a long, aristocratic history with beautiful 18th and 19th century architectural gems- some of the most elegant in the city. On cosy rue Vieille du Temple, a newer gem in the heart of the Marais opened in 1996 – Selima Optique. The original Selima boutique opened in New York City in 1992, but Selima admits she loves Paris. So this chic little haven was opened, run by Selima’s sister and business partner, Aida Abdelouahab, who offers a warm ‘bienvenue’ to the constant stream of vintage eyewear enthusiasts who flock through the doors. The shop is vintage eyewear paradise – original frames share space with fabulous photos, furniture, artefacts and accessories, along with vintage inspired glasses created by Selima. The girls love accesories, so they have designed a collection of great hats, also available in the shop.

selima-optique-andy-frames-1 — Andy Warhol Frames by Selima Optique

“I travel a lot, and I’m always looking and looking,” says Aida, “we like old, new and the future – so do our customers.” ‘Old’ is the original designs sought throughout voyages; ‘new’ is the Selima vintage-inspired creations handmade in France; and the ‘future’ is in combining retro with a few distinctive brands that hold to the high standards of Selima Optique – so you’ll find frame highlights from LGR, Cutler & Gross, Bottega Veneta, RVS by V, and Vic from Switzerland. Selima Optique 46, rue du Vieille Temple 75004 Paris www.selimaoptique.com JG

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LDS 09

Lucas De Staël, Paris

Wim

Martin & Martin

Lunor I 12

Lunor

Horde

Lafont

Selima Optique

Parisian Haven for Vintage Eyewear