Eyestylist

| Eyestylist 10th July 2023

Eyestylist Exclusive: Labor, Seoul

Chief designer at Labor, B. W. Seo is designing frames in Seoul, with a focus on well-considered, essential design, strict craftsmanship and – an important highlight – the avoidance of unnecessary waste. The products are produced in Mazzucchelli  and Jimei sheets. We found out more from the heart of the studio…..

Labor regard eyewear as a tool with a balance of essentials and aesthetics for modern individuals. “The spirit of Labor is determined to pursue the highest level of perfection that a good product should have,” the team explains. They strive for well-considered design, an aesthetic that will improve daily life, and place emphasis on the avoidance of overconsumption and unnecessary goods. The line is already stocked in some famous opticians across the globe. Above: the collection at Labor is distinctive, with a minimal aesthetic and timeless yet interesting finishing

Patrol by Labor – an elegant glossy acetate gives character

For the frames themselves, Labor focuses on essentials and details, artisan quality and forms and volumes that are simple, comfortable and always flattering. Sombre classic colours sit alongside a bright tone of yellow, soft pink and natural green which add a special flavour and aesthetic style.

Dyer by Labor – soft curves and a gentle oval shape – the colour is Utah pink with very light pink lenses

Labor has a fascinating collection of microfibre cleaning cloths which feature limited art prints. The CHINTZ cloths are produced in a limited run in South Korea. Labor frames are now available worldwide in some of the most exclusive stores including H. Lorenzo (W. Hollywood), Gogosha Optique (LA), Dr. York (Mexico), Le Claireur (Paris), HauteEye (Seoul) and Tartaras (Athens). For more information about Labor, visit www.liveonlabor.com

| Eyestylist 7th July 2023

Lunettes Alf in Rotterdam pop-up

The French brand has launched a pop-up at the independent store, Blick Brillen

The Paris-based eyewear label Lunettes Alf has launched its first pop-up with Blick, the optical store which has a dedicated store space for partner brands. Above: the exterior of the Blick Brillen in Rotterdam

The Lunettes ALF collection is highlighted at Blick Brillen

ALF’s collection was launched in store at a party event on 30th June, and is now on display for 3 months, featuring optical models and sunglasses from across the collection.

Exploring the classical elegance of French-made acetate glasses, Lunettes Alf is inspired by classical timeless frames of the past, and uses exclusive high-quality Japanese materials in combination with anti-reflective photochromic mineral glasses and genuine leather cord and case. The label was created by two brothers, Germain and Alexis Bouchara, in Paris in 2018.

Pannekoekstraat 37A, 3011 LC Rotterdam For more information visit https://blick.nl/nl/home / www.lunettes-alf.com

| Eyestylist 5th July 2023

New opening: Seeana Black Store, Aveiro, Portugal

Seeana’s second store in Aveiro is dedicated to bold, beautiful fashion eyewear

The Portuguese eyewear store Seeana has opened a second store in the city of Aveiro, north of Lisbon. Inaugurated in June 2023, the new boutique, which features striking, full-height glass windows, launches with a handpicked selection of independent and more mainstream eyewear brands, chosen for a discerning customer who is looking for something different and unique. Above: the exterior of the newly opened Seeana Black store 

Interior of the new Seeana Black: independent brands available include the Porto-based eyewear brand, VAVA

The new store features a large, open retail space with wooden floors, sleek industrial furnishings and glass fronted displays, with plenty of space to try on frames in a well-lit and well presented showroom.

Interior: high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows characterise the interior space, where customers can try on frames in a comfortable light space, equipped with small tables

Specialists in optics and eyecare, Seeana dates back to 1995 and represents a leading optical retailer in the city of Alveiro, offering state-of-the-art optometry and optical care with emphasis on a high-quality, customised service adapted to the individual needs of the customer.

The new store is located at Alameda Silva Rocha, 72, Alveiro, Portugal. Photography by Nuno Freire – mind.art | photography. To find out more about the shop visit www.seeanaeyewear.com

| Eyestylist 4th July 2023

Carla Fuentes for FOLC Eyewear

A new collaboration with artist Carla Fuentes

Barcelona’s exclusive independent eyewear label FOLC introduces a new collaboration with the Spanish artist Carla Fuentes, resulting in evocative portraits which the brand is featuring for their latest cleaning cloths for summer 2023.

Fuentes created two oil paintings inspired directly from the FOLC campaign. Printed on different sustainable textile supports, Folc has designed and locally produced a limited edition of cleaning cloths that accompany the sunglasses and eyewear collection.

Carla Fuentes (Valencia, 1986) has created visuals and album covers for bands and solo artists such as Polock, Russian Red, Hewel, and Ariel Pink. Her work has been published around the world. Find out more at www.folc-eyewear.com Above: The making of the portraits, featuring the artist.

| Eyestylist 3rd July 2023

Hall of Frames, Lucerne

The popular Hall of Frames event for independent opticians returns to Lucerne on 24th September 2023

Hall of Frames (HOF) will return to Lucerne in September for a 1-day event at the renowned lakeside Museum of Transport – one of the most scenic locations in the optical fair calendar. The event, which showcases eyewear brands and work by independent designers from Switzerland and Europe, will be held in a large exhibition hall with table space for all exhibitors. Show organiser Nathanaël Wenger told Eyestylist he expects forty brands to participate, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the Swiss eyewear scene. Above: Nirvan Javan’s new Shades of Toronto collection was released last month. Hall of Frames will be an opportunity to see the young Swiss brand’s latest ranges in a friendly and convivial setting

Visitors to the Hall of Frames can expect to see a wide range of eyewear styles at the fair, with exhibitors including iconic brands and specialist designers, among them Coblens, Nirvan Javan, Morel, Moscot NYC, Orgreen, Rolf Spectacles, Porsche Design, and You Mawo, among others.

High tech eyewear – Porsche Design – Patrick Dempsey Edition: Porsche Design attend Hall of Frames this September

Nathanaël Wenger has confirmed that Beck Optikhandel has joined HOF as one of their partner companies for the 2023 event. Beck Optikhandel distributes a large assortment of optical products throughout Switzerland. HOF’s main partner, Nikon, will continue its cooperation with the exhibition.

MOREL 20173K: made in the Jura (France) – the French company returns to the event in Switzerland this year
The material variety and colour expertise of Ørgreen Optics are always highlights at the Hall of Frames event

Dynoptic, an association of around 100 owner-managed opticians from all over Switzerland, the Basel-based architectural firm Studio Arenas and Contedi, a developer of online tools for opticians, will also be back as partner companies. The fair has confirmed that bookings remain open for independent brands who wish to take part. For more details, visit www.hallofframes.ch