Barton Perreira
The transparent glow of silky hunter green zyl highlights the beautiful shape of this frame by the California design duo Patty Perreira and Bill Barton. “Luxury” is a keynote word for all Barton Perreira creations – luxury in style, material, fit and craftsmanship. Just a hint of a cat eye shape brings extra allure to this deftly crafted design. Other colours available include shiny black, plum and umber tortoise. You can find a lovely selection of Barton Perreira frames at jlc opticien in Paris. www.jlcopticien.com Additional information at www.bartonperreira.com JG
Seaside Inspirations
The Sea and Beyond
1st July 2011 Fashion trends in clothing and eyewear this season look to the sea, and its inspirational surroundings for beautiful colours. We’ve spotted some lovely frames – both in sunglasses and ophthalmic collections – featuring the harmony and moods of the sea, sand and foliage. (Image above: FAB Photos). The colours are very fresh and cool, and they look great with a suntan! Lotho, the Paris based brand, celebrates deep ocean tones in this transparent acetate frame in bold blue and crystal.
I discovered this frame, Polly 5, when I visited the Lotho showroom in Paris, and loved not only the wonderful colour, but the flattering shape and fit. Lotho frames are handmade in Japan, with superb craftsmanship.www.lotho.fr JG
Meanwhile we have also identified this Dior frame above, named Tahuata which has graduated blue to purple lenses and a matching greeny blue sea-inspired frame. An unusual aviator but it’s bang on trend for S/S 2011 and perfect for Mediterranean island hopping. (Visit www.dior.com). CN
Optica no. 5, Alicante, Spain
1st July 2011 I am impressed by the number of beautifully designed new independent optical retailers that we are discovering (please write in if you have a shop in the making that you’d like to show us), and here’s one that I am pleased to have come cross in lovely seaside town Alicante, on the South East coast of Spain. With its minimal white backdrop, Optica no. 5’s pure interior elegantly showcases a wide selection of luxury frames and sunglasses…the philosophy of the owner is that there is a particular style to suit each and every one of us…so they will help you find it!
Open since 2008, the brands available at Optica no. 5 include Mykita, Linda Farrow Vintage, Paul Frank, Anne et Valentin, Oliver Goldsmith, Marni and Cutler & Gross. Emphasis is on variety, so they don’t just stock the latest styles. They choose a wide a selection of lines to suit different personalities – and they cater to local customers and Spanish and foreign tourists visiting the area.
Owner Pablo Martinez Sanchez commented: “We are not satisfied by offering only the latest products. Our aim is to show retro and avantgarde, finely detailed styles and fresh shapes; and truly interesting products, from the most defined sleek model to the most daring chic designs.”
Clever lighting transforms daytime white interior space to fluorescent pink, blue, green or orange on the walls if required in the evening, creating a vibrant and seductive mood.
“The design is really a very personal choice,” says the owner. “We see ourselves as pioneers in optical retailing in Spain. Our products are really different and we are one of just a few independent optical shops offering this level of service here. It works brilliantly.” Optica Numero 5, C. Teniente Alvarez, Soto no 5, Alicante, Spain CN
Jesse Stevens
Finest Seven
New-Zealand born Jesse Stevens, the designer behind Finest Seven, says he is dedicated to excellence. So much so that he is producing some of the styles in his new sunglass collection in the UK where he can oversee every stage of the process and ensure the use of the very best artisan techniques whilst embracing new technologies. His intention is to keep the brand small and very exclusive, with a handful of retail outlets that understand the quality and unique handcrafting of the pieces he has made in a limited number – once sold, these will not be remade.
After 5 years working as an eyewear designer for a number of prestigious internationally renowned eyewear labels, Stevens has created a brand that is quality-driven and, he says, very distinctive. Trained in sculpture, he explains his interest in other design disciplines. He has experience of techniques such as fine metal casting and polishing from this period of his career, skills that are influencing his work in eyewear and choice of luxury metals.
The name Finest Seven refers to the 7 key aspects of eyewear production which the designer strives to incorporate in each Finest Seven design: components, lenses, materials, colour/finish, design, comfort/fit, manufacture. Each area is carefully considered so that the details resonate luxury – from the Carl Zeiss lenses to the handmade cases, produced in Spain by a small artisan company sourced by the designer.
How did the launch go? Jesse explains that he is very happy to have the collection out in the market, and to begin the processes for the creation of the next season’s designs, which he says will include some limited colours especially developed for the snow. “It is a great chance to use some very high quality sports lenses with the usual Finest Seven flare for colour.”
“I am also proud to announce the launch of our Full Bespoke Service. ‘Limit your edition’ is a one to one service for fitting and design. I have been fortunate to track down a craftsman in the Italian Alps. He is a real master with eyewear. I am very excited about this service and we look forward to providing an exceptional level of design and exclusivity.”
And are there new additions to the current luxury line? Jesse says he will add two styles in 2012 using some classy vintage hinges he has unearthed; and there is another Limited Edition also underway.
Finest Seven was launched in the UK in May and is now available in Harvey Nichols, The Eye Company and Hostem. New retailers include Bloomingdales, Dubai, Optical Tailor Cradle, Tokyo, and Harvey Nichols, Hong Kong, planned for later this year. CN
Masters of Style, London, UK
Photography exhibition celebrates Italian fashion
28th June 2011 A new exhibition opens at Somerset House this week, highlighting some of Italy’s mega fashion brands. Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada and Missoni are represented through the years in a photographic display commemorating the passion, flair and creativity of Italian style. The images are accompanied by personal stories, reflections and anecdotes of the Italian designers themselves. CN
Pictured above: Gucci S/S 1991. Picture supplied courtesy of Gucci. Exhibition opens 1st July to 14th August at Somerset House, Embankment Galleries, London, UK