FASHION /
NEWS
March 9, 2015
Eyewear Designer Anne Valentin Interview (2)
“The color, the texture—everything about glasses is a message.”
Anne Valentin: An Interview with the Eyewear Designer (Part 2)
Anne Valentin opened an eyewear shop in the ancient city of Toulouse in southern France in 1980, and began creating her own collection in '84. Her collection, born from the idea that "we had to make them ourselves to enjoy them," constantly conveys new messages. What is the brand's philosophy, as she explains it?
photo by Jamandfix
We want them to be glasses one aspires to, just like clothes, shoes, and bags.
—Have there been any changes since you started your collection in 1984?
Fortunately, yes, there have been changes. The designs have evolved, and I myself have changed. But the philosophy is something that must not change. My philosophy hasn't changed, so if I hadn't encountered eyewear, I might have been making watches or objects. But my interest led me to eyewear. If I'm going to make it my profession, I think about it thoroughly.
—What is "philosophy" to you, Anne?
It means that when you wear glasses, you become happy, you have fun, and you appear even better as a person.
It's about reveling in life while wearing my glasses.
In other words, they help bring out your individuality.
Enjoyable to choose, enjoyable to wear and live with.
Unfortunately, most people don't choose their glasses this way.
I want them to be glasses one aspires to.
It's strange how seasonal trend colors are announced.
—Anne Valentin is known for its colors; where do you find your inspiration?
Fashion trends announce colors for collections, but I don't pay much attention to those trend colors.
Everyone has colors that suit them, and as I continue to create collections each year, I naturally think, "Perhaps I'll try something new this time." That is my identity as a designer. What we seek is simply to change and to move forward.
—So, regarding the changes in your own colors, Anne...
Even colors that emerge from the natural flow of the world are influenced by culture.
It's wonderful how colors change.
For me, combining two colors to create new inspiration is very refreshing.
—Your unique combinations make one want to try them on.
It's like clothing, isn't it?
We consider the materials, combine them, layer the colors, and create individuality.
With glasses too, everything—the color, the texture—becomes a message.
Color is vibration; it resonates with the soul.
To be new yourself, try changing your own image.
—So, do you have a message for OPENERS readers?
Well, there's no set recipe for choosing glasses.
If there were one, it would be to be curious and try things you'd normally never consider.
Change your own image for yourself, not based on what others might think.
I don't think anyone who has come to an Anne Valentin shop saying, "I want glasses like this," has ever bought the first thing they saw and left (laughs).
You have a chance to see yourself through different eyes.
—Thank you very much.
Anne et Valentin
Founded in 1992 by Alain and Anne Valentin, the brand is renowned for its exceptional design and coloring capabilities.
The design concept from the beginning has been to enhance the wearer's individuality and charm.
Consequently, Anne Valentin's designs, with their bold forms, vivid colors, and unique combinations that leverage the properties of each material, showcase creativity that brings smiles to people's faces. Today, it is a leading eyewear brand with fans worldwide.
Globespecs Shibuya Store
A select shop offering a wide range of eyewear, from basic styles to the latest trends,
with a focus on imported sunglasses.
The store features a diverse collection of uniquely designed frames, and "Anne et Valentin" is particularly popular.
1F Corpora Napoli, 1-14-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5459-8377
http://www.globespecs.co.jp/
Inquiries for Anne et Valentin retailers nationwide
Globespecs Agent Tel. 03-5459-8326