Mykita Celebrities
August 14, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Celebrities in Mykita
Rhys Ifans in Mykita Sunglasses
Rhys Ifans in Mykita Sunglasses
Alex Kopranos of Franz Ferdinand in Mykita Sunglasses
Jonathan van Blerk on holiday in Mykita
Eddie Jordan in Mykita
New Mykita design
Eddie and Marie Jordan in Mykita
New Mykita Designs
The AgenC was started in 1993 in the sleepy, but beautiful hollow of Cape Town in South Africa by Jonathan van Blerk. In 2001 after 8 years in the South African market we broadened our horizons to Sub Saharan Africa and then in 2003 set up our main base in the hub of London in The United Kingdom and have over the last 6 years established ourselves as the premier agents to the top stores in The United Kingdom and Ireland too.
It is a very simple idea and company in that it does not work on the pretence of anything other than being “agents” to manufacturers creating glasses and sunglasses of a very high quality where they are not ethically challenged…the core criteria being that they manufacture and control all their own product, and more than anything their image and quality standards must be of the highest in the industry. These can’t simply be products, but have to be great products, created by great people, who run great companies in the best possible way.
Passion is the key to the success of The AgenC.
The current team has now increased in that Dharmen Soneji heads all the customer services and runs the office from Esher in Surrey. Dharmen has also been integral in launching The AgenC’s latest brand, Cheap Monday, from Bergen in Norway, a new exciting addition to The AgenC.
Oliver Hariani is the person to contact in relation to Paul Frank, from The OC in The USA as well as Andy Wolf from Hartberg in Austria and IDC from Marseilles in France.
Mykita from Berlin in Germany has now become one of the world’s most sort after Optical Brands and has become established as Mykita United Kingdom, Mykita Ireland and Mykita South Africa, which Jonathan van Blerk proudly looks after and has established it with the Very Best Opticians, Optical Boutiques, Fashion Stores and Boutiques to be found in The United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.
www.cheapmonday.com/clairvoyant
weird tales for everyday life
It started with a small vintage shop only kept open
on weekends. What started out as a couple of friends on
a playdate turned into a Big Bang: A success none of us
ever saw coming. Suddenly 800 pairs of jeans had
conquered the world and indie was the new black.
From the lost highway came a smiling skull and from the
obscure basements below rose the smell of silk screened
t-shirts. Mr Exclusive and Lady Avant Garde dancing the
fandango with everyday man.
It’s all about the dialectics. We always hoped to be the
snail balancing on the razors edge, the one-armed man at
One Eyed Jacks’ – A world within worlds.
We wanted to show the world that the dead can dance. And
that they do it with a smile.
We were trying to infiltrate the mainstream, seduce the
mainstream into embracing originality. But you already
know this.
It’s a world gone mad. It’s a riot. It’s weird tales for
everyday life: It’s Cheap Monday.
2000 The Weekend store opens in a suburb of Stockholm, mixing vintage t-shirts with exclusive
jeans. It is only open on weekends.
2002 The Weekday store opens in the city, widening the concept and is open seven days a week.
2004 The birth of Cheap Monday, with focus on tight, unwashed jeans and printed T-shirts.
2006 Cheap Monday goes abroad with a full scale collection.
2007 Cheap Monday is sold in 2000 Stores in 40 countries.
2008 Cheap Monday joins H&M.
2009 Introducing Cheap Monday Clairvoyant eyewear.
cheap monday clairvoyant
Clairvoyant is a free ride on an exclusive rollercoaster
that takes you through the looking-glass and into the
next dimension.
Open your third eye and experience new colors and worlds
beyond. Deepen your perception. Everyone’s a psychic.
Look into the future with fresh eyes!
It all makes sense when looking good. And everyone looks
good. Clairvoyant.
Clairvoyant French: Clear-seeing.(from clair [clear]+ voyant, present participle of voir [to see].)
Clairvoyant Perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses.
Clairvoyant Precognitive, second-sighted (foreseeing the future).
Clairvoyant Somebody with acute intuitive insight or perceptiveness.
Clairvoyant French: Clear-seeing.(from clair [clear]+ voyant, present participle of voir [to see].)
Clairvoyant Perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses.
Clairvoyant Precognitive, second-sighted (foreseeing the future)
Clairvoyant somebody with acute intuitive insight or perceptiveness.
Through the looking glass C.529:mustard
histoire de l’oeil C.527:dk red
blindness C.520:matt black
the colour out of space C.500:black
a pair of
blue eyes
Size: 52j12,5-130
“The only lights
apparent on earth were
some spots of dull red,
glowing here and there
upon the distant hills,
which, as the driver of
the vehicle gratuitously
remarked to the hirer,
were smoldering fires…”
From:A Pair of Blue Eyes
by Thomas Hardy,1873
C.022:dk gun
C.003:Silver
C.039:gold
C.500:black
Blindness
Size: 52j20-140
“Seen merely at a
glance, the man’s eyes
seem healthy, the iris
looks bright, luminous,
the sclera white, as
compact as porcelain.”
From:Blindness
Jose Samarago,1997
C.525:light turtle
C.520:matt black
C.524:dk green
C.530:turtle
brightness
falls
Size: 50j14,5-140
“That’s the great legacy
of modernism – the fear
of being a rube.”
From:Brightness Falls
Jay McInerney,1997
C.500:black
C.525:lt turtle
C.528:dk red
C.520:Matt black
Eye mind
Size: 53j17-138
“Stacy decided he didn’t
look evil enough, because
his goatee grew in red
and his hair was black,
black, black… so we dyed
it black… so he would
look evil (hahhahah).”
From:Eye Mind
Paul Drummond,2007
C.500:black
C.525:lt turtle
C.530:turtle
For your
eyes only
Size: 56j15-140
“Around the scene of the
killing, the forest,
which had held its breath
while it was done, slowly
began to breathe again.”
From:For Your Eyes Only
by Ian Fleming,1960
C.500:black
C.525:lt turtle
C.523:grey
C.520:Matt Black
C.002:Matt black
heart of
darkness
Size: 58j13,5-135
“And at last, in its
curved and imperceptible
fall, the sun sank
low, and from glowing
white changed to a dull
red without rays and
without heat, as if
about to go out suddenly,
stricken to death
by the touch of that
gloom brooding over a
crowd of men.”
From:Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad,1890
C.028:ant dk gun
C.031:ant gold
histoire de
l’oeil
Size: 54j16-140
“Now in the corner of
a hallway there was a
saucer of milk for the
cat. ’milk is for the
pussy, isn’t it?’ said
Simone.’Do you dare me
to sit in the saucer?’”
From:Histoire de L’oeil
Georges Bataille,1928
C.500:black
C.525:lt turtle
C.524:dk green
C.527:dk red
outer dark
Size: 57j15-140
“It howled execration
upon the dim camarine
world of its nativity
wail on wail while he
lay there gibbering with
palsied jawhasps, his
hands putting back the
night like some witless
paraclete beleaguered
with all limbo’s
clamor.”
From:Outer Dark
Cormac McCarthy,1968
C.519:brown
C.500:black
C.526:matt turtle
C.531:turtle
the eye of
the beholder
Size: 52j14,5-140
“Who is deformed, who
is not – that to some
extent has always been a
matter of opinion.”
From:The eye of the beholder
Robert Garland,1995
C.500:black
C.520:matt black
C.527:dk red
the colour
out of space
Size: 58j15-140
“Strange colours danced
before his eyes; and had
not a present horror
numbed him he would have
thought of the globule
in the meteor that the
geologist’s hammer had
shattered and of the
morbid vegetation that
had sprouted in the
spring.”
From:The Colour Out of Space
H.P.Lovecraft,1927
C.521:brown
C.500:black
C.522:grad. blk
the darkness
that comes
before
Size: 56j16-140
“If it is only after
that we understand what
has come before, then we
understand nothing.”
From:The Darkness That
Comes Before
R.Scott Bakker,2003
C.028:ant gun
C.002:black
C.057:Gun black
the eyes
have it
Size: 53j14-135
“Well, forget your
missing marbles, forget
twins, this calls for
a celebration. I heard
about you pregnant
women and your cravings.
Let’s go get some ice
cream and pickles.”
From:The Eyes Have It
by Madelyn Lorber,2007
C.022:gun
C.003:silver
C.018:burgundy
C.057:Gun black
The hills
have eyes
Size: 57j14-135
“They went on with their
tests, some of the town
folk got sick from the
radiation but they never
quite understood why.”
From:The Hills Have Eyes
Jimmy Palmiotti,2007
C.002:black
C.022:gun
C.057:Gun black
Through the
looking Glass
Size: 51j20-140
“The way Dinah washed
her children’s faces was
this: first she held the
poor thing down by its
ear with one paw, and
then with the other paw
she rubbed its face all
over, the wrong way…”
From:Through The
Looking Glass
Lewis Carroll,1871
C.500:black
C.525:LT Turtle
C.529:mustard
C.528:dk red
C.500:black
Ways Of seeing
Size: 58j12-140
“It is seeing which
establishes our place in
the surrounding world;
we explain that world
with words, but words can
never undo the fact that
we are surrounded by it.”
From:Ways of Seeing
John Berger,1972
C.531:turtle
C.520:matt black
C.529:mustard
C.520:matt black
C.530:turtle
Visions of cody
Size: 51j18,5-140
“And over at 3rd avenue
and 9th street is a beat
employment agency, it’s
over a music store which
(Western Music Co.) has a
dirty piss splashed and
littered sooty sidewalk
in front, and iron cellar
sidewalk doors also
filthy and sag when you
walk over.”
From:Visions of Cody
Jack Kerouac,1972
C.527:dk red
www.cheapmonday.com/clairvoyant
Paul Frank
March 24, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Paul Frank is Your Friend
Paul Frank is a truly progressive designer from California. His ophthalmic and sunglass frames combine trend-setting colors with urban styling for men and women.
“Creating, is seeing things from a unique and special reality, and then wanting to give that to someone else.” — Paul Frank
Paul Frank OPTOMETRICS (RX) truly pushes the envelope as far as style, creativity and down right funkiness are concerned. Paul Frank was inspired by the creative minds of Andy Warhol, Elvis Costello, and Charles Eames…all who had definitive looks created from their relationship with eyewear.
Paul Frank eyeglasses are made to hold prescription lenses.
Oliver Hariani now at The AgenC for Eye ‘DC, X.I.T and Eye ‘DJ
March 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Oliver Hariani is the newest member at The AgenC and is helping to establish Eye ‘DC, X.I.T and Eye ‘DJ all from International Design Creation of Marseilles. International Design Creation from Marseille, France, is creating one of the most innovative and avant-garde collection of optical frames and sunglasses.
A very interesting part of it is X.I.T which is made from NXT.
NXT was first developed for the military as an advancement over polycarbonate. It is now finding its way into the world’s best optical labs where more complex Rx products can be processed cost effectively and successfully using this material. The advanced lens material has grown steadily as key industry leaders and sophisticated consumers recognize the features and benefits of this extraordinary product.
- NXT is lighter and stronger than Polycarbonate.
- NXT is free of stress with superior optics.
- NXT is compatible with any type of frame including three piece rimless and wraps
- NXT is easy to process-similar to Trivex
- NXT has uniform color regardless of the prescription
- NXT eliminates the costly step of tinting
Paul Frank is Your Friend
Paul Frank is a truly progressive designer from California. His ophthalmic and sunglass frames combine trend-setting colors with urban styling for men and women.
“Creating, is seeing things from a unique and special reality, and then wanting to give that to someone else.” — Paul Frank
Paul Frank OPTOMETRICS (RX) truly pushes the envelope as far as style, creativity and down right funkiness are concerned. Paul Frank was inspired by the creative minds of Andy Warhol, Elvis Costello, and Charles Eames…all who had definitive looks created from their relationship with eyewear.
Paul Frank eyeglasses are made to hold prescription lenses.
Exquisite panto designs provided a sensation in the forties of the last century. As a sign of prosperity, zeitgeist, creativity and intellect, this spectacles design was worn by many prominent people of this era.
This inspiration was used by the Austrian Designers Team Andy Wolf for their first collection.
All of them are perfectionists and are committed to making the best eyewear on the market. The mission of them is to design a high quality collection “Made in Austria with a fashionable touch for expressive individuals.
Andy Wolf ´s premiere collection which is retro-inspired was presented at the International Trade Show of Optics Silmo 2006 in Paris. The new designer collection is striking through its above average high-quality finish and attention to details.
Hinges near the earpieces are affectionately anchored with rivets which are a guarantee for high quality. In former times a normal standard before mass production starts.
Andy Wolf is celebrating a revival in the long-forgotten ornate key nosepiece which ensures an extraordinarily good fit on the nose.
Andy Wolf uses formal elements of historical spectacles designs to catch the flair of “good old times” and unite this style with a portion of modern design.
What is real?
Why is everyone aound us suddenly looking for something real? What – if anything – does that mean for eyewear? And how bllsy does one have to be in order to find out? We have gathered some of the possible answers.
Think global, act local. True, more than ever.
ANDY WOLF manufactures its frames in the small Styrian town of Hartberg. Chances are, you‘ve never heard of the place. Suits us very well, since it gives us the time to engage in what we like best – producing eyewear, away from it all.
Relax, it‘s the real thing
Here we are again, looking fot that special mix of sense and sensibilty. Producing handmade eyewear In a small manufactory. Which led us to choosing „Eyewear, Handmade“ as our corporate mission and claim. Without exaggerating – which we regard as a rare feature in mission statements. So, if clients return for another pair of ANDY WOLF glasses, it‘s because they want another one – not because the old one‘s in the bobo.
For good or ill, musicians and authors also seem to be making their money live, on-stage. Real music, real people and real eyewear seem to go along very well.
Looking for the rare
Genuine, authentic products aren‘t made, they grow over time. At ANDY WOLF, we respect time, and keep the output low. In order to concentrate on the clients and partners we have. A fact that is respected worldwide.
Once upon a time
That‘s how fairy tales start. Only in our case, the leading parts weren‘t blond princes, but two men, sharing an enthusiasm for eyewear.
Not only did they supply the new brand with their first names, they also came to beleive that, amidst all of the large fashion companies and countless low-budgets firms, there is a place for handmade eyewear with excellence in every detail.
Joining the ranks – as in every good fairy tale – were a few companions. Incidently, most of them came from some of the industries Goliaths. Which seems to prove another point we‘d like to make – small is beautiful.
Hartberg to Buenos Aires – just an idea away
You can find ANDY WOLF in Osaka. Or in Brighton. Or Hamburg. We guess you get the point. It looks as if ANDY WOLF is successful wherever small, independent opticians treat their clients to special services and exceptional frames. Such as ANDY WOLF.
A piece of jewellery? A watch? It doesn‘t make any difference
It‘s tough to stick out in a world of interchangeable products. ANDY WOLF has chosen to do so by investing more than usual in creating styles, picking the right materials and
meticulously handling them in a complex manufacturig process resulting in timeless products.
At ANDY WOLF, we call that the combination of style and stylish.
Touch me, feel me …
The usual procedure: drawing, approval of the drawing, fabrication.
The procedure, as we prefer it: drawing, transformation into a fully functional prototype, followed by minor changes where necessary, and when everything looks perfect to us, the frames are produced.
Why we go through all of this? Let‘s put it that way: would you rather fall in love with a CAD drawing, or do you prefer dating flesh and blood?
Is there a price of love?
Good question. Love for detail has a price tag. At ANDY WOLF, we extend the processing of our raw materials from 4 to 6 days, thus creating perfect surfaces and the outstandong shine of out products.
Beyond that, the acetate panels – basis of all ANDY WOLF models – are sublitted to an artificial ageing process, removing the greater part of diluents from the materials. Which results in far greater stability of the frames, since they contract less and apply less strain to the glasses.
2 Collections every, based on the same idea. Basically.
We‘re the new kids on the block. So, nobody knows what ANDY WOLF would have looked like 5 years ago. It might seem peculiar for some of our clients, that have accustomed with our way of doing things. Which is just another way of saying – we‘ve grown fond of eachother.
The love of a product
It‘s as easy as that. That‘s why we call our TASTE collection a family of products. Because it seems the right way to describe it. Different facings, same genes. Like a real family. consisting of 33 models in 4 different colors – and one style.
TASTE also proves, that the effort payed off. At least that‘s what our partners on five continents tell us. Whenever we meet them at trade fairs in Tokyo, New York, Mailand, Paris, Las Vegas, Hong Kong or Munich.
KÄNSLA, pronounced “shans-la”, is the “feel of Sweden” given to you through our original, unique, functional jewelry. Reflecting the natural harmony of this Nordic country, KÄNSLA of Sweden combines the practicality for which Sweden is known with the beauty of pearls, semi-precious stones and crystal.
Our FASHION with FUNCTION jewelry is specially designed to be strong and durable, yet stylish and elegant. Every piece of KÄNSLA Functional Jewelry is versatile: attach it directly to your eyeglass frames… or wear it with the ring to hold your glasses, your mobile phone, your keys, your MP3 player, your ID badge… or simply wear it as a beautiful necklace!
One necklace… many functions!
Beautiful, Unique, Individual – It’s you!
It’s KÄNSLA of Sweden.
KÄNSLA of Sweden is a family owned and run company, headquartered in central Sweden, 70 kilometers north of Stockholm.
The founders of the company, Petra Thulin and Lisa Angerstig, custom design KÄNSLA of Sweden’s jewelry at our primary studios in Uppsala. We carefully create our products with only the highest quality select components imported from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Pearls, crystal, glass, and semi-precious stones are among the beautiful components we use. All our jewellery is tested 100% nickel-free, and each necklace is individually hand-made.
Before a new design earns the distinctive KÄNSLA logo, it is first rigorously tested to destruction in our human factors laboratory to ensure the strongest, most durable line of fashionable… yet functional… jewelry in the world.
KÄNSLA of Sweden’s FASHION with FUNCTION jewelry gives Retailers the opportunity to provide a unique, high-demand, versatile fashion accessory to their customers. Our FASHION with FUNCTION jewelry is specially designed to be strong and durable, yet stylish and elegant.
We offer a 1-year guarantee to Retailers against breakage or damage. At KÄNSLA of Sweden, our customer’s satisfaction is our #1 priority.
KÄNSLA sells direct to Retailers globally. To view KÄNSLA of Sweden’s valued List of Retailers.
Mykita
March 10, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The AgenC is now exclusively The United Kingdom, Ireland and Southern African agent for Mykita.
Founded by Jonathan van Blerk, The Agenc is a marketing and distribution agency specialising in unique, high-end eyewear solutions selected and developed from the finest ranges available anywhere in the world. If you want the best sunglass or optical frames available in the market place then The AgenC is THE only obvious choice.
Please note that we do not work directly with the public so are only available at the best Fashion Boutiques and Independent Opticians in the world for enquiries on stores stocking our ranges please email jonathan@theagenc.co.uk and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as is possible.
MYKITA was founded 2003 by Harald Gottschling, Daniel Haffmans, Philipp Haffmans and Moritz Krueger. What to some may sound like an Asian-style name was in fact inspired by the firm’s first premises – a former day-care centre for children (in East Germany abbreviated to „Kita“).
Just a year later, the world was introduced to MYKITA *Collection No.1* – an evolutionary step up in terms of both design and exclusivity. The all-new range of metal frames was unveiled at the Silmo international eyewear fair in the fall of 2004. A highly innovative functional design comprising simple plug connections made complex soldered joints and screw connections redundant, while the frames themselves were cut out of stainless sheet steel before being folded into form. As well as being incredibly light, the latter could be adjusted to the wearer thanks to a wide variety of configuration options. The corrective spectacles andunglasses in the collection ranged from the classically elegant to avantgarde designs in a wide range of frame colours. A frame for every face. Exactly two years later, a new collection was unveiled at the 2006 Silmo. In a marked departure from previous frames, MYKITA *Collection No.2* were made from full-bodied acetate – a material that enjoys a huge tradition in the eyewear industry. What set the new spectacles apart was the hinge – a connecting element that hugs the front and temples in the style of a sheath. The designs are crisp, clear and distinctive and are each related to frames from the metal collection. A carefully selected range of nine distinct colours gives *Collection No.2* a varied but nonetheless homogenous collective look. All frames are hand-made at MYKITA’s own production site in Berlin and are available at over 1,400 high-end opticians and selected department stores across the globe.
These glasses are made with top-quality stainless steel, just 0.5 mm thick, ensuring an ultra-light feel. The actual production of MYKITA eyewear sees every part of the frame cut out of sheet metal and folded into a lightweight but full-bodied format. Linking these is a remarkably elegant and intelligent screw-less hinge design that ensures total flexibility and allows complete, custom-fit adaptability of inclination and frame according to the wearers’ facial proportions. The technical wizardry is coupled with aesthetic clarity and optimum vision to provide a recognisable trademark for MYKITA. To apply most of the colours featured in the collection, MYKITA chose a PVD finish – a state-of-the-art vacuum-heat coating technique that guarantees a non-oxidizing and highly wear-resistant surface. The prescription frames in *Collection No.1* are available in a choice of ten colours, the sunglasses in eight colours. MYKITA collection No. 1 – over 50 styles available in a choice of 10 colours.
The MYKITA design team had for some time been planning to make a collection incorporating a fuller-bodied material, and eventually decided on cellulose acetate. Basically composed of cotton, wood pulp, acetate and pigments, it is a natural material that has a long tradition in the eyewear industry. *Collection No.2* indeed shares a variety of features with the original concept. It features a “snap-hinge” made of 0.8 mm flat sheet metal familiar from the construction principles applied in the first collection. A major new innovation was the use of photomechanical etching technology. The connection point between the hinge and the acetate frame likewise represented a unique challenge for the designers. The fourteen prescription styles and six sunglasses are available in a range of opaque colours, with no lamination.
Celebrities in Mykita Eyewear ( Mykita Glasses & Mykita Sunglasses)
ABOUT MYKITA
MYKITA is a young Berlin-based design team catering to the global demand for stylish, top-quality eyeglasses. The creative core comprises Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling, two of the eyewear world’s most innovative designers. In their capacity as co-founders and creators of a well-known German eyewear brand, the duo demonstrated their extraordinary innovatory skills and a precious knack for sophisticated and sensitive styling. Also involved in the global emergence of the hip designer eyewear brand were Daniel Haffmans and Moritz Krueger, whose imaginative branding and distribution strategy ensured a successful basis for marketing the product range.
The four creative minds joined forces in 2004 to create MYKITA. The first fruits of their new venture, the *Collection No.1*, a collection of corrective spectacles has been on sale since October 2004. In October 2006 MYKITA introduced the *Collection No.2*, a luxurious eyewear collection made of the voluminous material acetate.
Since 2004 MYKITA has become an internationally operating company. MYKITA has retailers in about 20 countries, mostly opticians specialized in luxury- and design- eyewear, but also department stores like Barneys New York. MYKITA employs about 40 people in its Head Office in Berlin.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
The unique form vocabulary of Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling has made the designer duo a top name in the luxury eyewear world. Haffmans’ trademark style draws heavily on natural sources of inspiration. Gottschling takes his contouring cues from the latest developments in industrial design. His fascination for technical mechanics and the aerodynamic design of aircrafts and cars are the major inspiration for his creative work.
A peculiar feature in the design approach of Harald Gottschling and Philipp Haffmans is to search for elegance and beauty within technical solutions.
Both designers boast exceptional technical expertise fuelled by a visionary approach. Their vast experience in the world of design allows them to bring new concepts and designs to MYKITA and lays the groundwork for MYKITA’s worldwide success in the luxury eyewear market.
THE PRODUCT
*Collection No.1*
These glasses are made with best-quality stainless steel, just 0.5 mm thick, ensuring an ultra-light feel. The actual production of MYKITA eyewear sees every part of the frame cut out of sheet metal and folded into a lightweight but full-bodied format. Linking these is a remarkably elegant and intelligent screw-less hinge design that ensures total flexibility and allows complete adaptability to any feature, the adjustment of the inclination to perfectly custom fit the frames to the wearers’ facial proportions. This technical solution is also characterised by its aesthetic clarity and visibility, becoming a recognizable trademark for MYKITA.
To apply most of the colours featured in the collection, MYKITA chose a PVDfinish – a state-of-the-art vacuum-heat coating technique that guarantees a non-oxidizing and highly wear-resistant surface. The prescription frames of the *Collection No.1* are available in a choice of seven colours, the sunglasses in five colours. Each frame is handmade in the MYKITA workshop in Berlin.
*Collection No.2*
For quite some time, MYKITA´s designers Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling have planned to make a collection made of voluminous material. To realise this project, they chose acetate. Basically composed of cotton, wood, acetate and pigments, it is a natural material that has a long tradition in the eyewear industry. After 10 years of experience with sheet-metal concepts, that only allow the creation of voluminous forms to a certain degree, MYKITA`s acetate project opens a new horizon for the designers: Working 3 dimensionally, like a sculptor.
It has been very clear to Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling that they ultimately follow their design and construction principals. In various aspects, the *Collection No.2* is related to their initial concept. It features a „snap-hinge“, made of 0.8 mm flat sheet metal that relates to the construction principals applied in the first collection. In various aspects the concept is remarkably innovative. A major point is the use of the photomechanical etching-technology. The connection point between the hinge and the acetate frame, has been a challenge for the designers. Regarding classic hinge solutions on acetate frames, they never liked the fact, that as soon as the temples are folded in, a large gap between temple and front opens up. The *Collection No.2* offers an answer to this aesthetic problem.
The 6 prescription styles and 6 sunglasses are available in a choice of single opaque colours, no laminations. The colours are: black, brown, warm grey, cool grey, dark blue, olive, bordeaux, red, white.
Both collections feature a high standard of workmanship. They feature sophisticated design and a cutting-edge technical concept.
PROFILES
HARALD GOTTSCHLING – Design
Harald Gottschling was born in 1968 in Oldenburg, Germany. From 1986 he was trained as a mechanist in the metalworking industry. In 1989 Harald went back to college to obtain a degree in Design and moved to Berlin in 1992 to study Industrial Design at the University of Fine Arts (UDK). In 1997 Harald obtained his masters in Industrial Design. Whilst taking part in a design contest at the University Harald became interested in eyewear design.
Together with his fellow student Philipp Haffmans he developed a novel concept for an eyeglass hinge and subsequently founded ic!berlin with Philipp Haffmans and other associates in 1996. The extraordinary concept of the collection, which was presented for the first time in 1997, revolutionised the eyewear market. In 2003 he left ic!berlin. Together with Philipp Haffmans,Daniel Haffmans and Moritz Krüger he founded MYKITA in 2004.
Harald has a passion for aeroplanes and cars designed in the 1960’s.
PHILIPP HAFFMANS – Design
Philipp Haffmans was born in 1968 in Bonn, Germany. In his childhood he spent 3 years in Burkina Faso, West Africa. In 1990 he moved to Munich for an internship at the German Museum (Deutsches Museum) and began to study Industrial Design at the University of Fine Arts (UDK) in Berlin in 1992. While at University he went to Bilbao, Spain for one year and studied at the local Faculty of fine arts (UPV/EHU). In 2002 Philipp obtained his masters in Industrial Design.
In 1994 he came across the subject of eyewear design for the first time while taking part in a design competition. Together with his fellow student Harald Gottschling he developed a spring-hinge concept for optical frames and sunglasses. To introduce their new product to the market they founded ic!berlin in 1996. The design and concept of the initial collection, presented for the first time to an international audience in 1997, caused a sensation in the international eyewear market.
In 2003 he left ic!berlin and subsequently founded MYKITA in 2004, together with Harald Gottschling, his brother Daniel Haffmans and Moritz Krueger.
Philipp has the dream that one day he will travel around the world in a hydroplane. Until then he spends his spare time travelling, collecting old racing bikes and driving fancy sport cars.
DANIEL HAFFMANS – Manager
Born in Achern, Germany in 1971. He spent a period of his early childhood in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Following the completion of his A-Levels and Civil Service he began in 1991 his Masters in Architecture at the Technical University of Berlin (TU). From 1994 until 1995 he took up a scholarship at the Politecnico in Milan and completed his studies by obtaining his Masters in the year 2000.
On his return from Italy, Daniel, together with two fellow students, set up a multimedia agency called PANIMAGE, which is later renamed unit-berlin. The aim of unit-berlin was to develop integrated concepts for companies and then to implement them into a wide spectrum of media uses. Whilst working with unit-berlin he developed the whole corporate identity and communication strategy for ic! berlin and was also significantly involved with the implementation of these strategies. In January 2003 Daniel left unit-berlin to become a full-time member of staff, with his main client, ic! berlin. In August of the same year, he left ic! berlin and then in 2004 founded MYKITA, together with Harald Gottschling, his brother Phillip Haffmans and Moritz Krueger, where he acts as co-managing director.
Daniel is passionate about anything technical and is always up to date with the latest gadgets.
MORITZ KRUEGER – Manager
Born in Oldenburg, Germany in 1979. After finishing his Civil Service in the Berlin Zoologischer Garten shelter for homeless people Moritz began his studies in Media- and Political Science at the University of Potsdam. While studying he began to work for the eyewear company ic! berlin in July 2001. Starting as a student apprentice he then took up a new role as sales coordinator in October 2001, due to his convincing work ethic and personality.He then ended his studies to pursue a fulltime career and to concentrate on his work with ic! berlin. As well as his sales work he became involved with public relations work and was also responsible for the marketing of the company. In January 2003 he took over the role of sales manager. With his vision and his ability to assert himself he paved the way for ic! berlin to make their first steps into the world of fashion. Under his direction the company opened over twenty very important fashion accounts worldwide.
End of 2003 he left ic! berlin and in 2004 formed MYKITA together with Harald Gottschling, Phillip and Daniel Haffmans, where he acts as co-managing director.
Moritz’s dream is to one day own a football club.
MYKITA ACETATE
The first precious pieces of MYKITA Acetate collection No.2* have arrived last month ,The all-new hinge concept of the plastic line is equipped to win yet another row of design awards .
It’s a bold statement towards the essence of Mykita – the passion for continuous innovation.it was so exiting to receive it that we didn’t had time to let you know … sorry for that !
After one and a half years of research, we are proud to present a brand new snap hinge,” say Haffmans and Gottschling. “We managed to create a rotating axis by etching the material down to half of its thickness on both parts of the hinge. Regarding classic hinge solutions on acetate frames, we disliked the fact that as soon as the temples are folded in, a large gap between the temple and frame opens up. This collection offers an answer to this aesthetic problem.”
Seventeen The Opticians Celebrity Couch Paul Frank
Seventeen The Opticians carry Mykita Sunglasses
Schullers Opticians in St Johns Wood owner Baruch Schuller
Schuller Opticians carry Mykita Sunglasses
Rose Opticians Totnes
Rose Opticians in Exeter carry Mykita Sunglasses
RoseOpticiansTotnes
Rose Opticians in Totness carry Mykita Sunglasses
Mykita Sophia- influenced by Sophia Loren
Mykita Sophia with Photochromatic lenses from Mykita’s Metropolitan Collection
Michel Guillon Mykita Display
Michel Guillon Mykita window display in Chelsea, London
Celebrities in Mykita Eyewear ( Mykita Glasses & Mykita Sunglasses)
We can find any shape with an amazing selection of colours and lens options..
Celebrities wearing Mykita Sunglasses
Billy Zane in Mykita Eyewear with Kelly Brook
Bill Zane in Mykita Eyewear (Mykita Optical Frames) with Kelly Brook
Kevin Wall in Mykita Eyewear
Kevin Wall in Mykita Eyewear
Hugh Grant in Mykita Sunglasses
Hugh Grant in Mykita Sunglasse, Christian Slater in Mykita Sunglasses
Bruce Willis in Mykita Sunglasses and Kevin Wall in Mykita Eyewear
Bruce Willis in Mykita Sunglasses and Kevin Wall in Mykita Eyewear
Rhys Ifans in Mykita Sunglasses with Sienna Miller
Rhys Ifans in Mykita Sunglasses with Sienna Miller
Tom Cruise wearing Mykita Sunglasses in The Financial Times
Tom Cruise in Mykita Sunglasses
Brad Pitt in Mykita Sunglasses with Angelina Jolie
Brad Pitt in Mykita Sunglasses with Angelina Jolie
Christian Slater in Mykita Sunglasses,Hugh Grant in Mykita Sunglasses,Tom Cruise in Mykita Sunglasses
Tom Cruise in Mykita Sunglasses, Christian Slater in Mykita Sunglasses, Hugh Grant in Mykita Sunglasses
Angelina Jolie in Mykita Sunglasses with Brad Pitt and Maddox
Angelina Jolie in Mykita Sunglasses with Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt in Mykita Sunglasses
Brangelina in Mykita Sunglasses
Tom Cruise in Mykita Sunglasses
Tom Cruise in Mykita Sunglasses
Jason Statham in Mykita Sunglasses
Jason Statham in Mykita Sunglasses
Celebrities in Mykita Sunglasses from The AgenC UK, Ireland, South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius and Namibia
Get flashed by *MYKITA FLASH*, a line which adds some vivacity and life to MYKITA’s collection no. 1. The flat metal collection is renowned for its innovative screw less glasses with timeless designs, coupled with unique wearing comfort due to the extreme lightness and flexibility of the material.
For this first edition of the *FLASH* line MYKITA brings you a trio of its most popular signature aviator frames: Rolf, Hector and Elliot. These aviators, true MYKITA classics, gain a new life through this vivid splash of paint.
Each frame comes in each of the three colours; neon yellow and blazing orange make sure your face stands out in a crowd, vibrant tank-grey is cool as concrete.
Rolf, looking very fresh in this execution, is a classic aviator shape, which rapidly became Mykita’s most wanted item. Hector, a rather square shape aviator exudes 80’s cool, thus is the perfect pair for hanging out at the beach club or even night club. Elliot, a metropolitan curved shape with a very smooth look, guarantees perfect eye protection.
The new colour coating, made of the highest quality Swiss lacquer, is meticulously applied by hand in several coats. The paint is then fixed onto the metal base, coat by coat, in a hot oven. As per all MYKITA frames, the *FLASH* collection is fully handmade in the Berlin manufactory.
To put it in a nutshell, a mini collection of aviators to suit every face, executed in flashy trend colours, all hand made in Germany.
We missed the “Flashed” festivities at eyewear brand MYKITA’s au courant central Mitte district store…but got educated on the cutting edge line at the Premium tradeshow in southern Berlin proper.
BACKSTORY: Founded by Harald Gottschling, Daniel Haffmans, Philipp Haffmans, and Moritz Krueger-a quartet of seasoned eyewear biz guys-Mykita hit boutiques with a stunning Collection *1 a few years ago.
Dubbed “ an evolutionary step up in terms of both design and exclusivity” Mykita’s eyeglasses features simple plug connections-ridding the pieces of complex soldered joints and screw connections. A PVD finish-a state of the art, vacuum heat coating technique… guarantees a non-oxidizing and highly wear resistant surface.
In other words, the eyewear is durable, incredibly lightweight, and is wearer adjustable like no other eye or sunglasses.
WHAT’S NEW: Collection *2 made from a full bodied cellulose acetate-has a technologically innovative snap-hinge (as in you can practically open up the sunglasses ) so that the “connecting element” hugs the front and temples in the style of a sheath…PLUS…a photomechanical etching technology that is unique to the brand.
Hand made frames in crisp designs coined Leslie, Helmut, Ferris, Fletcher, and Walter (buddies?) are available in fourteen presciption and six sunglasses. Nine distinct colors insure that you will probably be the only one with these cool shades.
RETAIL: Over 1400 high-end boutiques worldwide. MYKITA
FACTOID: The name is actually derived from a former daycare center for children.
CELEB FANS: Bruce Willis, and proud parents Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Hugh Grant, Jason Statham.
Mido 2009
March 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Yes, Mido 2009 starts on Friday in Milan!!!!!
Jonathan van Blerk only has appointments left on Sunday and Monday now, so any customers wanting to see the latest Mykita product please call or email him to book your appointment.
Mykita Booth and Invitation:
Anybody seen the latest Mykita Store?
Here is a sneak preview..
And remember that Mykita has turned 5!!!
Forza Milano and Forza The AgenC…