Trend Report
July - August 2009
A Work of Persol
When does something become art? Only upon completion, when framed or placed on display? We believe it starts at the beginning, while the canvas is still bare and the tools still clean. And that the greatest beauty is in the creation. – Persol
Synonymous with refined elegance and sophistication, Persol has been an icon of Italian design excellence for more than 90 years. Persol–derived from the Italian “per il sole” meaning “for the sun”–has symbolized style and substance for generations. Each Persol design is rooted in artistic precision, the result of skilled hands whose obsession with quality is unparalleled. Passion, dedication, handcraftsmanship–these are the values behind every work of Persol. While first intended for fighter pilots and racecar drivers, Persol styles were later embraced both on and offscreen by cinema luminaries such as Greta Garbo, Steve McQueen and Marcello Mastroianni. Today, Persol sunglasses–with their flawless design and impeccable
fit–remain a favorite among select actors, artists and filmmakers. Exclusively at ILORI, we are pleased to present the 2009 A Work of Persol project. A creative initiative that celebrates the talent of nine emerging artists whose work, like Persol eyewear, exemplifies substance, artistic passion and obsession with craft. Commissioned from around the world, each artist specializes in different disciplines, and has been selected for demonstrating a specific sense of belonging to their place of origin. Together, their work will become part of a global art gallery, viewable online and at Persol-sponsored events. Nine original works of art. An entire line of eyewear. All A Work of Persol. For details, visit persol.com.
ILORI’S Favorite Persol
PERSOL
Silver-toned aviator with metal top bar inlay combines tradition with invention. Featuring a black contrast Meflecto comfort temple, crystal polarized lenses and Persol’s signature Supreme Arrow motif, this low-profile unisex style will inject a sporty flair into any urban look.
Persol Eyewear Collection PO2338
Unisex aviator with black temple, top bar inlay and polarized lens SKU 455511 Color Gunmetal frame with crystal green lens Retail Price $290.00 (US) 01 ILORI Trend Report: July - August 2009
PERSOL
A favorite of silver screen legends Steve McQueen and Marcello Mastroianni, the Persol 649 has achieved true cult status. Featuring the Meflecto comfort temple, Victorflex bridge, gradient lenses and Persol’s signature Supreme Arrow motif, this classic promises to look spectacular when worn with a business suit, swimsuit or anything in between.
Persol Eyewear Collection
PO0649
Modified aviator style with keyhole bridge and gradient lens SKU 455473 Color Havana tortoise shell frame with brown lens Retail Price $310.00 (US)
PERSOL
This utterly Italian reimagined Wayfarer evokes an authentic Mediterranean flair. Featuring the Meflecto comfort temple, Victorflex bridge, crystal polarized lenses and Persol’s signature Supreme Arrow motif, this sophisticated style will look as much at home in Lake Tahoe as in Lake Como.
Persol Eyewear Collection PO2902
Black Wayfarer style with metal bridge detail and polarized lens SKU Color Retail Price 455671 Black frame with crystal green lens $340.00 (US)
Celebrity Persol Eyewear Fans: George Clooney, Beyonce Knowles, Zac Efron, Mickey Rourke, Heidi Klum, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Daniel Craig, Orlando Bloom, Sharon Stone, Hugh Laurie, Lindsay Lohan, Jude Law, Matt Damon and Christina Ricci.
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PERSOL by SELimA
Additionally, ILORI is delighted to feature a number of authentic vintage frames from the 1970’s and 80’s in a rare collection of “Vintage Persol by Selima”. Selima is sought after not only for her knowledge of vintage eyewear, but also for her generosity in spirit, and inspiration to new collectors. She is a lover of movies, drawing from French film noir greats Godard, Fellini, and actors like Marcello Mastroianni and her absolute favorite American icon Steve McQueen. It was this passion that grew her personal love and respect for Persol. Selima also loves to travel, always stopping in small villages along the way to explore every optical shop and antiquary searching for vintage frames. While in Arles, France in 2008 she discovered a wonderful hidden “tresor” (meaning treasure in French) of true vintage Persol. She bought the whole lot to build on her growing collection from many different countries, including: Japan, Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland, and countless others. Through this passion of film and travel, ILORI believes Selima has accumulated the largest vintage Persol collection in the world. It is available for sale, but even more valuable as an inspiration in her own work. And, it is with great anticipation that we bring this treasured assortment to the ILORI client. For a limited time, each ILORI boutique will feature a few rare pieces of these classic collectibles–all of which truly demonstrate the timeless quality, craftsmanship, and art of Persol.
03 ILORI Trend Report: July - August 2009