Yvy Nguyen, Frame Portfolio Coordinator from Specsavers. Image supplied.
Summer is definitely the season of sunglasses and Specsavers have a great range of styles to suit every taste this season. From the latest trends to timeless styles, there really is something for everyone in their huge range of eyewear. Someone who is an expert in those collections is Specsavers Frame Portfolio Coordinator, Yvy Nguyen, who works closely on each new season’s range and all the projects that come with them. Whether she’s developing new product ranges with leading designers, collaborating with different teams in the Specsavers business or creating a new training tool, Yvy’s job is a busy but rewarding one.
We caught up with Yvy to get an insight into what her role entails, what the eyewear trends are this season and what her top tips are for buying sunglasses?
Can you tell us about your role at Specsavers and how you got into the role?
I’ve been part of the Specsavers ANZ Product Team for 4 years and before that I worked in store as an optical dispenser. I have always had an interest in fashion and product development and the development of quality product that helps people express their individual style.
My day is never the same and tends to be driven by what projects I’m working on. Working closely with our global design, buying and technical teams, I assist in product development, merchandise and forecasting. My role requires lots of collaboration with teams including PR, marketing, global buying teams, in-store teams, purchasing and logistics. Projects could last a week or a year – I could be working on a training tool to help our in-store staff or developing a new range that will launch in two years.
My favourite element of my role is product development. I have developed ranges for Australian designers and brands including a cutting edge and contemporary range for Kym Ellery, an understatedly stylish collection for Australian favourite, Country Road and have worked on launches for international brands such as Marc Jacobs, Balmain and Hugo. I love seeing the frames go from initial drawings and briefs to final in-store product.
What are the key new styles and trends from Specsavers for Spring/Summer, what’s different about this range from previous seasons?
In this year’s Spring/Summer collection we have a huge range of sunglasses that encapsulate the latest trends in eyewear. The key shapes for the season include easy-to-wear and classic slim vintage ovals, retro rectangular frames that bring back the feeling of the ‘90s, and iconic round eye shapes in gorgeous geometric profiles. This has been a trend for a while, but I think it’s just continuing to get better and better.
Our Specsavers Spring/Summer ’20 sunglasses collection is filled with designs from Australian designers such as Collette Dinnigan, who has designed some beautiful circular frames with gold metal details and yellow acetate which really showcases summer style.
This season, we have focused on delivering a range that contains pieces for your different ‘looks’; there are frames that can help bring out your fashionista or quirky side, for when you’re wanting a classic look or looking for simplistic style.
Sunglasses from Specsavers’ current summer collection.
What are your personal favourite styles this season and why?
Personally, I really like the iconic vintage round frames. This style makes a statement and is so easy to wear. I love that it’s becoming a staple for eyewear throughout the seasons.
This time the trend has been updated with lighter constructions, more geometric profiles and neutral tones that really bring life to the frame. Our Specsavers Snapper sunglasses really embody this trend and are one of my favourite frames of the season.
Another trend that is always popular during summer is pastels. This includes colour that are traditionally bold, just muted so they’re easy-to-wear for everyone. Everything from understated peach, blue and delicate pinks. The Carla Zampatti Sun RX 11 are a great frame to make a statement in – with pastel pink lenses, you’ll definitely look like a showstopper.
What are your top tips for buying new glasses or sunglasses?
Honestly, I believe that any pair of frames is the right one if you feel confident and good about yourself when wearing them. Really, my number one top tip is to go with your gut feeling, if you put on a pair and it feels right and expresses your personal style, they’re the frames for you. You wouldn’t believe how many people try on a whole range of frames to come back to their first pick!
We do often get questions around how to find frames that best suit your face shape. First of all, you need to determine whether your face is more oval, heart-shaped, round, square or triangle. The general rule of thumb is to pick a frame that is opposite to your face shape.
Oval faces suit most frame shapes – so if you’re more oval-shaped, don’t be afraid to experiment! For heart-shaped, opt for frames that that have more detailing on the bottom of the frame to balance out the different widths of the face Those with round faces can look at more angular frames to help give more dimension to the face. If your face is more square choose a frame that will soften the angles, such as a round or oval frame. Finally, if you have a triangle face, you’ll want to add a little width to the narrower part of your face, so go for frames with a strong brow line or cat-eye shapes to emphasise your eyes.
If in doubt, ask our team members when you head into store to pick out your frames, they’re there to offer expert advice and can help you pick out the frames you’ll love.
What makes the process of buying glasses with Specsavers different?
At Specsavers, we aim to bring customers the highest standards of service and expertise. All our stores are locally owned by professional optometrists whose priority is to offer the best in eye care. When it comes to glasses, we’ve got hundreds of frames to suit all shapes, tastes and pockets. Plus, we add new styles every three months. Our huge collection of glasses is filled with Australian and international designers and Specsavers’ own ranges. If you have a valid prescription you can buy glasses online or pop into store and our frame stylists will be happy to help you find the perfect frame to suit your unique style this season. We have also made it super simply to select glasses online with our Virtual Try On Tool and recommendation service.
Images supplied.