Couture Horn Collection
17th March, 2011 Eyestylist exclusive: TD Tom Davies has launched a couture eyewear collection in one of nature’s most beautiful and luxurious materials – natural buffalo horn. This is an exclusive service for made-to-order glasses. A unique aspect is that customers can select their own pieces of horn from which the glasses will be created. Taking approximately eight weeks to handcraft, the finished product is the epitome of original customization. Angelina Jolie and Kevin Spacey are among Davies’ fans. It’s easy to understand why! In the UK, the frames are available exclusively at Gregory & Seeley, 63 Fleet Street in London (www.gregoryseeley.co.uk), or fittings are available by private appointment at TD Tom Davies +44 (0)208 392 0555. Launching this week at New York’s fashion and medical eyecare event, Vision Expo East (www.visionexpoeast.com). www.tdtomdavies.com JG
TheOphabet
The name says it all
15th March, 2011 The eyewear company Theo has given a whole new meaning to the word round….with these adventurous collectible spectacles…known as theOphabet, featuring capital letters….it’s an irrestistible design which we love for its eccentricity combined with technical prowess. For more awesome, eccentric styles from Belgium and lots of wearable styles too, go to www.theo.be
Colour trend: Spring greens
Cutler & Gross
13th March, 2011 Green is an up and coming colour, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more and more of it next season (A/W 2011/12)….but for now, I have picked out this refreshing Spring green in high-quality acetate from the UK’s Cutler & Gross. Their ‘Mermaid and the Officer’ collection for S/S 2011, which is inspired by “a beautiful seductive sea siren” includes this classic shape (model 1009) which gets a makeover in translucent seaweed green. It’s a fresh alternative to more traditional tones, and a perfect transitional style to take you from Spring into Summer. For more information (and for the relaxing sound of seagulls on the beach when you click onto the site, part and parcel of the ‘Mermaid and the Officer’ story), visit www.cutlerandgross.com CN
J.F. Rey in New York
French brand opens own store
6th March, 2011 The French spectacle brand J.F. Rey has opened an optical boutique in Manhattan this Spring…run by a well-known optician called Joel Name who has been working in the business for many years. The shop can be found at 448 West Broadway, New York NY 10012.
Created by designer Jean-Francois Rey, J.F. Rey frames have a unique look about them – the designs are very trendy, often quite futuristic in shape and concept and feature very accomplished detailing. All J.F. Rey frames are produced in France. The company also produces a label called BOZ, which is very feminine and decorative, again with a unique touch typical of the J.F.Rey design studio. CN
Mido 2011, Milan
An Oasis of Fabulous Frames
Innovation, creativity, superb shapes and a cornucopia of colour were all part of the MIDO scene, the Italian eyewear exhibition. Clodagh and I scurried from designer to designer, delighting in why eyewear is such a sought after accessory. Cat eye shapes dominate, from flirty models like Salt’s Annabel (www.saltoptics.com), to Tom Ford’s glamorously dramatic sunglass interpretation, see above (www.tomford.com).
As spring moves into summer, perfectly round little shapes will be apparent in ophthalmic frames, while bold and striking designs continue to feature in sunglasses. The aviator is revamped in flattering variations for men and women, particularly at Tod’s Eyewear. White frames are a big style statement, perfect for sunny, summery beaches and holiday playgrounds. Crystal frames are also prominent, while vivid colours provide the wow factor. The fabulous desert colours of Palm Springs, California inspire Robert Marc. So watch this space as we bring you continuous updates from this international salon, with news when these exciting collections will be in the shops. JG