28th December 2011 Graz announced the release of this range yesterday. It’s said to feature a combination of various materials and finishes….designer Mulcahy is releasing the first 3 versions this week, but promises more to come. Shapes are stupendous in this line…a square, a hexagon favourite of ours and a lemon shape. www.grazmulcahy.com CN
27th December 2011 Eyewear fans know how inspirational frames can be. Card artists also find eyewear a creative force as frames continue to innovate and stimulate the imagination. Award winning Australian artist Christopher Vine uses vintage-style eyewear for his greeting cards produced by Portfolio in London. Vine’s distinctive colours, creativity and flair have captured an international following. In London, Vine’s cards can be found at Portfolio Cards, 105 Golborne Road W10. www.portfoliocards.com JG
21st December 2011 Eyekemist arrived on the designer eyewear scene in August of this year, and already the frames have attracted an international following. Designer Julien Vansteeger’s first collection features ophthalmic frames in quality acetate that shimmer with delicate luminosity. The multi-talented Belgian, who is also a professional photographer and graphic artist, has created five models, in four luscious colours – velvet, brown, smoke, and ruby (above), each with a hint of subdued retro styling. The intriguing company name derives from Vansteeger’s interest in alchemy, and his desire to “create pieces of art”. He’s off to a great start! www.ugdoptics.com JG
18th December 2011 Femininity, flirtatiousness and flair are the hallmark of Alaïa designs. Women adore his clothes, for their glamour, sensuality, style and cut. To celebrate the couturier’s fabulous collections of the past ten years, The Groninger Museum in Groningen, The Netherlands, presents a stunning exhibition – Azzedine Alaïa in the 21st Century.
Vanessa Friedman in the Financial Times describes the show as: “a tutorial in what happens when an exacting mind relentlessly works a few ideas to their natural extreme – a case study in just how far basic cloth such as knit, wool, cotton and skins can be pushed so that it transforms into something completely other.”
Alaïa’s experimentation and creativity with fabric is splendidly evident, and “completely other”, when translated into designs that embrace and celebrate a woman’s body. This retrospective is a sequel to the original presentation at The Groninger Museum in 1997-1998, that highlighted Alaïa’s early designs. The Tunisian-born Alaïa is one of fashion’s most important couturiers, and the exhibition is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary talents. Until 6 May 2012 www.groningermuseum.nl JG
19th December 2011 There were so many eyewear accessory treasures at La Loop, that while viewing the collection, I felt I was in an exclusive, chic little boutique. Designed by Elizabeth Faraut, the Fresh Water Pearls, (above) are particularly luxurious. These elegant pearls are the perfect way to keep track of your frames. Creative design and patented technology insure that your glasses stay securely in the loop – there is a “magical” hinge on either side of every loop; the hinges work with gravity and swivel in every direction, moving with the wearer. The pearls are exquisite and classically stylish. Available in Paris at Marc le Bihan www.marclebihan.fr www.laloop.com JG