Dioptics Gossip

NEW Range

2012-02-07T16:20:00.001-08:00

There is a stunning new Japanese collection in the Studio – hand crafted by a new dynamic designer. These frames have round bumps and curves that are almost sensual. This range is exclusive to Dioptics and is extremely limited in numbers so hurry on in.

Frame your Face

2012-01-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

Fabulous frames deserve a face like yours come on in

new years

2012-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

How predictable would it be to commence this blog entry with phrases such as “Start a Fresh in 2012- a new beginning – a new start.

But you know that is what the New Year offers a chance of hope and change, a great time to update and reinvigorate yourself.

The stress of the yule tide period is behind you and now it is “you” time!

How about spending hours in a gorgeous café reading the paper front to back a new in a stunning new pair of Funk sunglasses – sounds like a great way to commence 2012.

New collections

2011-10-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Diane and Christine have just got back from Tokyo.
Lots of fabulous new eyewear will arrive in the Dioptics Studio.
There will be a mad rush so stay tuned so that you don't miss out.

Buzzzy

2011-09-27T21:21:00.001-07:00

We are busy life is busy - some fashion is FAST so very fast. Fast fashion has a place but so does slow burning style.

A pair of frames that you invest in for a life time- we specialise in those.
But there is a place for fast fashion – something that is for a good time not long time.

We cater for both and we enjoy both.

Decisions DECISIONS DECISIONS....

2011-09-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, how many decisions do you have to make in a day.

Do you enjoy making them??

Or does the weight of the “decision making” burden you???

Here at Dioptics we can help or even make the decision for you.

Choosing your latest piece of frame furniture is an event and we like to make it an event and an enjoyable successful time.

Let us take away one of those decisions WE LOVE IT

Funk it UP BABY

2011-09-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

FUNK EYEWEAR has arrived in the studio - and quite frankly there has been a stampede in the studio - This range is available exclusively at Dioptics.

Direct from Germany - this range has undertones and echoes of industrial retro GERMAN design.

Of particular interest is the Sashee Schuster range - created in the memory of Dieter Funk partners Father. It is a celebration to this man and his collection of spectacles. He had an extensive collection of eyewear and enjoyed wearing them. Quite unusual for a man of the early 19th century.

They reproduced the classic designs to suit the modernity of our times.

Be sure to make an appointment to see ALL the Funk collections before they have all left the studio.

Quote for the week "The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution that works is the family" Lee Lacocca

Welcome to the Dioptics Family.......

September is Funk Month

2011-08-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

While Christine and her family were in Berlin, they visited her niece, Petra who has been living there for around two years with her German husband. Here she is a guest blogger for our Dioptics blog and shares with us one of her favourite places in Berlin.
If you have ever been to Berlin and did not pay a visit to Clärchen’s Ballhaus in the über cool suburb of Mitte, then either you were reading the wrong guide book or you are now in the process of booking your return plane trip there.
Clärchen’s Ballhaus is a Berlin institution. An original Ballhaus (dance hall) first built in 1913 in Augustraße, just across from the river Spree, going to Clärchens is like walking onto a film set: Parquet inlaid floors, waiters wearing black bow ties, wooden panelled walls, silvery tinsel décor draping off the art-deco lights. And not forgetting the kitschy candles melting over dusty chianti bottles which give a nod to a bygone era. Y
ou kind of expect to see Marlene Dietrich swoosh before you.
These days Clärchen’s quirky vibe attracts dance diehards of all ages to the weekly dance classes- fans shake their thing to Swing, have a tumble during the Tango or get wooed doing the Waltz. And the dancefloor is always packed. I remember taking a Swing class once and dancing with a 60 year old man, only to swap partners and end up opposite a twenty something young visitor from Paris. This bizarre mix of young hipsters and golden oldies somehow works, creating such a cheerful vibe that you just want to get your glad rags on and boogie.
Even during the fifty year division of Berlin, it was THE place to meet for East and West Berliners alike.
'Clärchens' is the diminutive of 'Clara', who was the original founder’s wife. When her husband died, she managed the premises until the start of the Cold War and then her step daughter took over the day to day running. While the street entry building (Vorderhaus) was completely destroyed through bombing during the Second World War, the new owners who took over from the Wolff family in 2004 converted the empty space into a delightful beer garden opening all day and until late. So if dancing is not your thing, then it is still possible enjoy Clärchen's excellent food- think wood fired Neapolitan pizzas, hearty soups and some traditional Berlin fare (Boulette - a meat rissole and
Berliner Blut- und Leberwurst auf Rieslingkraut mit Salzkartoffeln und Senf -
Berlin blood sausage with potato salad, sauerkraut and mustard) It is one of the last standing remnants of Berlin’s golden age of the “Roaring twenties” – imagine vagabonds, burlesque dancers and the decadence of its mobsters and millionaires. Fast forward to 2011, and not much has changed. Except that the Mobsters have gone and there's more mums dancing than millionaires.
Petra has made the move into the writing world after working as a lawyer in Sydney. Her love for Berlin has grown - the individuality of the Berliners, its hidden cafés and incredible artistic treats are just a few of the standouts. You can follow her blog about culture, travel and ideas at http://petrazlatevska.posterous.com/

Camino de Santiago

2010-08-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

A dear customer of ours - Trish Clark took some amazing of her own beautiful frames - (All Dioptics frames are so well travelled) on the pilgrams walk in spain the Camino de Santiago.

Trish has written two books on travelling through Europe whilst staying at convent and monastery guesthouses and hotels. These books offer a unique guide to cheap, clean, safe and well located accomadtion throughout Europe

Goodnight and Godbless check out her website it is fantastic

DI & DAVE in Vietnam

2010-08-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

All clean Dave and Di

Dave and the weaver loom

Where's Dave he is there in the middle of the statue

Dave on a model

The eyes on the boat are for protection from evil spirits

Dave in another place ner to Hue

A wise medicine woman taking a look at things through Dave

Still with the Medicine Woman

Dave getting in a good view of things

Dave bringing in the bacon

Dave and the beautiful H'mon Lady

On a bull nose in a bull market

Dave still taking a ride on a bull

IWAN IN IRAN

2010-02-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

An other wonderful customer of ours took a pair of spectacles to be photographed in down town Iran. Anne thinks they should be called Iwan as it is a play on Iran and all the beautiful iwans they saw I think that is a great name for them

Anne wrote a brief description of her time in Iran it is as follows:

The Highlights. So Many. Iran has a rich culture and a long civilisation. The History (Overwhelming!) and architecture was fascinating as was the art, textiles, glass and potter. The people were very welcoming . Life is not easy for them after 30 odd years of sanctions. The markets are flooded with cheap Chinese goods. Some handicrafts still flourish. Wonderful carpets of course.

The food was fresh and tasty and I believe organic due to sanctions. Great feta cheese, divine dates and nuts.

So many important historical sites, layer upon layer, for 5000 yrs plus on top of each other. Rivals Italy and Greece. Persopolis was magnificent, the Archeamenid tombs, the Zoroastrian flame that has burned for 1500 years to name a few.And the treasury of National Jewels are unbelievable, it is a collection of the most expensive jewels in the world, collected over centuries.

There were some wonderful traditional working villages protected by UNESCO.

The Landscape is varied and always interesting. Even in the deserts. From oilfields to mountains forests and deserts.

A highlight was the amazing city was Isfahan, Paris of the east and over 1000 yrs old. Pretty gardens, beautiful ancient squares, mosques and palaces.

We were challenged by having to cover our person every day so only our face and hands showed. Tough at 35 degrees! We had to remember to wear a headscarf every time we ventures out our bedroom door. It was fun to see what the rest of our group looked like when we arrived back Dubai. And most people wear black or dark colours so returning to colourful clothes was luxury.

European vacation part two

2010-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

The Ritz, Hampton Court and lunching - what a grand time was had by all.

LONDON Vacation 2009/2010 PART ONE

2010-02-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

Dioptics does sand - Emirates sand in the Abu Dubai desert

These are the first shots of the Christine and Diane's European Christmas Vacation. The had a brief stop in the United Emirates before descending upon the cold of London.

Stopover in the desert before hitting the cold of London

Dioptics - spectacles - as always are the star of the show

Some amazing United Emirates architecture

Next week we will be posting about snow, london and Doris and Dave

Di and Doris and their amazing adventure

2009-10-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

As you all know Diane recently went on a European jaunt - to visit her daughter who now resides in down town London.

Diane treated the girls to High Tea at none other then Fortnum and Mason

Sing me song the piano man

Doris is in a great position to sing the night away

Di and her chicks

Doris adorns the face of young Sophie

In front of a theatre in Paris

you me and great bottle of red

Ballet Darling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is all about the food

An interview with a customer

2009-10-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

To spice things up a wee bit, we are running a series of interviews - these are with our customers and vendors about style, fashion, clarity and vision. The first interview is with Robyn Bryden - a dedicated Dioptics client for many years and a wonderful person for letting us practise our interviewing skills on. We thank you Robyn for your generosity.

IS STYLE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND WHY?

Yes it is very important, it helps with my self confidence and to project an image that is stylish and confident. I like to have an individual style as apposed to following a general trend.

WHERE YOU FRIGHTEN TO GO IN TO MULTIFOCALS?

No! Christine and Diane helped prepare me, whilst I was really pleased with my half readers - they did not look as interesting as with full glasses. The girls convinced me to try multifocals so I could wear full frames, and I was keen to wear something on my face the entire time, this especially came with retirement as I was tired of taking my spectacles on and off - it was all the little things that helped to decide to give multifocals a go.

HOW WAS THE TRANSITION?

It has taken a little bit of getting used to, still not a 100% used to it - however it is worth preserving with. I just love my sunglasses the most and am very happy to be in care of Diane and Christine and to follow their advice

HOW IS THE COMFORT OF YOUR SPECTACLES?

Excellent!

IS SERVICE IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Yes - for example the arm fell of my spectacles and I did not panic - as I knew Christine and Diane would fix and rectify the problem - I have complete trust in their service.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DIOPTICS EXPERIENCE?

I enjoy the personalities of everyone that works here - it is always a fun experience. I love the products and know no one else will be wearing my product. I like their degree of honesty and like, that you are encouraged to be daring.

FAVOURITE DIOPTICS MOMENT?

Years ago, when I found my purple cats eyes, very exciting!

NEXT SPECTACLES IN MIND

I am hankering for a red pair.......................

DAVE DOES ARTIC TRAVEL

2009-10-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yet again, Dave was whisked away on an amazing trip to the Artic! Felicity and Denis took absolutely breath taking pictures - enjoy this stroll through the Artic.

Dave on an iceberg in the water of Bear Islands, Greenlands

Dave - sitting on top the iceberg.

Dave on a boat in front of Magdalena Fjord,Svalbard

The next photos are of Dave near or on the Recherche Glacier

Dave at Small Sea Ice at Svalbard

Felicity wearing Dave

THANK YOU FELICITY AND DENNIS FOR SUCH AMAZING PICTURES - The Dioptics team

TRUNK SHOW TOUR TO THEO

2009-10-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

ON YOUR MARKS AND GO GO GO

Yes the cup cake returned racing on the Temples of a new THEO Frame.

Diane's husband - Valde - arrived from a short cycle around the Pyrenees Mountains - in his full racing gear now less!

Alain and the frames are just magnificent - do come and see all the wonderful new stock the girls brought back with them on their latest and greatest trip to PARIS.

More photo's next week of the PARIS trip.

Alain Mikli Trunk Show

2009-07-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some images for the latest and greatest Trunk - be sure to come to the next one - they are loads of fantastic fun.

Here is the studio all dressed up.

Alain Mikli mother helped us on the day - what a treat.

More views of the studio.............

Raymond from Alain Mikli demonstrates the virtues of frame furniture...

The magnificent cupcake

Ready to go with the day

Lucy treats us with your presence

Of PIGS and Lake Eyre

2009-07-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Doris has been trippin again - she went a visiting and a looking down south australia way...........................

Robin was her guide and what a splendid time was had by all.....

First lake eyre and surrounds then

Rundle Street Adelaide

THANK ROBIN FOR TAKING DORIS AND THE GREAT PICS........................

YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG

2009-07-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here at the studio we like to get you started in style - as early as possible! One of our treasured customers brought her delightful grand daughter in for a play. This is her modelling our latest collection by KIRK ORGINALS.

She looks great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOOK LOOK LOOK

2009-06-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

For all of you planning to come to the most amazing Trunk show ever! - Thought you might like to see a photo of the man himself .

Here we are with Alain Mikli at the 2008 Paris show.

Remember to make an appointment for this event!

OUR WORLD FAMOUS TRUNK SHOWS

2009-06-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

PAINT WITH THE MASTERS ON THE 9th and 10th of JULY

Life imitates art, and with the Alain Mikli Trunk show the Dioptics Studio really does become a Studio – Alain Mikli is creating an installation in the DIOPTICS studio, enabling an exclusive viewing of its entire latest collection.

It is difficult to think of a more perfectly appropriate opportunity, as are you not a work of art? Please come and join us for this spectacular event. Treat a friend and bring him or her with you to this art happening

The studio space will be transformed into an amazing work of art – a one-off that will only occur in Sydney. Colour your pallet with the incredible stylings of Christine and Diane along side the master strokes of the Alain Mikli collection.

The famous Cupcakes will return – an incredible new taste sensation created especially for this two day event. There will be other delicious treats to tempt your senses – along with the wonderful company of the ever-creative girls.

All those in attendance will also have the chance to win a lucky door prize!
Don’t forget to make an appointment – please email us on mail@dioptics.com.au or telephone us on 02 9221 0049 to view this collection

Secret Women's Business

2009-06-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Doris has privilege to travel with the ever fabulous Jill Yates on Secret Women's Business.

Here are the photo's from this the latest voyage of the amazing adventures of Doris our intrepid

THANKYOU JILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jill Yates and Doris

Doris with the jumping crocodiles of Adelaide River

On the foot of the a jumping crocodile

Doris on a handwoven dilly bag from East Alligator River.

Doris posing with Lak Lak Burarrwanga in North East Arnhem Land. Lak Lak took Jill on a tour and has written a book on weaving.

Doris with Handcrafted Aboriginal Yirrkala Shells in North East Arnhem Land.

Doris with a model of an early settler.

An other view with the settler

Doris on a crocodile warning sign - perhaps you stay there it is safer Doris.

Doris with Aboriginal Clapsticks Aileron Northern Territory

Stunning colours

Doris with more Aboriginal hand crafts

Doris with little green men at Wycliffe Well the UFO capital of Australia

Doris with an Aboriginal Flag Headscarf.

Doris at "The Pebbles" secret women's dreaming place, Tennant Creek, NT

Doris posing with Sturts dessert pea in Alice Springs

More from the LARAPINTA TREK

2009-05-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

Elinor, has sent some more Photo's from the Larapinta Trail - Dave looked like he just had the best time ever! Thank you Elinor, for such wonderful photos's of Dave.........

Dave with the girls! On the trail Julie, Janelle and Pamela

Dave on the trail with fellow trekker - with Janelle.

With the entire group on trail - Dave is sitting upon Elinor's Head

Dave resting on top of Elinor's Blue Beanie, at day break - on the summit of Mount Sonder

Dave upon Elinor's Head, on top of Mount Sonder at dawn, with Julie

Larapinta Trek

2009-05-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

Dave went a trekking for a mightily good cause - Dave was accompanied by Elinor Crossing who Trekked Larapinta to raise funds for the Eye Foundation . Looks like once again Dave had the best seat in the house - the photo's from the Trek are truly magnificent.

Elinor and nine other inspiring Australians have raised close to $70,000 for indigenous eye health by undertaking a five day trek along the famous Larapinta Trail. The adventure was the culmination of months of training and fundraising by the trekkers who signed up to undertake this life-changing challenge in support of the Eye Foundation and its indigenous eye health projects.

Here is a photo essay of this amazing journey.

Dave sitting in fork of a snow gum in the early morning

Dave is ready for a dip at Ormiston Gorge

Dave sitting on the actual port a loo - a bit of morning relief for Dave

Dave sitting on the lid of the camp's port a loo - oh the places you go Dave!

Dave enjoys a true ozzie cuppa from a billy and a camp fire.

Dave sitting on aheart shaped rock - on the Trail

what is on the TABLE at Dioptics

2009-05-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Feast your eyes on the banquet being served at the Dioptics studio !!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Kirk Originals are now in store and are a highlight of the menu, be sure to check out the latest styling's from Theo and Alain Mikli .

Christine is in a Frenzy about RED! It is all about red, remember your wardrobe of glasses can contain the same colour, but still be very different - look at this eclectic mob of spectacles.

Make an appointment to drop by the studio - to graze on the latest offering at the studio

DORIS RETURNS

2009-04-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

Doris has been away, that lovely man Peter took her on a bike trip from the 7th of March to the 15th of March. Accompanied by whole bunch of people for a whole long time. Doris joined this group of bike riders who were riding for an exceptionally worth while cause Corners for Kids. In their own words not only was this event about raising funds for Inspire's Reach Out service, the riders spent the week spreading the word to young people and their families that there is help, information and support available when they, or someone they know, is going through a difficult time.

Below are photos from the event in which Doris was a keen and active particpant.

Doris prepares for take off.

Doris in Victoria sitting upon her ride enjoying the view

The riders and Doris stop for coffee at Scotsdale

More bike pictures, after all Doris was on a biker road trip - by the way if you would like to donate to this cause please go here.

This is just a beautiful picture of a Tasmanian gum tree - Doris is watching

Just an other beautiful picture of the Tasmanian Coast and the wildlife

I think Doris had the best seat in the house the entire trip.

Doris is modelled upon fellow Bike riders Ray Griffen a founding member and Jo Jarvis from the Inspire Foundation

Bicheno which is a bike friendly town unexpectedly hosted a event for the travellers- an amazing cake was made in their honour. Mayor, Frenchman Bertrand Cadartown a delightful character was the host for the evening Doris was there to help celebrate at this event.

Doris in prime position for a piece of cake

Doris gets closer - to the magnificent cake

Our lovely Peter (Doris's companion) ran our of Petrol and consequently fined $100 towards the Corners for Kids foundation cause.

Doris and Dove Lake

Doris rests upon a gatepost at Lowercrackpot

Doris nowhere else to go but home - what a great week!!!

Thank you Peter for taking Doris on this wonderful road trip and thank you for particpating in this amazing event and helping to raise both funds and awareness for such shuch an important cause.

So far 55 000 has been raised - Peter raised 6500 personally - The target is 75 000 should any of you wonderful people which to donate this worthy cause please go here.

TRUNK SHOW EXTRADOIRE

2009-03-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

A midsummer nights dream

In the mood for a reinvention? - What happens at a DIOPTICS trunk show? There are cupcakes - international representatives - Easter eggs - drinks and even sushi. But most importantly this is the opportunity for the members of the Dioptics fan club to view entire collections from our selected designers.

Providing them with the opportunity to purchase a manificent pair of face furniture- that we may not stock, let alone any one else in Australia.

Trunk shows are also an opportunity to come and have a cuppa and a gossip with the girls.

Images -we have loads of wonderful images from yesterdays event.

Should you wish to be included on our guest list for the next extravaganza - please contact us so we can email you regarding future events.

Fancy a cupcake

Christine and Alain

Christine framed

Alain, Diane and Patrice

Pretty as a picture

Washing up

Sparkles

New Theo

Some more Theo

JF Rey goes spotty

Some more Theo

JF Rey

Fleur de leux with JF REY

JF Rey

DORIS FARE THEE WELL

2009-03-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

A lovely man called, Peter has taken Doris on a long bike trip. He will be guest blogging shortly to tell us all what he and Doris have been up to.

DAY SPA FOR GLASSES

2009-03-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Dioptics Day Spa is open - Doris was the first client that indulged in our unique service.

All Dioptics clients are offered this complimentary service - they can drop off their spectacles for a deep cleanse and clean.

Dave flys solo

2009-02-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Dave is on his way to the UK - on his own. Dave is leaving with one of our dear clients!

Will post the photo's when he arrives back on the 18th March.

Dave attends a meeting

2009-02-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

Dave attended a Rotary meeting yesterday where he listened to a very interesting talk by the Tradewinds tea and coffee company about the impact of fair trade.

Tomorrow Doris, will be going to key college to make a continual donation to their library from Sydney Rotary CBD.

Doris and Dave

2009-01-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

Doris and Dave have travelled!

Dave crossed continents, gain inner peace and found spirituality on train trip through India.

Dave adorns the face of a Buddhist priest from Thailand, performing a
cermony around the Bodhi Tree in Sarnath also known as the deer park
where Budha took his first lessons at the Dhamekh Stupa.

Dave at one of Ghandi's Spinning wheels, where Ghandi spent his last 144 days in Deli

He now sits on the preserved foot print of Ghandi last steps before his assantion

Dave at the Taj Mahal

Dave have lunch at the city of Udapour in Fateh Prakash Palace - accross where Octopussy was filmed.

Dave is with a Hindu Dietity Shiva's Wife - Parvati

Dave is protecting the women from the outside world - these screens were contrusted to prevent people seeing the woman, but allowing them to see the world. Dave thinks the architecture is muslim in appearance.

Dave rests upon - the sivler detailing on a maharaja's elephant chair. These ornate chairs are set upon the top elphant to carry the maharaja in style and custom .

Dave is sitting on a sandstone pillar over looking the lake on the way up to Jaswand Tharda also Jodhpur - which is where the Maharini built a mousalim.

Doris on the other hand found herself lounging on beaches of Palm Cove.

Doris found a friend in a lovely pair of Francis Klien sunglasses

Doris Soaking up the sun

Doris relaxing by the pool

Remember if any of our clients are set to take off ! We would love for you to take either doris or dave for their next photographic adventure.

Yuletide Celbrations

2008-12-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Dioptics will be closed during the Christmas back - allowing time for reflection and recovery from the yuletide celebrations. Christine loves the festive season, the warmth and summer - but most of all just loves spending time with her family - particularly when her travels take her to Palm Cove.

Di is off to India to become a princess on a train to discover the colours, flavours, sights and sounds. Imagine Christmas with the maha raja.

Speaking of all things travel Doris and Dave the travelling spectacles commence their many journeys this christmas. More to be revelled in the new year.

So to all our wonderful clients thank you for your support during 2008 and a very Merry Christmas.