FEBRUARY 2011 - National Eyecare Group

26
STYLE
From an illustrious past
TO NEW BEGINNINGS
By Joan Grady, Fashion Editor
Other notable events for this burgeoning
family business include the opening of a
chic little boutique just off Portobello on
All Saints Road, London, the successful
launch of Claire Goldsmith Legacy
eyewear, and the arrival of the
designer’s second child this summer.
That’s a lot to pack into five years.
“Some days it feels like fifty years,”
declares Goldsmith with a laugh, “and
what I’ve learned is that it takes five
years to know what you are doing, and
then five more years to make it better.
“A business is made with people, and I
have the best team,” continues Claire.
“Zoë Cosby, who is retail manager of
our boutique, knows about small
businesses as her family owns Kent
Brushes [the British firm that started in
1777 and is known for its fine bristle
brushes]. Retail is an important part of
business, and brands are taking the retail aspect into their own hands. At
first,” says Claire knowingly, “one store is your whole life, and then you can
see how there could be possibilities for other shops. Even during a
recession, opportunities do present themselves.”
Sleek and smart interior
The 600 square foot boutique is on two levels – the ground floor entry,
where customers browse, and the basement area with two separate
This month, Claire Goldsmith celebrates the fifth anniversary
of the re-launch of Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses.
spaces, including the archive room.
This is a haven for OG memorabilia and
vintage acetate models. The walls are
plastered with press clippings and
photos of internationally recognisable
film stars and artistic personalities,
including Grace Kelly, Michael Caine,
Audrey Hepburn, the Duke of Windsor,
Peter Sellers, Diana Princess of Wales,
Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren and the
dashing London hostess and writer, Fleur
Cowles. The signature book reads like a
veritable international ‘Who’s Who’.
The boutique is tastefully decorated in
black and chocolate with shelving and
display cases in white. Customers can
try on a varied selection of styles, as
well as browse through the archives
on the lower ground level, where
Claire Goldsmith, director of Oliver Goldsmith
clients can choose from a beautiful
selection of acetates for their favourite
frame. A welcoming coffee or tea further enhances the warm atmosphere
in this cosy space. Goldsmith and Cosby have also initiated a series of
monthly events that have so far included a Pimm’s Week, where the iconic
gin-based drink was served, plus a Hollywood themed event and afternoon
high-tea – a favourite for British as well as foreign clients. Further themes
will be introduced for 2011.
“We also collaborate with local businesses in the area, and we are active
on Facebook and Twitter. Social networking has been cracking as a
Boutique with OG eyewear displays Oliver Goldsmith memorabilia and vintage frames