Eyestylist

Timeless wood

1st February 2011

Rolf Spectacles

This is a very fresh Austrian brand, winning prizes for their spectacle designs in wood. I’ve just caught site of some of their new shapes. This is a style made from maple, but you can also choose walnut, even bog oak. Each design is handcrafted in the mountains of Austria by a team of young passionate individuals who have an amazing commitment to product development and innovation. They have invented a hinge created out of compressed wood, so there are no metal parts at all in these designs. CN

To find out more about Rolf, visit www.rolf-spectacles.com

Home

Romantic Sparklers

1st February 2011

Swarovski eyewear

The first thought that usually pops to mind with Swarovski is their legend of shimmering crystals transformed into beautiful jewellery. Finely cut crystals, artisanal craftsmanship and innovative design are all part of the Swarovski history, that began in 1895. However, this is just one aspect of the Austrian based company.

I attended a Press Day in London for Swarovski, where they unveiled their new eyewear styles for 2011, and I was able to view, and try on their exquisite collection of eyewear that truly sparkles. The company’s “Swanflower” motif – a delicate swan shaped to form a flower – is integrated into the designs. Among my favourites is the model Aquarelle, a romantic frame in metal and acetate, with the small “Swanflower” on the edge of the lenses. These ultra-glamorous, precision-made frames are a delight to wear. JG www.swarovski.com

Boutiques

Kirk Originals

1st February 2011

Flagship store celebrates London opening

Kirk Orginals have long had their headquarters in Covent Garden…but all has changed..a newly designed one has opened in Conduit Street, just near Regent’s Street, in the centre of London…and what a joy to see such a thing. There are so many eyewear brands opening their stores around the world, London was just waiting for this…

I visited a few days ago for the launch party. This is a very contemporary looking optician’s store showing the full Kirk Originals’ repertoire of frames, which are exhibited in a fun, accessible way: each frame is like a work of art, displayed on white faces with expressive “lenticular” eyes that change as the customer moves around. The interior and window displays are inspired by the Kirk Originals’ Kinetic Collection, a line which uses lenticular printing (the technical term for this type of “moving” almost 3 dimensional, colour-changing imagery) to decorate the temples of the glasses.

In addition, director of the brand, Jason Kirk has hand-picked two international eyewear brands that are available here exclusively: the very dashing Leisure Society collection, which is a luxurious treat with high prices but incredible design, clever detailing and lots of West Coast pizzazz: I have seen this line in its entirety recently, and it certainly stands out. And there is also Undostrial, an industrial, street brand from France that offers a slightly more conservative but nicely created range of colourful specs, primarily in metal. Indications are that there are more exciting brands coming soon. CN

Kirk Originals, 6 Conduit Street, W1S 1XE www.kirkoriginals.com

Boutiques

Lunettes Collection Torstrasse, Berlin

1st February 2011

A 1950s optical paradise

Necessity is the mother of invention, wrote Plato, centuries ago. And it was necessity that sparked the concept for an unusual eyewear boutique in Berlin.

Uta Geyer looked for a vintage frame when she started wearing glasses. Her profession was as a theatre decorator, so she was always looking for vintage accessories, which she loves. When she could not find a frame she liked – she opened her own store – in fact two shops, specialising in vintage eyewear. The first boutique, on the Marienburger is a charming little oasis in seventeen square metres. The latest jewel on the Torstrasse is bigger – fifty square meters that she opened in 2010.

The Torstrasse boutique is fresh and inviting – pristine white is the perfect, unobtrusive background for an astounding collection of vintage frames. Plus, authentic furniture from 1950’s optical shops add to the allure. Clients can happily browse and try on vintage frames that are perched on top of the dark wood cabinets. Uta says that people have a continuing fascination with vintage eyewear.

Lunettes Brillenagentur - Berlin2 — A 50s styled interior, Lunettes Selection, Torstrasse

“The quality of these old frames is amazing, much better than most contemporary mass production,” she observes, “and vintage designs are more individual, and not as streamlined as today’s eyewear. This is probably because designs are now made by 3D programmes, and not drawn on paper anymore. Many of the frames are one of a kind, and people love the idea of having something just for themselves. However, it’s harder and harder to find authentic vintage frames.” (more…)

Category header

Babou Olengha

1st February 2011

Butcher Couture

Babou brings an intriguing international background to her designs for Butcher Couture – leather frames that are created with her philosophy of “Slow Design”. That is the term that the designer uses for her framecreations that are made with traditional manufacturing processes, and working with skilled craftspeople and artisans. She is also an avid believer in using natural materials whenever possible, and likes to design frames that merge both style and functionality.

I had the pleasure of meeting the personable and charming designer last summer in Paris, and was impressed not only with her innovative frames, but her philosophy and unconventional approach to frame design.

Babou was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but grew up primarily in the UK, and attended University in England. She now divides her time between Oslo and London, perfecting her craft of Optical Tailoring in frames, which are made in France – giving a global flavour to her products.

She emphasises that the overall focus of Butcher Couture is to offer design, quality and to evoke timelessness. In addition to frames available in boutiques, customers are able to purchase and commission frames on a made-to-order basis, and clients can choose from a selection of leathers, threads and various finishes. “I’ve always enjoyed a love affair with leather, which I believe is inherently linked to my love of all things craft and artisan,” she says, “and since starting Butcher Couture in 2007, my passion for leather is a crescendo into somewhat of a full blown obsession. (more…)

First look: J. F. Rey for Silmo Paris

REGRIND produce recycled eyewear material for fashion brands

Silmo Paris 2024: new directions

Silmo Preview: Danielle Rattray

Silmo Preview: design details shine again

Silmo preview: Mystique ombré glasses by Ørgreen Optics

Eyestylist

Timeless wood

Rolf Spectacles

Romantic Sparklers

Swarovski eyewear

Kirk Originals

Flagship store celebrates London opening

Lunettes Collection Torstrasse, Berlin

A 1950s optical paradise

Babou Olengha

Butcher Couture