Designer Alex Perry with his Specsavers glasses. Image supplied.
Fashion designer Alex Perry has designed several beautiful eyewear collections that are available at Specsavers and he’s currently working with the brand as part of a campaign titled #LoveGlasses. The campaign is designed to celebrate the individual style and confidence of those who wear glasses and is a nationwide Specsavers initiative.
To get involved, glasses wearers just need to post their “spec selfie” on Instagram or Facebook using #LoveGlasses and tagging @SpecsaversNewZealand. Anyone sharing their selfie will also be entered for the chance to win a year’s supply of Specsavers designer frames, $5,000 travel voucher and $1,000 spending money. Further info is available here.
We caught up with Alex to find out more about the #LoveGlasses campaign, his advice for choosing the right eyewear for your face shape and what you would never catch him wearing!
Your collections for Specsavers have been really successful, what has it been like working with the brand and what appeals to you about designing eyewear?
Sunglasses are a signature of my personal style and you’ll rarely see me without a pair, so having the opportunity to design the Alex Perry range at Specsavers wasn’t something I was going to miss out on!
Whenever I’m designing a new collection I always try to include a range of options, from a chic black frame, to bright red, animal print or sunglasses with a little sparkle. That’s why I love the Specsavers team, I’ve been able to work with them and transform my vision into a reality.
Designing eyewear is such fun for me as I love that you can have so much fun with frames and change up your look so easily. I often meet people who are daunted by the idea of trying something new but glasses are a great way to make a statement. That’s why I’ve also teamed up with Specsavers to encourage Kiwis to celebrate their personal style by posting their specs selfies to social media with #LoveGlasses and @SpecsaversNewZealand.
Do you have a style rule you always obey? And how does your personal style influence your designs when you’re considering aesthetics?
I don’t believe in solid style rules, it’s more about what suits the individual and makes them feel amazing. I’m a firm believer in finding your own personal style and dressing for your body shape and colouring.
Personally, I love the crisp, clean lines of a shirt and blazer combination and I think this is reflected in a lot of my womenswear designs. I like to make a statement with bold silhouettes and block colours.
How do you balance all your different projects?
It can be tricky sometimes! It helps to love what you do, that way work doesn’t feel like work. I think it’s essential to have some time away from it all though, so I make sure I get time in for a break, some time to regenerate, relax and come back feeling creative and full of energy to take on anything!
What are your favourite current eyewear trends?
I love the metallic trend – I’m seeing lots of matte and polished chromes, golds and silvers and brushed metal frames that are strikingly beautiful. I’m also a big fan of high-luxe styles. Rich colours, velvet and embossed finishes add real glamour to a look.
What is your advice for choosing the right eyewear for your face shape?
It’s all about finding the style that suits you, so it’s important to try as many designs as possible. Even if a pair doesn’t jump out at you straight away, try them on as you could be surprised and find your new favourite style. I like to have some bold options that are a bit of a statement piece and also to have a few classic options on hand so I can switch it up depending on my mood.
Who are your style icons eyewear-wise and who do you think wears them beautifully?
I think my fellow Specsavers designer, Kylie Minogue, has a beautiful range and always looks spectacular and chic in her glasses – I love her pink fashion tints. Will.i.am’s spec style is always on point and he has just launched an exclusive range at Specsavers, so it’s a good fit. I’ve dressed Rihanna in the past and she has such strong personal style and isn’t afraid to take a risk – I love how much fun she has with eyewear.
Can you tell us about Specsavers #LoveGlasses campaign and what it means to you?
#LoveGlasses is all about celebrating your individual style and inspiring confidence in anyone that wears glasses, something I can really relate to. I’ve been a glasses wearer since I was five years old so I understand that, like with clothes, people need to find their personal style with their frames. I’m definitely a proud glasses wearer and love showing them off and want to encourage others to do so too.
The team want to hero genuine glasses wearers and it’s great being part of a project that brings it back to the people my designs are intended for.
To get involved, glasses wearers just need to post their “spec selfie” on Instagram or Facebook using #LoveGlasses and tagging @SpecsaversNewZealand. Anyone sharing their selfie will also be entered for the chance to win a year’s supply of Specsavers designer frames, $5,000 travel voucher and a $1,000 designer wardrobe.
Last question, what would we never catch you wearing?
Haha, I never say never…. But let’s say it’s unlikely that I would ever be wearing a pair of Crocs!
Images supplied.