SPECS OPTICAL » laloop

Special Story about LaLoops at Specs Optical

Specs Optical — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:29:30 +0000

Often when we are selecting the latest new frames and accessories to show in our shop, it is not only the obvious quality and beauty of the pieces, but the stories of their origin, conception, and inspiration, that ultimately convinces us that they are THE ONES. On our latest trip to the New York Vision Expo, Elizabeth Faraut, creator of LaLoop, was particularly excited to tell us about the her newest pieces.

About LaLoop #578BL, in her words: “I was reading and was moved by a Nicholas Kristof piece in the New York Times. He writes about these women in Uganda who make these beautiful beads out of recycled paper. These impoverished village women often times live in huts and have many kids to take care of while their husbands are taken away to fight in civil wars that are going on. This non-profit organization called Bead For Life takes these beads and markets them, giving these impoverished Ugandan women not only a source of income, but also a job (which is not so easy to find in their situations.) I designed the LaLoop #578BL necklace using these beads married with smooth black onyx.”

About LaLoop #578T and #578J, in her words: “I met this supplier at a bead show a few months ago. He was from Afghanistan. A miner from Afghanistan. He had come to this bead show in Southern California with boxes of untreated stones. He had mined them himself. I took a look at his calloused hands and knew that he had mined them himself. I love the untreated, natural element of the turquoise and jade. I had never seen this before and wondered why there is so much gloss applied over natural stones in the marketplace.”

Fun day with Gabriel of Anne et Valentin

Specs Optical — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:51:20 +0000

THANK YOU to all who came to see the Anne et Valentin and LaLoop collections on Wednesday, February 3rd. Gabriel Gestin had a blast meeting and playing with our super cool clientele.

Below are a few pictures from the day. Check out the fancy spread of croissants, breads, wine and cheeses that John put together. Will we ever forget that imported smoked hand-carved ham? Not anytime soon…

Gabriel shootin' the breeze with Joe Dicker.

Ms. Kelly modeling next to the LaLoop collection.

The Spread!

TRUNK SHOW LaLoop and Anne et Valentin 2/3/10

Specs Optical — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:57:27 +0000

TRUNK SHOW

—Wednesday February 3rd, 2010— Noon to 7pm

All of us at Specs Optical are excited to announce that Elizabeth Faraut of LaLoop and Gabriel Gestin of Anne et Valentin will be here with their entire collections on display!

It is an extremely rare occasion that the entire Anne et Valentin collection will be available for viewing outside their own family run shop in Toulouse, South of France. Anne et Valentin frames are all-at-once clean, colorful, sculptural, vibrant, and unique. It is not uncommon to hear us describe them as “show-stoppers.” The right Anne et Valentin piece will compliment and accentuate your identity…a style all your own.

And after you pick out your beautiful new Anne et Valentin specs, why not compliment them with a handmade LaLoop. Designer Elizabeth Faraut created LaLoop out of necessity as an alternate to old-fashioned granny leashes (you know…the ones the dangle to either side of the face). LaLoop, worn as a necklace, is a must-have for anybody wearing sunglasses, multiple pairs, readers, etc.. If there is always a place for your specs, you won’t lose them, right? Sterling silver, gold, and bronze loops are paired with leather, shell, horn and tortoise acetates, semi-precious stones, and wood. Styles range from clean and simple to downright couture and have been prominently featured in Cosmo, Allure, Instyle, and Elle…to name a few.

Elizabeth and Gabriel are looking forward to meeting and playing with all of you. If you’d like to make an appointment to sit with one or both of them, please give us a call @ 612.374.2114 or drop us an email. Otherwise, stop by anytime between Noon and 7pm!