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.
“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.”
To keep up with customer demand, Uta decided in 2009 to create her own collection of eyewear – Lunettes Kollektion – modelled on vintage styles, and made in artisanal factories in Austria and Italy. The collection won a prize in Tokyo. Architects, artists, musicians, designers, photographers and fashion people flock to the boutique. “Our customer is everybody who is looking for an individual look,” she says.
If you love authentic, unworn vintage eyewear, then Lunettes-Brillenagentur in Berlin is your destination. In addition, Berlin is a culturally diverse, exciting city with a fascinating history. Lunettes Collection Torstrasse 172 Berlin 10115. www.lunettes-selection.de for shops and online orders. JG