Page 26 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition Jan-Feb 2020

JO UNDERWOOD MYKITA OPENS NEW STORE IN BANGKOK
TO STEP DOWN ykita opened its long-awaited walls interspersed with green foliage.
FROM ABDO M brand store in the Thai Developed by the MYKITA in-house
capital in November last year. Situated architectural team, the interior
he Association of British
T Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in the Sindhorn village development concept presents a compelling clash
College, will soon have a new in the city’s cosmopolitan Pathum of textures and surfaces: a high-tech
urban jungle ambience that gives a
Wan district, the MYKITA Shop
Principal as the current principal Jo Bangkok offers the clear design nod to the mesmerising contrasts of
Underwood who has been in charge language, handcrafted products and the Bangkok metropolis itself. Pale
of the college since its inception in high-tech aesthetic of the Berlin- green provides a unifying element for
2000 will be retiring at the end of based global eyewear brand to one the interior, used on the expanded
this academic year. The search for of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and metal ceiling, eyewear storage trolleys
the new Principal will commence vibrant centres. and the metal detailing on the oak
towards the end of February. furniture. The signature white MYKITA
“The Bangkok shop opening
Jo Underwood said, “It is with is a natural step for MYKITA given WALL provides the central feature of
some regret that I step down as our longstanding and rewarding the shop with the eyewear models of
Principal of ABDO College, but I relationship with the city, our the current collection on display. On
believe the time is now right for local team, and not least, our loyal approaching the shop, the entrance
to the in-store optical lab is already
someone new to take over the role customer base,” said MYKITA founder visible through the floor-to-ceiling
and bring in transforming ideas. It Moritz Krueger. glass front, providing a showcase for
is not very often that one has the The shop interiors boast of ready- the distinctive mix of handcraft and
opportunity to set up something made industrial elements, custom high technology that defines MYKITA’s
totally new and I am very grateful designed furniture and mirrored Modern Manufactory.
to have been given that chance. I
feel proud and privileged to have
been able to fulfil the project aims
and would like to thank all of the
College staff who have helped to
make it a success.”

Sir Anthony Garrett CBE Hon
FBDO stated, “ABDO College started
with Jo, she has recruited all of
that academic staff and seen the
development of the College building SAFILO GROUP AND MARC JACOBS RENEW
from an empty shell to a fully
equipped and high quality facility. LICENSING AGREEMENT
Above all, Jo has ensured that the afilo, a worldwide leader in According to a press note, the
very highest standards of training S the design, manufacturing renewal of this partnership, that has
are in place. Her contribution to and distribution of eyewear, and reached its 15 year of collaboration,
th
the profession is beyond compare. world-renowned designer Marc will further strengthen Safilo’s
Twenty years ago ABDO College was Jacobs (Marc Jacobs International, portfolio in the contemporary
an aspiration, today it is recognised LLC), have announced the early segment, while extending the
as a highly successful centre of renewal of their licensing agreement positioning of the brand in the
excellence. Jo has led from the front for Marc Jacobs branded optical luxury segment with the launch of
and delivered a project beyond what frames and sunglasses collections. the Marc Jacob’s Runway eyewear
seemed possible all those years ago. The new agreement will now run until collection expected to hit the market
What an achievement.” December 31 , 2026. in January 2021.
st

| JAN-FEB 2020 | 22 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

January-February 2020 SK News IDML.indd 3 02/15/2020 20:27