We were honoured this year to be one of only a few UK retailers to exclusively view and purchase the new Tom Ford and Céline eyewear collections. We thought we’d take the time to give you an exclusive look at them and also to see the stunning location where they are hand crafted by local experts - Longarone, Italy.

On 1st July we flew out to Venice accompanied by our wonderful Marcolin representative. Marcolin are involved with the production and distribution of millions of eyewear every year, including such brands as Guess and Roberto Cavalli as well as their biggest brand, Tom Ford.

We were greeted by a Champagne reception and a feast of Italian delicacies upon arrival at our hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, 2 hours north of Venice. It was the beautiful Grand Savoia right in the middle of the town and situated in the shadow of the Dolomites. Primarily a ski resort, in summer it accommodates those who love outdoors activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

View from the Grand Savoia

The attention to detail within the hotel was stunning with many beautiful pieces of art comparable with the views just outside of the hotel. The town centre also features a good range of designer stores such as Moncler and Jimmy Choo for those looking for some luxury goods to take home.

Exploring the town of Cortina

Stunning artwork inside the hotel

Tom Ford New Collection

The following day we had an excellent continental breakfast and made our way to Longarone, a one hour drive down the mountains and we enjoyed the gorgeous scenery.

We started the day viewing the new collections of each of the brands. There is definitely an increase in trend in metal rimmed sunglasses and the new collections heavily feature bold colours as well as the ever popular black and Havana combination. Some examples in the Tom Ford range are below.

Some of the new Tom Ford sunglasses - autumn/winter collection

We were also given a sneak peek at the concept art which has inspired many frames of the new collection:

Origin artwork

Some bold new designs were featured in the brands, including this fascinating angular design by Roberto Cavalli:

Fascinating new design by Roberto Cavalli

We were also given an exclusive tour of the factory where we could see how much attention to detail goes into each individual model. It takes up to one month just to complete the finish on the acetate before each model is meticulously examined and put together by hand! We finished the day seeing and purchasing new Moncler, Ermenegildo Zegna and Guess frames which we are excited to bring to you soon. 

After a busy day of viewing the brands we were taken out for a delicious meal at La Corte del Lampone back in Cortina. Set in a stunning location at the foot of the mountains with panoramic views, we enjoyed some of the best local specialities on offer and a spectacular thunderstorm to view whilst we were eating!

New Season Céline

The Autumn/Winter season will be dominated by large and unique shapes which come in every colour imaginable. This is especially true of Céline, who have provided an exceptional new range of eyewear through their new partnership with Thélios. We were delighted to be asked to view their new collections the next day on our trip. Moving on from the initial release in January, the new range for release around September features the same bright and innovative designs, with a noticeable high level of quality and finish to accompany it.

Samples of the new Céline eyewear collection

It is safe to say that Céline’s new range will not disappoint the seasoned fashion follower and might also impress those who previously only viewed Céline as a handbag and clothing outfit. They are even moving towards their first men’s eyewear collection which we hope to bring to you soon.

Whilst they are keeping things close to the chest and we won’t have the new collection just yet online, we hope to be able to offer them as an exclusive early in 2019, although until then locals can buy them exclusively in our sister store, i2i Opticians in Glasgow (The only Céline eyewear stockist in town!).

We are looking forward to putting our new collections online very soon for the Autumn/Winter collection. We take the importance of quality and authenticity as seriously as the brands do and we are honoured to have been invited as an exclusive set of customers for these brands. In the meantime, do have a look at some of our existing collections and we’ll be sure to let you know when the new releases arrive in stock!

"DiorClub1" visor from the Spring-Summer 2018 show. The black and white frame is adorned with the “J’adior” signature, while the yellow, transparent visor recalls the colourful world of the collection.
The elastic, woven with the inscription “Christian Dior", is adjustable, guaranteeing comfortable wear.
The yellow visor shields against both UVA and UVB rays.

The 30th Anniversary campaign's narrative follows four friends as they discover an abandoned diner on the back roads of the Mojave desert. Fashion icon Amber Valetta leads an all star cast of models who represent both the notable legacy of Oliver Peoples and the brand's aspiring future; including 90's male model de jour, Alex Lundqvist, current editorial staple, Jac, and newcomer Levi Dylan - son of Jakob Dylan and grandson to Bob Dylan. Valetta is no stranger to Linbergh's gaze. The supermodel has posed for his lens countless times over her career and the intimacy the two share is palpable through the images they create.

The landscape's picturesque joshua trees, striking mountain ridges and cloud speckled sky add cinematic depth to the black and white editorial. As the band of travelers explore the forgotten desert oasis, the viewer is invited to speculate on their journey: where are they going? where have they been? Desert Stories encapsulates a californian's tendency to follow their curiosities, stray from the beaten path and create unforgettable moments in the most remarkable places. These characteristics are echoed in the codes of Oliver Peoples; Never a trend, always in style ....

SHOP STYLES IN THE CAMPAIGN

The first step in creating this momentous collection was finding a distinctive and beautiful element to feature on each style, while searching through the extensive Oliver Peoples archive, a unique feather filigree was rediscovered. This hand engraved pattern, which adorns the metal components of each frame represents attention to detail and craftmanship. These values remain true through 30 years of history creating timeless, intellectual pieces and trendsetting fashion designs.

Initially launched in 1987, this season's milestone style is the 1955. This frame is reintroduced in new washed acetates and lenses for a unique look. Paying homage to the original and keeping true to the brands heritage, classic tortoise combinations are also offered. Available in both the original optical size and a new larger sunglass.

To honour the art of craftmanship, this collection launches two vintage inspired three-piece rimless designs with wash lenses. For a special niche offering, these intricate pieces feature the feather filigree detailing.

The iconic design of the Swiss Railway clock is clear in Mondaine watches. On a plain white face, these legible timepieces have black hand hour and minute indicators along with a red second hand with a large circle. What makes the Stop2Go different is that when the seconds hand reaches 12 it stops for two seconds, and then jumps ahead as the minute hand advances. The second hand completes a full revolution in 48 seconds..

According to Mondaine, Swiss SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen) clocks have been doing this for about 70 years, with a Swiss desire for accuracy of course. In the 1940s SBB wanted the clocks in each of their train stations to be synchronised.  Trains not only needed to be on time, but train stations each needed to keep the same time.

In 1944 a Swiss engineer named Hans Hilfiker designed a new synchronisation system to ensure  clocks at each station kept the same correct using signals via telephone cables. The system would if necessary correct the clock at thousands of  stations every single minute. The two second pause allows for each clock to be synchronised and the delay gives the clock the ability to correct any albeit unlikely error. Thus, the iconic two second pause each minute as seen on Swiss Railways clocks was borne. It is a unique aspect of Swiss culture, very much in line with the personality of their watch industry.

In the mid 80s watch brand Mondaine agree the license to use the iconic SBB clock face designs in wristwatches. In 2013 Mondaine finally captured the two second delay in a the Stop2Go. This timepiece is very much the same Mondaine Swiss Railways watch that we are used to. The Stop2Go doesn't just have a special quartz movement with the two second delay, but it also features a slightly redesigned case.

The movement is interesting, as is the new case design. In steel, the brushed case is 41mm wide and features a more modern, industrial design. A unique feature is the crown, which is designed to look like a rocker switch.

Inside the watch is a sophisticated caliber 58-02 Swiss quartz movement. Mondaine needed to use two separate motors to make the watch work with the hour and minute hands operating on different gear trains.

The Stop2Go features a premium AR coated sapphire crystal. If you aren't typically interested in quartz watches this is one of the few exceptions we would recommend. It really is an ingenious concept and interpretation of the real world SBB Railways clocks. Mondaine Stop2Go at Pretavoir

Starring in the Winter 2016-2017 catwalk show this beautiful piece features distinctive, innovative mirror lenses with a foliage motif. Developed exclusively for Dior, they demonstrate cutting-edge craftsmanship.

The retro-futuristic round front is a juxtaposition of Havana acetate, while the metal temples are adorned with sophisticated details.
The green mirrored lenses with a foliage motif ensure 100% UV protection. Another example of the determination of la Maison to lead the eyewear industry

You can buy these wonderful sunglasses from Pretavoir here..

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