Eyestylist

Givenchy Aviator

18th May 2011

Model SGV 724

20th May 2011 I have this sunglass sitting on my desk this morning. It’s a classic plastic aviator, a shape I love but unfortunately not one that suits me ..unless anyone wishes to convince me otherwise. This is a design that doesn’t appear to go out of fashion and it has a great versatility so it’s perfect whether you are dressing up or down. This one is nice and light, and has a narrow metal brow bar decorated with minute Givenchy stars. It’s retailing on the Internet at about £155, and comes in black but also a neutral truffle tone.

www.givenchy.com CN

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18th May 2011

Lotho Paris

19th May 2011 The stylish Parisian brand Lotho has just launched a new series of high-tech sunglasses in titanium. I’ve tried on these frames, a trendy blend of retro and modern, and delighted in the fit and sleek design. A smooth matt finish on the titanium lends an air of distinction and finesse to these glasses, and the polymère sides insure perfect comfort. Creamy café, above, is lovely for summer, plus there are four other colours. See www.lotho.fr for additional details on this savvy collection. JG

Boutiques

Carine Van Bossele, Lede, Ghent

16th May 2011

Optical Charm & Chic

16th May 2011 The Flemish region of Belgium is a little jewel, with its charming canals and medieval castles. There is another jewel as well – Carine Van Bossele Opticians. Mme Van Bossele and her son, Véran Bekaert, have a distinctive boutique in the village of Lede. The interior is stunning, and Bekaert explains: “The concept was to mix modern style with the warmth of Asian art and colours.” Throughout the shop are beautiful examples of Asian artefacts – tapestries and sculptures. Visiting Carine Van Bossele is like going to a vernissage – frames are treated as art. “We chose frames because we personally love them for their beauty and colours,” says Bekaert, “and more and more, we are searching for limited series frames – the small collections that have that extra touch. It is a quest to find them! Of course, Théo, Paul Smith, Mykita and Tim Van Steenbergen are always available.”

garden - carine van bossele — Garden, Carine Van Bossele

The shop has a wonderful garden, and in the summer customers enjoy drinks on the terrace while trying on frames. “Bring the world in front of your eyes” is the boutique’s theme. This is successfully accomplished with exclusive collections in stylish surroundings. www.carinevanbossele.be JG

Boutiques

jlc opticien…

14th May 2011

…at Le Bon Marché Paris, France

14th May 2011 Le Bon Marché is the grand dame of Parisian department stores. She is an elegant lady who has reigned supreme in the chic 7th arrondissement since 1852, with the distinction of being the oldest department store in Paris. The imposing structure has stood the test of time, just like Gustav Eiffel’s magnificent tower – he also designed Le Bon Marché. The finest international fashion designers can be found here, plus marvellous accessories.

jlc - le bon marché — Interior, jlc opticien

With summer on the horizon, jlc opticien at Le Bon Marché can also meet your sunglass requirements. The Parisian based optician has a lovely boutique area on the ground floor of the store. In this gracious, spacious area, customers can sit in quiet comfort while browsing, and try on coveted names that include Dita, Salt, Barton Perreira, Oliver Peoples and other designer brands. You’ll find frames in unusual materials and distinctive frame shapes. Excellent service too! Le Bon Marché 24, rue de Sèvres 75007 Paris. jlc opticien also has other boutiques in Paris – check out www.jlcopticien.com JG

Home

Trend alert: show your stripes

13th May 2011

17th May 2011 Joan recently reported on a Marc Jacobs sunglass in stripes…and here is another inspired by lines that is so sweet it had to be included in our display of special sunglass designs for May…”I wanted something fresh and pretty,” explains the French designer Pierre Cariven. The shape and styling are typical of the minimal style for which Pierre has made his name; together with a purity of line and elegance which comes through in the subtle mix of colour.

We think it’s a must-have for those craving a retro, Brigitte Bardot look with nautical overtones, and a perfectly contemporary finish. The optical versions are cute too. If you want to try to find these in the UK, try Schuller Opticians or Viren Jani, or check the list of stockists on the website, www.pierre-eyewear.com CN

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