sunglasses

Christian Roth is a name that has become synonymous with luxury. In a perfect fusion of flawless design and craft, the luxe brand’s designers, Christian Roth and Eric Domege, have created eyewear featuring innovative silhouettes, techniques and colorations that have placed them on the forefront of fashion worn by tastemakers across the ages including Andy Warhol, Diana Ross, Kate Moss, Rihanna, Daphne Guinness and Lenny Kravitz. Here, these Miami-based eyewear gurus give us their personal picks for the hautest spots in the City of Angels to specific designs from their line. In the words of the gentlemen themselves: “We love coming to Los Angeles. We have been coming for more than three decades because—after all—L.A. is the capital of sunnies. We always tell our friends, L.A. is the place where you really need to shine the best in your sunglasses!”

Christian starts his day wearing his ‘Christian’s Own’ in neon green with blue mirror lenses while partaking in a morning swim at Paradise Cove. He loves the drive down the PCH, the walk on the beach and the beauty of the cliffs. Walking back to the Malibu Pier and the cafe, he feels like time has stopped in the 1950’s. It is so simple and unpretentious; the whole experience is like a ritual.

While next having lunch at Taverna Tony in Malibu, he will switch to the casual and chic ‘Christian’s Own’ tortoiseshell with transparent blue details, or wear ‘Space Race,’ a power pack titanium aviator shape in gunmetal. He loves to hang out in the courtyard with its gorgeous bougainvilleas. With its blue and white painted wood, one feels transported to Mykonos or Saint Tropez at Taverna Tony. There is no better place to escape the tourists than in Malibu, especially here at this taste of the Mediterranean on the Pacific, at this simple spot with delicious seafood.

He’ll switch up his look for cocktail hour at the Mondrian to his black ‘Christian’s Own; the very light graduated lenses are perfect to go from bright daylight to sunset hours at the Mondrian and into the night. Christian has been staying at this still hotel since the late 1980’s and has seen all its transitions. He loves the pool and the terrace looking over the city both during the day and at night. “It is a magic spot for lovers, and holds many memories for both Eric and I,” he says.

Eric Domege loves to lunch at the Hotel Bel-Air. His ‘Cortina’ in mocha brown and milky blue fits the soft luxurious atmosphere. The Hotel Bel-Air is a little like paradise for the designer, who finds the spot to be both chic and secluded. The manicured gardens and lovely pool make the Hotel Bel-Air the perfect hideaway for a city holiday, but is also the perfect place for a power lunch or tea. Here, time stops and he feels Great Gatsby in the air!

Having an apertif at the Chateau Marmont, he’ll wear the high gloss black Eric’s Own with his prescription lenses. The Chateau is magic, designed with subtlety and simplicity. Domege recalls, “Back in 1990, we catered a private dinner for the launch of Jean Paul Gaultier’s eyewear collection in the vaulted ceiling room; well before a restaurant was actually put in the Chateau. Every time we enter the room, we remember that night.”

Domege will then head to dinner at the Sunset Marquis, where he will keep the same silhouette, but replace it with a Havana color to be able to read the small typed menu. He loves the Sunset Marquis due to its mixed crowd and that he’ll often spot celebrities there in a “non-show off” way. “It’s energy packed in an uncomplicated way. The garden restaurant is so romantic, there is impeccable service and the team knows how to make you feel good and relaxed!”

Like Haute Living Los Angeles? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingMag.