2nd August 2011 Now we are starting on our winter trend reports, here is one we like from Face à Face. The French label has adopted the tartan trend in its 2012 collection, by offering six of its top selling frames, including Sagan 1 and Woody, in colourful plaid. Whether it reminds you more of Scottish castles or 1980s punk, it’s a style statement we’ll keep seeing in the coming season. CN
1st August 2011 Amsterdam is a European destination I always enjoy, and a favourite optical shop is located there. I discovered Oogappel several years ago, a boutique with flair, style, desirable fame selections and superb service. Owner Sarah Smit is at the helm of this fashionable boutique, founded by her father thirty-five years ago. “We are an eclectic shop, with collections from luxury brands, but also from creators that we find worldwide”, explains Sarah. “Claire Goldsmith Legacy, Tom Ford, Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, Prada, Théo, Marni, Mosley Tribes, Persol and Dino Art are among the brands we stock. The eyewear is really distinguished with colours, materials, and shapes. Because we are situated in the centre of Amsterdam, in the fashion and museum district, we have visitors from all over the world who visit the boutique”.
The shop location is great, as it’s near the Van Gogh Museum, The Concertgebouw, The Rijksmuseum and the trendy Pieter Cornelisz Hofftstraat, with numerous fashion boutiques. The wood and white leather interior at Oogappel (which means ‘apple of one’s eye’) is very chic, cool and sophisticated. At the entrance is a signature chandelier by Brand van Egmard, the Dutch design duo, who also create amazing pieces for royal palaces and international hotels. If visiting the charming canal city of Amsterdam, hop on the No. 5 tram from Centraal Station to Baerlestraat. You can be assured of a friendly welcome from Sarah, shop manager Bart Singor and staff. Plus you’ll find exciting frames! www.oogappel.com JG
Tom Ford is a man of talent and style, and his glamorous eyewear is a stunning example of those qualities. Catherine, shown above, showcases Ford’s signature inspirations with a wide, cross-front architectural design in metal, a double bridge, and gradient lenses. The voluminous shape is dramatic, and shields the eyes from harsh sunrays. Modern and style setting, this design expresses Ford’s commitment to elegant minimalism and refinement. Tom Ford eyewear is available in London at 36 Opticians, 36 Beauchamp Place, and Fenwick’s on New Bond Street. Further information at www.tomford.com JG
This is a collection that I haven’t seen yet, but I find very intriguing. Respecting the environment is the philosophy behind Tipton Eyewear. Designer Zack Tipton’s handmade frames are created from salvaged acetate and records. The frame featured above is from the Vinylize range, and merges both vintage and modern ingredients that result in a stylish, unique look. The grooves on the frame front are instant distinction. The Budapest based designer also produces a cinematique collection that is created from salvaged acetate, stainless steel and vintage film. The collection is currently distributed in France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary and America. With such an unusual approach to eyewear, it won’t be long before Tipton Eyewear is available in other countries. www.tipton.hu JG
I confess to a passion for voluminous frame shapes, so Fluffer is definitely a design with great appeal – I loved it the moment I saw it. The details are intricate – it’s a classic retro shape, with a 3-dimensional titanium punch-out frame front. The “floating” lenses are securely held in place with nylon wire. Leather simulated enamel inlays accent the top portion of the frame front above each lens. A sterling silver barrel with the Chrome Hearts “plus” motif marks the point where the temples make the transition to Tegu leather – the hide from a Tegu lizard. The end-tips feature the Chrome Hearts motif in sterling silver. Fluffer possesses distinguished characteristics. For further details, visit www.chromehearts.com JG