Boutiques

My Glasses Shop, Poulton

5th April 2024

Emma Hutchinson’s colourful eyewear store brings curated contemporary frames to…everybody!

At age 15, Emma Hutchinson, owner of My Glasses Shop in Poulton, worked as a Saturday girl in a quaint local independent opticians, later progressing to a job in one of the largest surfacing and glazing facilities in the UK. “I fell into optics and I have ended up doing a bit of everything,” she told Eyestylist. “After mastering the skill set and gaining the knowledge of this process, I set off on the road meeting opticians up and down the UK as a representative. A practice I visited on the route then offered me the lucky opportunity to join the ABDO Dispensing Optician course alongside working in a beautiful design-led practice in Lytham. After 16 years working for other people, a life encounter gave me the harsh reminder that life is too short. It was at this stage in my career, I decided to open a glasses shop of my own, My Glasses Shop.”

Hutchinson has designed and curated the store with a unique personality and individual style – the furniture is particularly fun, as are the art objects. She claims that she started out without any particular style of store in mind, and that it grew as she developed it. ” We dived in head first without any concept in mind. What I do know is that I wanted a store that was approachable and that EVERYBODY, no matter what their budget, prescription or style, felt comfortable enough with that they could walk in and feel welcomed wholeheartedly.” Above: the interior features a huge African metal giraffe by Pangea Sculptures

Baloo, the 5 year old Pomapoo “on staff” at My Glasses Shop

The store’s bold colours on white walls and simple white display areas with straight lines and flat uncluttered surfaces where the frame designs are out on show, keep the emphasis on the individuality of style and design details of the frames – with a nod to the artist Mondrian. “Following a trip to Amsterdam and Berlin, we settled on a casual, welcoming art space where frames would be the art that we showcased! A love of all things Bauhaus and De Stijl became a reality in the store!”

theo frames are exhibited with “theo” art works on the walls – alongside pieces of furniture which add bright colours to the space

The style of the interior and furniture derives from the 1930’s. “It is still very much relevant today and lends itself to presenting our products in a clear and simple way without a sterile or overly clinical atmosphere,” Emma explains. “I craved the Belgian brand theo from opening, and with their new POP ART collection by Tim Van Steenbergen and theo designer Serge Bracké, I found inspiration in Roy Lichtenstein!”

Choosing the collections based on customer demographics, the shop currently offers a mix of optical frames and sunglasses reflecting current trends and looks…by theo, Zegna, BOZ, Nike and Struktur Eyewear, to name a few. “I don’t intend for us to educate anyone on what they should and shouldn’t wear. I am also not precious about licensed or branded products as opposed to niche artisan frames, either. If it fits well, the client feels good about themselves and looks fabulous, then I am happy. If I like a frame or brand, me and my team (myself, my life partner and brother) will showcase it and get behind it fully. With this in mind we only buy a collection in depth and run with it. I’ve found if you are confident enough to have a broad representation of the products in the range and actively promote it, it works!”

“We do not require a frame range to be a certain price point before considering it. We love to sell to lovely, gracious people therefore I refuse to oversell on lenses and all our dispenses are prescription appropriate. I opt not to upsell with open-ended questions to inflate dispenses, but to offer the best to the customer, at an ethical price and this has led to a loyal client base, who continue to return for multiple pairs building their eyewear wardrobe, and supporting me on my adventure! “

The store attracts a clientele made up of “all types of wonderful people from all walks of life”. “Some are well known,” Emma says. “Along with several influencers, our dispenses have been seen on the BAFTA’s red carpet and in the Royal Box at WImbledon. We can also throw in a couple of indie rock god’s for good measure – but we won’t say too much!”

Asked about the photos of the Pomapoo we spotted on Instagram, Emma said the store welcomes pets, any time! “Due to the fact we do not refract or offer clinical services, we have an open door policy. All are welcome including our four legged patrons! We also have Baloo, our 5 year old Pomapoo on staff to offer a helping paw during busy periods.”

My Glasses Shop, 10 Tithebarn Street, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7BX Find out more at www.myglassesshop.co.uk

Boutiques

Retrosuperfuture opens store in Mexico City

26th February 2024

The brand has opened the architect-designed store in Av. Tamaulipas 141

Situated in the vibrant La Condesa area, RSF Mexico City was conceived and designed by RSF’s creative team in collaboration with architect Paul Cournet. The compact store is designed for an organic flow, emphasising key functional elements.

On one side, a custom stainless steel build-out provides a multifunctional experience. Clients can explore the Retrosuperfuture collections on display, starting with a curated selection of pieces. Below, drawers conceal soft velvet pads for placing selections and exploring options. Further down, clients can delve into RSF’s full collections, collaborations, and the vast selection of both sun as well as optical RX frames. Above: the exterior of the new store – opened in February 2024

Retrosuperfuture – interior – photography by Alejandro Ramirez Orozco

On the opposite side, a full-height mirror spans floor to ceiling, and throughout the entire store, offering a comprehensive view for clients to fully see themselves and their eyewear choices. A huge, fully dimmable lightbox graces the ceiling, replicating the ambiance and warmth of a sunset to enhance the overall mood. For a comprehensive optical service, RSF’s Mexico City store includes private visiting rooms equipped with licensed opticians, optometrists and Zeiss vision testing machines to address clients’ ophthalmic needs. Find out more at www.retrosuperfuture.com

Av. Tamaulipas 141, Condesa, CDMX Mexico City, Mexico. Monday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm.

Boutiques

10 questions: Elena Serrano Pelaez, Optica Rosal 21

12th December 2023

On a mission to allow as many people as possible to see themselves through stunning frames, Elena Serrano Pelaez founded Optica Rosal 21 – a curated, unique and ambitious eyewear boutique based in Oviedo, Spain. Eyestylist speaks to the entrepreneurial, passionate founder…

1. Tell us a little bit about the road you took to establish Optica Rosal 21? From the first steps I took, my passion for design, fashion, and art has been unwavering. My godfather played a crucial role in intensifying these emotions, guiding me through art exhibitions and fashion shops when I could barely spell my own name. As a teenager, the desire to establish my own business and share my feelings with open-minded individuals already burned within me. Passing optical shops, a fascination with the intricacies of the nose prostheses that enhance vision compelled me to dedicate my life to designer eyewear. This bold decision, made 18 years ago, marked my leap into entrepreneurship. Selling my dream to the bank, I secured the funds to establish my vision—a unique optical design shop challenging the norms in the North of Spain. Fortuitously, the local emphasis on quality and added value became my advantage. The love for my job, coupled with curiosity, instinct, and a passion for travel, allowed me to broaden my horizons beyond Spain and create a distinctive optical design shop.

2. What is it about your business that sets it apart from the rest? My motto, “Think outside my house,” holds great importance to me. While I avoid scrutinising my competition, my eyes are wide open to global developments. I am a perpetual learner, observing, absorbing, and seeking inspiration everywhere I go. This approach fuels my daily commitment to enhancing my shop. Unlike many opticians hesitant about change, I actively embrace it. I seek shifts within our business and, more significantly, in external factors like fashion, music, and street culture. Simultaneously, I invest in personal growth through continuous participation in workshops and training. This enriching process allows me to adapt and mould my shop in response to constant evolution.

3. What is your favourite era / genre of design and why? My affinity for women’s glasses from the ’70s, characterised by oversized frames, smooth shapes, and gradient lenses, reflects my admiration for their femininity, humour, and power. Brands and designers inspired by that era always capture my attention. The trend for men emerged in the late ’80s and early ’90s, featuring small, round, oval, or geometrical frames. Iconic frames, like those designed by Matsuda, gained fame through the film industry, enhancing the personality of male actors in movies like Alien and Interview with the Vampire. Above + below: Elena Serrano Pelaez founder of Optica Rosal 21

4. How do you identify and define your customer base? My customers are individuals who appreciate being different and unique. While some lean towards modern styles, a significant portion prefers classic aesthetics. They seek frames that stand out, avoiding common choices. Trusting our carefully curated selection of brands, they value the time and professional dedication we invest in their choices. Whether avant-garde or classic, they desire an extraordinary frame that aligns with their personal style. The process of choosing new glasses involves comprehensive guidance, addressing potential insecurities. We precisely explain how their chosen frame will enhance their image, reflecting our shared appreciation for design, high quality, and craftsmanship.

5. Is there a specific process you take to select the brands or frames you stock in-store? Categorising customers into four types, each associated with a specific brand, demands excellence in quality and service. These brands must evoke genuine enthusiasm, leading to a personal connection where I fall in love and experience butterflies in my stomach. Equally important is their DNA and storytelling aligning with mine.

6. What pair of frames, if any, illustrates your personality best? Evolution is a constant in my personality, reflecting in my choice of frames. Currently favouring vibrant colours—a departure for me—oversized frames remain a consistent preference. If I were to define myself with a brand, it would undoubtedly be Theo. Like Theo, I am not merely fashion; I am simultaneously very fashionable. Our evolution over the years respects core values while adapting to changing times.

7. Do you think social media is an integral part of owning an eyewear boutique these days? In my opinion, social media is the primary window that opticians have in 2023. It offers a platform to communicate and inform customers, showcasing my identity and values—a personal brand. The dedication to this endeavour involves regular collaboration with my social media coach, ensuring I stay abreast of the latest trends and evolutions. My advice emphasises quality over quantity—favouring fewer but genuinely interested and loyal followers who, in turn, become advocates within their social networks. This approach fosters organic growth, focusing on genuine connections.

8. Would you rather: coloured or monochrome frames? Colour holds immense power for me, defining individuals. Encouraging customers to shift from neutral to powerful colours or glasses with colour accents involves a process that challenges them to see themselves without filters. Collaboration with brands strong in colour facilitates this shift, and successfully convincing a customer to embrace a brightly coloured frame brings me immense satisfaction.

9. Do you have any exciting news or updates on the horizon? This question excites me, coming at the perfect time. I am convinced that Spain is ready for more high-end optical boutique shops, led by opticians with a clear vision. Rejecting the conventional image of medical professionals, I emphasise showcasing passion and personality in this beautiful profession. Consequently, I created a platform for opticians eager to elevate their practices. I am proud to announce the participation of a European university certifying my efforts. Through direct mentoring, I aim to guide shops and opticians toward enormous change and progress, sharing the experience and knowledge accumulated over the last 18 years.

10. What is the big dream for Optica Rosal 21? The grand dream for Optica Rosal 21 is to see people from Oviedo and beyond adorning themselves with beautiful designer frames, understanding the transformative effect and benefits of high-quality eyewear. I aspire for Optica Rosal to be recognised for enhancing the aesthetics of individuals, providing not just unique eyewear advice but making a style statement. Dreaming big extends to my academy, with a focus on elevating the quality of the optical business in Spain. I genuinely believe that exceptional service and the offering of high-quality brands will reshape public perceptions of our profession. In conclusion, my promise is that by infusing fun into the eyewear buying process and emphasising business development over routine operations, we can trigger a transformative shift in how customers perceive our profession, leading to the growth of our businesses. In essence, 1+1 equals 3. Visit the Optica Rosal to get inspired at https://opticarosal21.com

Boutiques

Žilka Optik Studio, Prague

20th November 2023

The new Žilka Optik Studio interior was designed by owner/founder Filip Žilka and realised by Olgoj Chorchoj studio – large glass windows have been installed to accommodate the display of art installations

Žilka Optik Studio, an established fine eyewear destination which opened 25 years ago in Prague (Czech Republic) has marked its anniversary this year with the unveiling of a newly designed state-of-the-art space in the historic centre of the city in June 2023. Their retail concept represents one of the most exceptional to have been announced this year. The new striking interior was designed by owner Filip Žilka and carried out by the renowned Olgoj Chorchoj Prague-based studio (www.olgojchorchoj.cz).

More akin to a prestigious art gallery than a shop, the spot-lit windows of the studio embrace Žilka’s particular approach to eyewear. “Glasses are not just a mere accessory,” says the owner who is well known for his particular philosophy for matching the perfect frame to the individual’s character, “but they symbolise and reflect the wearer’s personality. Our current window display was produced by the studio of the National Theatre under the creative direction of Marek Cpin.” Pictured above, works by Marek Cpin. Cpin is a well known set and costume designer who studied at the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts (Brno, Czech Republic).

A circular room within the minimal space at Žilka Optik Studio – *photo Filip Slapal*

The refined and minimal interior features a circular room lined with frames presented on translucent white displays, and hidden behind a curtain. Žilka explains this feature as part of his philosophy of finding the ideal frame: “The client coming to us here does not select their next frame on their own, the selection of frames is curated for them by our team. It is always our intention to sell “eyewear by Žilka” which sums up our knowledge and expertise. Our individual approach is a superior opportunity for our clientele beyond the brands and designs themselves.”

The circular room within the interior – hidden behind a light blue curtain *Photo:* *Filip Slapal*

Asked to pinpoint his particular concept, Žilka said: “My key intention and criteria was to always collaborate with the designers who create eyewear, and have a personal dialogue and connection with them. Our overall concept is based on a stylistic approach that uses our expertise in physiognomy, non-verbal communication and the psychological profiles of each personality type”. He adds that his aim is to bring out the client’s character and link it with a matching pair of frames. This requires a personal appointment at the studio.

Žilka Optik Studio – a relaxing area for clients to enjoy

Currently, although always fluid, the portfolio of brands offered in the store has been handpicked to offer a variety of eyewear styles for various types of clients – from the extravagant to the more conservative. “My personal favourite brands include Jacques Marie Mage, Blake Kuwahara, Matsuda, LINDBERG and Rigards; two of our latest additions to the family are Kuboraum and Esmont.”

To find out more about the store visit www.zilkastudio.cz. All photos by Filip Slapal – provided by Žilka Optik Studio. Copyright applies.

Boutiques

10 questions: Dr Philip + Dr Erica Meltzer, Spectacles of Great Neck

11th September 2023

A father and daughter optical enterprise on Long Island (NYC), Spectacles of Great Neck has become one of our favourite retailers to follow on social media. Dr Philip Meltzer opened the business in 1988, with Erica joining in 2022. Their professionalism, quality eyecare service and eyewear offering – presented with an infectious, original energy on Insta reels – are making an impression that goes far beyond the community they serve. Here we asked them a little bit more about the business and their working life together.

1. Tell us about the store, which I think has quite a few years’ history? How long have you and your father been working together? Philip: Spectacles opened in Great Neck, NY in April of 1988, in a town with four other optical stores. With so many options for patients and customers, I knew I had to set myself apart. From day one, Spectacles has prided itself on excellent customer service and has adapted to meet the needs of a changing Great Neck demographic.

Erica: I graduated SUNY College of Optometry in May of 2022, so I’ve been working with dad for the year since. I also spent a lot of time working with him between undergraduate graduation and the beginning of optometry school, so we’ve fallen into a great groove over the last few years. (Above: Erica wears FACE A FACE and Philip wears J.F. Rey)

2. You have had what appears to have been a fabulous career so far in optics. What has made your working life fulfilling so far? Philip:I started my career in optician school before making my way to optometry school, so from the start I was uniquely positioned to see all of the opportunities an optical career has to offer. Nothing has been more rewarding than giving people the gift of sight. Watching someone experience perfect vision for the first time, or the smile on a child’s face when they successfully learn to wear contacts makes every day special. Now after 35 years, the relationships I’ve built with my patients and my community are so fulfilling. Being alongside them as they experience bat-mitzvahs, weddings, children, grandchildren and more has been a career highlight.

3. How do you enjoy working with your daughter Erica? Philip: When my kids went to college I begged them to take some science classes, just in case they wanted to go into a medical career. They both declined my request so I never expected to be lucky enough to work with either of my kids. Now with Erica as an optometrist and Max as a veterinarian, it’s safe to say I was right about the science classes. Words cannot express how elated I am to share this career with my daughter. We are learning so much from each other every day, it has renewed my passion for learning. We have always had an incredible father-daughter relationship, and working together has only strengthened that bond. We have such a great time in the office together, and I love introducing my patients to the future of the practice. I am so proud of all the hard work she put in to get here, and so excited for her to have a career as amazing as I’ve had. My only hope is that she loves it as much as I do, and has a successful 35 years like I’ve had.

4. We absolutely love the Spectacles Instagram feed. When did you launch your Reels – what has inspired you to put so much energy and fun into the store social media? Erica: Wow, thank you! It really is a lot of fun. I’ve been working on it for a little under 10 years now, but the reels have really blown up in the last year. I’ve always had a creative side and didn’t necessarily want to part with that even though I’m in a medical profession. I also worked as a social media manager for local businesses throughout college so I’ve watched Instagram grow and evolve from a business perspective over the last decade. I think it’s really important for brands and businesses to showcase themselves on Instagram, and I think with optometry there are so many ways to do it. I love that optometry has a fashion component and a medical component and I didn’t want to stick with just one on Instagram. Some days you’ll see me posting about contact lens hygiene, the next day a stunning pair of glasses, and other days a silly video with dad. We’ve gotten such amazing feedback on it that I don’t think I could slow down! My favorite (and everyone’s favorite) videos are the ones dad and I film together, we get a lot of good laughs out of those. Of course social media is so important for businesses and brands in today’s era, but we really want our page to showcase our personalities and to be authentic to us and our practice.

5. I know that you are working with a wide range of collections. Are you stocking any independent brands and could you tell us which ones and which ones you like best right now? Erica: I think we do a great job at carrying something for everyone! As far as independent brands go we carry: Barton Perreira, FACE A FACE, Dita, Mykita, Matsuda, J.F. Rey, Chrome Hearts, and a few more. We also carry a handful of luxury fashion names, but we have done a great job at taking independent lines and making them the household fashion names that people now come in looking for.

6. You also have an eye for styling. Is this a natural gift or have you learnt how to do this in the last years? Erica:I have to say I really learned from the best. Watching the frames that dad has picked for people over the years on the first or second try has really taught me so much about how to pick an amazing frame for someone. At this point it comes very naturally to me, and I also try to make it a very collaborative effort with the patient because I want them to truly love their glasses. Now when I work with him I’m secretly trying to be the one to pick the pair that the patient likes best and really become the master!

7. What are your top tips for styling now as we head into Fall? Erica:We’re seeing some really great colors that are still subtle and wearable even for people who are a little timid when it comes to color. There are some gorgeous rich navy colors, aubergines, and green is still going strong from last season. We’re also seeing thick acetates come back into style, and some really cool rimless metal sunglasses that are awesome unisex pieces.

8. Have you a favorite glasses shape and colour which expresses the new – season look? Erica: I’m really loving this piece from Barton Perreira (pictured above) and also an aubergine-toned Fendi (below right) with a gold temple detail. The bold cat-eyes are where it’s at for me right now.

9. Will you shortly be travelling to Vision Expo West or Silmo? Erica: As of right now, we don’t have plans to! After Vision Expo East in March we added a new fundus camera to the practice and don’t currently have our eyes on more medical equipment. As far as frame buying goes, while we do love to walk the shows we usually put all of our effort into Vision Expo East since it’s right in our backyard. But who knows, as it gets closer we might just use it as an excuse for a vacation!

Left: Erica wears Chrome Hearts frame in matt gray, right: Erica wears Fendi

10. On Instagram you have launched a super Frame Friday highlight. We spotted you in the CHROME HEARTS grey-toned optical which looked stunning. Do you have this photo to share and would this be a frame you would wear and for what type of occasion? Erica: I’m having a lot of fun with New Frame Friday! People always ask when we are getting new stuff in and the answer is truly every day. I love being able to pick a frame that came in during the week and show people an exciting new piece. Chrome Hearts is always easy to get excited about. Their attention to detail and the edginess of their frames is so different from what other companies are doing. That matte gray piece is definitely cool, I think for my personal style I’d wear that to elevate a basic outfit, like jeans, a white t-shirt and a leather jacket this fall. I also think it would look amazing with a transition lens in the gray/silver mirror, or as a full sunglass. It’s slightly big on me so I don’t know if you’ll see it in my repertoire anytime soon but I’m still itching for my first pair of Chrome Hearts.

80, Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck, NY, USA

https://www.spectaclesgn.com / @spectaclesgn