Nicolas
Roseillier
Q
What lead to the
creation of this
line of eyewear?
A
For me it’s about
relationships.
The relationship
with John Varvatos is vital.
I want to transfer his word
and his vision to the
eyewear world. I want to
fuse everything together.
Q
When you are
looking at the
various elements
to include in a piece of
eyewear, what is an
absolute must?
The four iconic
hallmarks
that
represent
the
brand
include
John
Varvatos’ initials, a crown,
a guitar, and a shield
displaying the company’s
founding date. These
hallmarks, which appear on
fragrance
bottles,
accessories, and the limited
edition Chrysler, also lend
their hip vibe to temples
and temple tips throughout
the eyewear collection.
The Varvatos double V
stitching, found everywhere
in JV’s world from
footwear to leather goods,
make an appearance as an
A
etching in the corner of the
sun lenses. Even the guitar
headstock, featured as an
apparel zipper, is present in
the eyewear as frame hinge
details.
Q
What
process
goes into the
creation of a piece
of eyewear? Describe the
meetings that are involved,
the
consultation,
the
research.
I am so fortune to
work directly with
John. He has a
clear vision and fantastic
style. I collaborate with
him regularly for influence
and direction. During our
meetings, we go over his
next collection and runway
show, talk music and
architecture and peruse
rock’n roll photos.
A
Q
A
What draws this
John
Varvatos
Eyewear to the
rock’n roll lifestyle?
John
Varvatos
grew
up
in
Detroit—the
music melting pot of
America—where Motown,
rock’n roll, blues, jazz and
punk melded together in an
unforgettable period of
music history. At an early
age, Varvatos was exposed
to defining musicians
including The Who, Led
Zeppelin, Detroit’s own
MC5, Alice Cooper, Bob
Seger and The Stooges.
The
creative
spirit,
electricity and edginess
intrinsic in the personal
style of these rock’n roll
icons inspired Varvatos at
an early age and influenced
the evolution of his eclectic
sensibility. This can be
seen as a unifying theme in
his design and it is deeply
ingrained
in
every
expression of his brand,
including his famed 315
Bowery boutique in New
York City, formerly the
seminal
underground
music club CBGB, where
Varvatos pays tribute to the
musical heritage of this
legendary site.
Q
Who would you
say are some of the
greatest influences
on eyewear from the rock’n
roll world or the music
world in general?
Eyewear
has
always
been
hugely influenced
by rock’n roll. From John
Lennon to ZZ Top, artists
A
provide inspiration and we
give it a twist and a story. In
fact, John is releasing a
book titled John Varvatos:
Rock in Fashion in
October of this year that
focuses precisely on that
give and take and how the
rock gods have influenced
what we wear.
Q
When you are
creating a piece of
eyewear, what are
you thinking about when
reflecting on the customer
who will wear it? Is there
something you always keep
in mind about the wearer?
Are you trying to change
the way people look at
eyewear?
My goal with
every frame is to
create an element
of discovery for the wearer.
I often include details that
only the wearer can
appreciate such as the
double V inside the bridge.
John and I always talk
about the importance of
this sense of discovery. In
addition, I spend a great
deal of time focused on
fitting and comfort to
prove that glasses can be an
extension of yourself and
your style.
A
OPTICAL PRISM | OCTOBER 2013
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