Specsavers’ collaborations have truly transported eyewear frames
into a piece of desirable fashion and style
I recently spent more than an hour trying on designs from leading brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Westwood, Karen Millen, Alex Perry, Collette Dinnigan, and Marc Jacobs. Even better, everything I chose to try on, fit almost perfectly. I just had to decide on my preferred silhouette and style. It was intoxicating.
It’s been three years since I last shopped for eyewear frames. I had no idea just how far out of the loop I’d become in terms of the options available.
To be fair, the first time I chose eyewear frames, I was sulking about the deterioration (aka ageing) of my eyes and didn’t fully embrace the opportunity. I basically settled on the first pair that looked okay-ish, not really considering anything more than the practical aspect of whether they vaguely suited the shape of my face. I was too immersed in being sad at the loss of my 40+ years of perfect vision. What a missed opportunity.
This time was a completely different experience. The line-up of designer collaborations has truly transported eyewear frames into a piece of desirable fashion and style. Choosing frames for my lenses was an almost giddy experience. Either I just didn’t notice or I was oblivious on my first frame shopping trip, but this was the ultimate designer splurge – all in one store, and without breaking the budget.
My eventual winner was Ted Baker (actually there were three pairs from this collection that I craved), with close runner-up Carla Zampatti. And just on that – when was the last time you could enjoy a new season Carla Zampatti piece or other renowned designer for $99?? What a dream.
Ted Baker is one of the newer additions to the Specsavers designer line-up and includes exclusive prints, as well as hidden trims and subtle quirks incorporating floral and geometric patterns. There is also a range of sunglass designs (with the gunmetal aviator likely to be popular in the wake of the Top Gun movie revival).
It’s astonishing how design can be finessed to such minute detail that even eyeglass frames sing with the designer’s personality and flair. Trying on different styles was a really simple reminder of just how good design does stand the test of time and make a statement. And how focal a role good frames play – from aesthetics to appropriate fit. I may have gotten slightly carried away by the selection, so thankfully, one of the Specsavers team stepped in to offer advice on the best style to complement my face shape (just like fashion and beauty, hair colour and skin tone also play a role when choosing glasses – and, of course, that ultimate decider – the perfect comfortable fit).
That professional advice made sure I considered the right bridge design and position for a comfortable nose fit, as well as making sure the lower edge of the frame didn’t sit on my cheeks.
I also had a learning curve in terms of the eye test experience. I was well overdue for a recheck (in my defence, I had actually booked appointments, but twice COVID lockdowns made that a waste of time).
Unfortunately, my eyes have continued their decline (thank you, ticking body clock). I’ve become that caricature of a person constantly squinting trying to read the fine print on packaging, as well as menus and price tags. I had a heart-stopping near miss recently where I almost purchased an admittedly lovely cashmere scarf – only to discover that it was $750 not $150 – gulp!).
That was enough to spur me into action, so I booked online for a Specsavers appointment.
Forget about the Snellen eye chart that has largely accompanied my eyes on their life journey thus far (it has been the cause of much pride that I could always rattle off those tiniest letters – N P X T Z F). These days, the technology is extraordinary and includes an advanced 3D OCT scan for a more in-depth insight into eye health.
Fortunately, my eye health came up trumps, by my vision is trickling down the same path of ageing as the rest of my body – a steady decline.
This time, however, I embraced the experience (greatly aided by the designer frame shopping) and I’m already planning some new looks entirely geared around my new frames.
Images supplied