Travelling to Paris in 2006 we were on the search for something exciting in eyewear, something for our new store that would open two years later. This was when we first spied concepts of Niloca, but it wasn't until 2011 they would become available. The small Melbourne troupe finally released high quality and high design glasses.
What took them so long? I hear you say - Well their frames are made right here in their Australian workshop, using European materials and featured a unique Frame-in-Frame concept, the first designer to do so.
Coming from an industrial design and car styling background with added optical experience, these guys really know how to inspire faces with frames. The small volume runs in vivid colours are perfect for Scoogle and we're happy to be the exclusive stockists in Victoria.
We have been working with Theo since 2001 and have come to appreciate Theo's avant-garde Belgian style. Based in Antwerp they're renowned for unusual and yet strangely classic frames. Established in 1989 Theo thoroughly changed the landscape of spectacles. Stimulated by the success of the highly individual Antwerp fashion scene they set out to prove that this creativity did not belong only to clothing. These frames are high fashion without “signature”. They are unique to the extent that one Theo wearer can always identify another, this is Theo Fan Club.
Theo frames are often bold and striking on the shelf, but fitted to the right face they represent the epitome of original and well designed eyewear. It aspires to keep its exclusive and small reputation, and has no interest in selling out to the mass market. I love Theo and “Theo loves you” – or so the cases say.
Hoet will appeal to the eyewear design collectors out there, designed and made by a 5th generation Optician, Patrick Hoet from Belgium. This man's impact on the eyewear industry worldwide is so great all eyewear can be traced through his family's lineage. Patrick is a poster boy for the EU Trade Commission due to his strong 'Made in Europe' stance and has his own Wikipedia page.
The quality of the designs and materials are second to none, made from titanium, platinum and gold - sorry no colour. These pieces will be heirlooms treasured for many, many years.
We've been a big fan of Tim van Steenbergen, (or TVS as he's known to his loyal fans) since he first came onto the scene with Theo in 2007 and he was part of our initial stock order for the Grand Opening of Scoogle 2008. We've always had a soft spot for him, but never a spot on the spectacles page - until now! TVS really is a force to reckon with - having countless exhibitions, launches, premieres around the world, his understated approach to fashion design is as refreshing as a bay breeze on a hot summer afternoon.
Each season we anticipate his launch and commit to his range. So if you're looking for a special set of sunglasses, then TVS is for you.
Discovered at their first Silmo, it was love at first sight when we were introduced to Rigards amazing eyewear collection.
With a name adapted from the French word “regard” (look, glance) and a hand sign logo that signifies the creative union of horn and eyewear, RIGARDS is a mission to rediscover the hidden treasures of horn frames and to share them with eyewear aficionados through small numbered editions.
Every pair of frames is handcrafted with tremendous attention using time-honored methods of production and hand-finished with signature surface treatments (the “Sanjuro” and “Relique” techniques), combining virtues of the past with modern sensibility.
All these elements culminate in quality frames that are refreshingly different, with a level of character and exclusivity unlike any other.
The Peter Coombs mission is to deliver unique art, lively expression and a subtle confidence to those who choose to enhance their own personality with the Peter Coombs flavour. "I don’t believe that my art is for everyone which is why it is so rewarding to connect with those who subscribe to my vision."
I think of Peter Coombs eyewear as ‘Jewellery for the Face’. All pieces are limited and rare if not one-off designs and many have been the result of private commissions over the years. Some I have just made because I needed to prove that I could.
This is my art. All frame design and construction starts and finishes with me - at my bench - in my studio - in Adelaide, South Australia.