Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 7th September 2011

Wink Optometrists, Melbourne, Australia

7th September Wink Optometrists is an independent eyewear boutique in Melbourne, Australia who introduced me to Karen Walker. “As an optical shop, we are unique,” explains owner Jo Twaddell. “We match customers with frames that enhance their own personality and fit their specific needs. So, rather than just filling shelves with ordinary, mass-produced stock, most of our frames are handmade and some can even be ordered to the customer’s requirements.”

“One of our favourite brands is Karen Walker eyewear. Karen Walker is a prominent womenswear designer from New Zealand, and her foray into eyewear design has been particularly successful because she delivers a product which is quirky and unexpected, rather than a carbon-copy of a pre-existing style. Walker takes risks with everything in her range, from her colourways to her advertising. She designs sunglasses that make a statement of confidence and individuality. As such, the brand is perfect for our store!”

“Another unusual brand that we stock is RVS By V. Inspired by his father’s optical collection as a child, designer Vidal has created a collection of vintage shapes with a fresh eye. The collection is available in a range of bold, matte colours, recreating iconic styles for the modern glasses-wearer. The range is handmade in Turkey and WINK Optometrists is the exclusive Melbourne stockist of the brand.”

For more on this shop visit www.winkoptom.com.au CN

 

| Eyestylist 6th September 2011

Brilmuseum – The Museum of Spectacles

Optical History and Adventures in Amsterdam

6th September 2011 Brilmuseum in Amsterdam is a paradise for eyewear lovers. This quirky, enchanting little museum is a celebration of 700 years of eyewear that includes historical frames, optical instruments, posters, photos, and much more. Mijke Teunissen, the fourth generation of a Netherlands optical family says: “The goal is to illustrate the history, art, culture and development of spectacles.” The adventure begins with eyewear from the 15th century through to the amazing designs from Pierre Marly in the 1960’s, to the acclaimed designers of today – Lafont, l.a.eyeworks, J.F. Rey, Oakley, Christian Roth, Judith Leiber, and many more star-studded names. Repeat visits to this oasis of eyewear fascination is always a pleasure.  www.brilmuseumamsterdam.nl

If Amsterdam isn’t on your immediate travel itinerary, the next best way to “visit” is to get a copy of Spectacles & Sunglasses published by Pepin Press/Amsterdam www.pepinpress.com JG

A favourite month for eyewear

In a month where not one but two key eyewear exhibitions take place (Vision Expo West and Silmo), we look forward to an exciting time, seeing what’s coming up in terms of trends, colours and new launches. We will be reporting on what we think stands out, in previews through September and in the months following these two international shows. As well as introducing a variety of exceptional collections and designs, including some gems from as far afield as Australia, we will be reporting on some favourite finds in the luxury collections. See you in Paris! CN

| Eyestylist 1st September 2011

Trend watch: laser engraving

JF2431 from J.F. Rey

26th September 2011 Laser engraving technology has become increasingly used in eyewear for a variety of effects on the surface of the frame. This exciting design is a very good example, with its modern textured effect and out-there gold colour scheme. It comes from J.F. Rey, the French brand from Marseille. Inspired by the graphic arts, the design has been shortlisted for the Silmo d’Or design award this week. For more on J.F. Rey visit www.jfrey.fr CN

| Eyestylist 1st September 2011

Luxury: Heart of Gold

Sama Eyewear

26th September California based Sama Eyewear has a twofold agenda with the creation of these sunglasses – to design a unique, luxurious frame, and to help young people. The above frame was introduced to celebrate the company’s 10th Anniversary of “Fashion with a Cause.” The net profits from sales of the Heart of Gold series goes to the Sam Vance Foundation to aid young adults with drug additions. Fabricated in pure Titanium, the concept was to create an extraordinary frame that brings absolute attention to the impact of eyewear as “THE” most important accessory. Multi-dimensional jewellery casting, and custom coloured Swarovski crystals add to the allure. Stunning! www.samaeyewear.com JG