Style spotlight

Emmanuelle Khanh

Art de Vivre BY JOAN GRADY

Fashion trends in the 1980s were all about big, bold style with exaggerated shoulder pads, oversized blazers, power suits and copious amounts of hair. Eyewear was voluminous too, with marketing focused on captivating, free-spirited spectacles. These quintessential frames were frequently created by an influential French designer of the era: Emmanuelle Khanh. If social media had existed then, Emmanuelle’s statement frames would probably have received an avalanche of ‘likes’.

Silmo d’Or awards] and then joined the luxury jewellery house Piaget in Switzerland right after graduation. After a few months, I came back to Paris and was appointed at Emmanuelle Khanh, as the brand was willing to pursue new creative directions.” PURSUITS AND PERSPECTIVE Eva and I reflected fondly on our meetings with the French designer, albeit years apart, and Madame Khanh left a lasting impression on us both. “I met Emmanuelle Khanh in 2016,” Eva recalled. “It was a great Decades later, Emmanuelle Khanh Eyewear moment, and allowed me to have a deeper continues to attract global attention, including understanding of the brand, not especially with wholesale and retail businesses – on eyewear, but more on the Emmanuelle particularly independent opticians who are Khanh Art de Vivre, and the relationship the drawn to the timeless authenticity and brand had built between women and their charismatic fashion for the last 50 years. styles. Sadly, Emmanuelle “We shared a strong desire to design for passed away real women we love, our muses. Today, as in 2017, but the artistic director of the brand, my work is her legacy always inspired by the brand legacy, carries on Eyewear quickly became the perfect in- Madame Khanh’s avant-garde vision, but with the between field, allowing me to explore the also my own journey and the aspirations of innovative body and fashion through the face, today’s women. I feel very emotionally concepts of experimenting with materials and playing connected with the brand.” a young, with identity and styles. elegant, chic and dynamic “As Emmanuelle Khanh Eyewear was being French re-launched, I had the chance to be part of Emmanuelle Khanh on the cover of French ELLE – circa 1980s woman who captures the vitality, depth the new story,” continues Eva. “I started to design for EK as a freelancer while I was still a student. Winning two design prizes, I also and originality of the founder. collaborated with Jeremy Tarian [the French eyewear designer who has achieved several Currently at the helm at Emmanuelle Khanh is Eva Gaumé, who embraces the essence and direction of the designer’s far-reaching attitude and perspective on life. As creative director of eyewear and image for the brand, her studies, expanding knowledge and experience are an inspiring catalyst on this exciting journey. EMBRACING EYEWEAR Eva reflects on her introduction and energising opportunity with Emmanuelle Khanh: “I graduated from the prestigious school of art and design in Geneva, HEAD, specialising in jewellery and accessories.

Parisian designer Emmanuelle Khanh

Eva Gaumé, creative director eyewear and image for EK

EK vibrant red sunglasses Designing for a legendary eyewear icon is an invigorating adventure for Eva. “I’m very excited and thankful to see Emmanuelle Khanh back as a contemporary yet independent brand – worn by different generations of women all around the world, and distributed in the most exclusive stores. Having a 360° vision towards the image and the collections empowers my creativity and gives me freedom, while its legacy always inspires and guides me. As a designer, I cherish this quite unique position.”

Years after the launch of EK frames, Eva describes why she believes opticians and consumers continue to find EK frames desirable. “Whether it is opticals or sunglasses, the colours and shapes of EK shades are very recognisable, bold and authentic. Today, the brand is known for its beautiful creative coloured tortoise patterns that have become a new signature.

“Oversized or ultra-slim, our frames have remained the gold standard, an icon for the emancipated, joyful working women who embody the Emmanuelle Khanh spirit. Moreover, beyond the style and the quality of the product stand amazing people: our team, manufacturers and ambassadors who are passionate. This is the real beating heart of the brand.”

CHARISMATIC STYLE The latest EK eyewear designs validate vintage credentials that connect essential high-tech, contemporary elements that ensure comfort and durability. Emmanuelle Khanh also loved accessories. In addition to the striking frame silhouettes in bright, eyecatching colours and fashion’s favourite shade – black – eyewear accessories reflect the EK persuasion with chains and glass cases that are sleek, functional and superbly stylish. Eva’s designs include roomy, streamlined cases in eco-appropriate vegan leather – ideal to further protect frames.

The pandemic has enforced mandatory changes in the eyewear industry. However, with that ‘can do’ spirit that was so much a part of Emmanuelle Khanh, Eva foresees positive possibilities. “This period has reinforced the values the brand and our team stand for,” she reflects. “Emmanuelle Khanh is a Maison that claims creativity, style and savoir-faire with a local, humanscale production based in France.

“As an independent brand and beyond luxury, I have a real desire to create beautiful handmade products that last. We started to transition towards bio-sourced components as much as possible, such as acetates and lenses made in France and Italy. I believe more than ever people are willing to consume products that are meaningful, more sustainable and to live more unique experiences, physically in store but also digitally.”

When Emmanuelle Khanh launched her frames, she mesmerised the eyewear world with her forward thinking and original designs. Nowadays, her contemporary outlook for stylish eyewear is encapsulated in the elegant, luxurious styles designed by Eva Gaumé, always keeping the dynamic spirit of EK in mind.

Today’s customer is increasingly more aware of how products are made, where they come from, and how materials are sourced. For independent opticians, vintage brands provide an enduring podium for current and future clients to appreciate the heritage, authenticity and timeless style of exceptional designers.

Dramatic, captivating chic by EK

EK Pouchette in vegan leather