Vintage Eye: 80's Alain Mikli Collectible Frames

As you could imagine, Selima, our founder, creative director and the mastermind behind Selima Optique, is an avid collector of vintage frames and sunglasses of all provenances. And lucky for you, many of her favorite unworn frames from the large collection she has amassed over the years are up for grabs at all of our locations.

Keeping this in mind along with the fact that quality, timeless design never goes out of style, each week we'll be focusing on our most coveted & rare vintage frames, starting with these graphic 80's era Alain Mikli sunglasses.

While they boast an exaggerated brow line and a nod to the sci-fi romance of the iconic film Blade Runner, their unique design smartly marries an androgynous sleekness with details like thin matte black arms and smaller lenses for the wearer to radiate a subtle confidence.

80's Vintage Alain Mikli Sunglasses, available at our Bond St. location and by special order worldwide.
Contact us for more info.

Arts Watch: Selima Takes Part in Artist JR's Winning Project

Years ago, Selima discovered a fascinating write-up about the work of the once anonymous French multi-media artist JR, who used the streets of  various cities to display his series "Women are Heroes". Most of the women he photographed for the series had seen death, chaos and social destruction, and JR's method of conveying this had Selima transfixed immediately. More than an infatuation, Selima was completely blown away by the depth and magnitude of his work and has since become a fan.

Much like a graffiti artist, JR is a photographer and artist who flyposts his large scale black-and-white photographic images in public locations for everyone to encounter, stating that the street is "the largest art gallery in the world." His work takes raising societal questions to the streets as he installs his pieces outside of the art world’s institutions for the public to encounter, interpret and take part in rather than catering to the closed world of patrons of the arts, or for those seeking to discover new perspectives alone

French journalist and curator  Fabrice Bousteau refers to JR, whose work deals with commitment, freedom, identity and limits as "the one we already call the Cartier-Bresson of the 21st century," which is quite an impressive affiliation to say the least.

As Selima visits the Arles photography festival every year, she was elated to find that JR was a contestant this year who by the way, won the contest!

Selima was thrilled to take part in his project for the Arles "The Inside Out Project," a worldwide participatory project that transforms messages of personal identity into pieces of work and came back with this poster of her.

Below are some of the first images of JR's work that caught her attention with their impressive scale and thought provoking messages.

And below, JR's work in Manhattan just steps away from Selima Optique's Bond st. and Soho locations.

 

For more info visit Jr-Art.net

Papa's Feminine Side: Maïwenn Le Besco In Our Papa Frames- Polisse

 

Yet another pair of Selima Optique frames makes their way into the movies! This time on Maïwenn Le Besco, who co-wrote, directed and played the leading role in her new film POLISSE. Quite a feat! The film won the 2011 Jury Prize in Cannes and will be released late October. And just in case you were wondering, she chose our Papa 37 (brown) frames for her character in the movie. 

Viva Maïwenn!

For more info on the remarkably talented Maiwenn, visit her uber-cool website Maiwenn.com 

Shop Our Papa Frames Now...

Sneak Peek: Our Latest Catalog Featuring Nico Krull

We are excited to share these images from our upcoming lookbook shot by Tim Groen featuring model Nico Krull in an ode to iconic 60's French cinema with you in advance, more to come soon!

A Sweet Q&A with Selima Salaun by the CFDA

"Creativity strikes at any moment, as long as you are open to it" -our directrice Selima Salaun.

Always on my to-do list: an unbelievable amount of things that seems to never be done.

If I’m not in the studio, I am…visiting my stores, other stores, home, in a museum or traveling overseas.

I love visiting my store because…my clients inspire me.

My most exciting CFDA moment was…when I was selected to be on the selection committee and then the board of directors.

To me fashion is…therapeutic

My favorite interns are ones that...stay working in the company

You might be surprised to learn that I...ran the NYC marathon.

Designing is easy when…you do not worry about cash flow.

Creativity strikes… at any moment, as long as you are open to it.

Must admit I'm a little obsessive about...quite a few things.

When work gets stressful I…try to relativize

Last three books I read: Malavita by Tonino Benacquista. Le caveau de famille by Katarina Mazetti. The brief wondrous life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

Favorite food indulgence? The meringue cake at Cipriani

Can’t seem to stop collecting…accessories, books and movies.

My music play list has to include…disco

On my bucket list…do the spiritual walk of Compostela as described by Paulo Coelho

Exercise of choice? Swimming or Running

Always wearing…a dress and pink lipstick

It makes my blood boil when…people are mean.

I cannot stop watching…the stars

PC or Mac office? Both

If I didn’t work in Fashion I would most likely be..a veterinarian

The last thing I do before I go to bed…read

Next on my travel list…Paris and Tokyo.

Best part of being a CFDA member…being part of an amazing family!

Find more on Selima's feature and the Council of Fashion Designers of Amercia on their Tumblr today!

Lenny Kravitz in our Alexandra Sunglasses, Delta Sky Magazine

On their way to Las Vegas to attend Vision Expo West, members of our team were pleasantly surprised by the reading materials that were awaiting them. Call it a sign of good luck to see forever-cool Lenny Kravitz in our Alexandra sunglasses on the cover of Delta Sky Mag! Are we gonna go his way? Oh Boy!

Andrej Pejic in Selima Optique at Chris Benz Spring 2012

Just as Selima was chatting away on how much she admires the strength and versatility of the much talked about male model Andrej Pejic, it was clearly an uncanny coincidence that he was chosen as the face for Chris Benz's Spring 2012 presentation which featured our Andy sunglasses. Tres-cool!

Our Onassis Frames in InStyle, October 2011

Our Onassis frames, customized by Coco & Breezey and available in-store and by special order, were featured in InStyle's October issue.

Inside the World of Selima Salaun on StyleLikeU

Are you a fan? A friend? An optical connoisseur? Think you know all about our founder and directrice Selima Salaun? Well if you do or even if you don't, check out StyleLikeU.com's cheeky interview of Selima and her daughter Zoe, who share their insights on a wide array of topics.

From being raised in Africa to personal style to their sartorial relationship and their affinity for New York City, the two dish up witty takes on their observations and what inspires them. Like mother like daughter? Well maybe not, but it's more than obvious that besides their bond, this intimate portrait portrays their shared tenacity towards going against the grain for something a little more unexpected and free-spirited. We hope you enjoy checking the interview and candid video out as Selima welcomes you into her world, her closet and her home.

Check out the entire interview at StyleLikeU

Sweet Sunshine: Zoe Playing Around in Selima Opticals

Zoe, an adorable pup and a special visitor(and treat) to the offices of Marie Saeki was in a playful mood in some of our frames that day. Tres jolie and simply irresistible, what else can we say?

Follow Selima Optique on Twitter

Stay up to date on all things Selima Optique and follow us for a fun ride on Twitter today!

Selima Optique for J.Crew

Our Selima Optique for J.Crew Rivington frames in the latest J.Crew catalog.

Our Diego Frames in Teen Vogue, October 2011

Check out our Diego frames in the latest edition of Teen Vogue shot Daniel Jackson and styled by Alastair McKimm.

Selima Opticals in Express Magazine, September 2011

As the latest issue of Express Magazine suggests, our Zazou frames in black, orange and hot pink make the perfect addition to the season's mustard and saffron colorways. 

Shop our Zazou frames now...

Runway Report: Selima Optique at J.Crew Spring 2012

Our Candace sunglasses made the perfect accompaniment to J.Crew's colorful tailoring at their S/S 2012 presentation.

Shop our Candace frames now...

Runway Report: Selima Optique at Chris Benz Spring 2012

New York's king of color & prints, Chris Benz, finished off his quirky ode to fantastical Upper East Side eccentricity with our Andy sunglasses in an array of custom colored lenses for his S/S2012 outing.

Shop our Andy frames now...

Runway Report: Selima Optique at Tribune Standard Spring 2012

Tribune Standard designer Tawfik Mounayer topped off his heavy petal prints for Spring 2012 with our Edouard frames that were customized as sunglasses. Don't forget all of our frames can be custom ordered as sunglasses!

Shop our Edouard frames now...

Runway Report: Selima Optique at Adam Spring 2012

Our Onassis sunglasses added a classic yet cool edge to Adam's giddy floral and neon Spring/Summer 2012 collection this past weekend...what else can we say besides tres-chic!

Shop our Onassis frames now...

Become an Actionist: Turn the events of 9/11 into Positive Action

To honor those affected by the events of 9/11 the Council of Fashion Designer's of America is joining forces with Action America to turn today's anniversary into an opportunity for Positive Action and volunteerism. Add your voice to the effort! Go to www.actionamerica.com and find out ways to make 9/11 a day of positive action.

Make your next action a positive one and show support!

Ryan Gosling In Selima Optique Sunnies- Drive

The crew at Selima Optique was elated to see Ryan Gosling wearing yet another pair of Selima Optique frames in his latest film, "Drive."

Celebrate Fashion's Night Out with Selima Optique 9.8.2011

Join us as we celebrate Fashion's Night Out at our Soho flagship with artist Amanda Browder's fabric installations on display as well as the chance to nab one of our exclusive Marguerita Bornstein LOVE t-shirts.

Shop for a cause with all pink & blue frames discounted 20% off with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

And for those of you who can't make it, don't forget that you can always shop online at SelimaOptique.com!

Hanneli Mustaparta in Selima Optique, Vogue.com

Hanneli Mustaparta was featured as one of Vogue.com's Best Dressed of the Week

(week of August 29, 2011) in her Selima Optique Andy frames!

Ryan Gosling & Selima Optique in Entertainment Weekly

The costume designer of Crazy, Stupid, Love discusses Ryan Gosling's wardrobe choices including his Selima Optique frames in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly.