Jon: This Seasons Eyewear Trends & Their Challenges.

This seasons eyewear trends and their challenges.

2018 much like any other year in fashion marks a time for new creations, adaptations and surprising influences within the fashion houses.

With eyewear now firmly recognized as much as a fashion item, as it is a functional item I thought it might be an idea to look at some of 2018’s emerging trends, reconsider some lingering ones, alongside taking our regular sideways look on what the taste makers or should I say taste adaptors want to see us in this season.

The first eyewear trend that’s has been gaining traction over the past few months I'm going to describe simply as the slim sunglass or undersized sunglass. There’s a lean towards the mid century Harlequin and cat eye shapes from an array of houses this season. “Ohhhh Hell No” I hear you scream! Haven't we all just invested in the idea that bigger is better? Wellll.....Yes! We have been using the word oversized for some time now so this was bound to happen! Fear not though as we live in a time were trends can coexist, perhaps larger sunglasses will now be a staple and these smaller styles will fill their place as niche options, only time will tell. This trend is a challenge on a practical level as eye coverage is significantly reduced. With UV protection of the upmost importance we will have to suggest these frame types on a case by case basis.

Looking for evidence look no further than influencers such as Kourtney Kardashian and Rhianna wearing smaller sharper sunglasses. Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada and Mui Mui are all pushing this trend this season.

The second trend on our radar is an adaptation of last season’s favourite the oversized aviator. Luckily this is a trend that’s a little more familiar and easier to style clients in. This seasons’ adaptation comes in the form of bolder heavier looking acetates which reminds us of the 80s and 90's with larger logos and vibrant tints. Anyone looking for that statement retro yet somehow futuristic piece; look no further, for those with an unnatural fear of the bold possibly look elsewhere.

Christian Dior seem to be leading the way here.

The final trend coming through this season is again a controversial one and presents its own unique challenges. This trend can be described as kind of sports luxe but has its roots in ‘Normcore’ and ‘Gorpcore’ trends. Put simply those brands you used to hike in are now cool and ugly as hell is the new beautiful. The sense of irony within this trend is hard to ignore. Think of an Oakley sports shield and your half way there. That said I have no doubt this trend will look amazing when styled well on the right person. With Shield lenses don't forget that glazing prescriptions can sometimes be limited so this one might be for the rare breed seeing 20/20!

Looking for evidence look no further than Pharrell in Oakley and Rihanna in Puma/Fenty. For the best examples of this style look out for Stella McCartney’s SS collection.

Whatever trend your chanelling here at Eyesite we are up for the challenge.

Until next time

Rhianna: Micro-Adventure Vol. 2

Last week I visited one of my favourite cities in the world: Amsterdam! Following up from John's blog post I decided to write the second installment in the micro-adventure travel series! I wanted to share with you the contents of my bag for the trip and a selection of popular eyewear styles seen in the Netherlands, for extra inspiration!

My bag of choice is my Louis Vuitton Never Full. It's my very own Mary Poppins bag! You literally can never fill it. It comes with an inside clutch to keep valuables safe like my passport. Not only is this bag really good for travel but it’s also a staple for effortless street style. Packed in my bag is - of course my iPhone! When I’m visiting a different city I've found Google Maps has become my best friend.

Whether it be navigating me to an over hyped restaurant I've seen across the blogs or finding which tram I need to catch to get me back to the hotel: your phone will be your saviour! However, as amazing as our phones are we all know how incapable iPhones are of holding their battery charge! This is the reason I've found it’s always handy to carry a map of the city you're visiting and a portable phone charger. This means I can take as many Instagram worthy pictures as I want all day long (see pic below) without the disturbance of a dead battery.

Amsterdam is renowned for its cold climate in the winter months but that also means the sun is extremely low in the sky so I’ve constantly got my sunglasses on. I chose to pack with me my Rayban Hexagan sunglasses, I paired these with my long grey coat, white scarf and pink beret! 

Finally, in my bag are my Tom Ford round optical glasses. These round specs are made from part acetate, part titanium so they're super lightweight and comfy! I purposely packed this particular frame out my collection as there is a common theme of round spectacles in Amsterdam. Large or small, acetate or metal you can’t help but be inspired by their choice of round eyewear.

I thought it'd be a really great idea to show you a selection of frames found at Eyesite that are really similar styles seen in the Netherlands.

Tom Ford - Christopher 02

Tom Ford – Christopher 02

A modern take on a traditional style

Chanel - Round Optical

Chanel – Round Optical

Simplicity but high fashion – I wouldn’t expect anything less from Chanel

Garrett Leight - Club House

Garrett Leight – Club House

Super vintage and edgy

Cutler & Gross - Pantoscopia

Cutler & Gross - Pantoscopia

Designed with a wrapped metal nose bridge these glasses are my star specs in my blog post this month!

Time flies by when you're having fun and you’ve only gone away for the weekend but I believe January is the perfect time to plan a mini break. It sets my year off to a positive start and I come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world! If there’s one thing that I did learn about myself on this trip: you can't break my addiction to eyewear, no matter where I am in the world I will always be inspired by what the people around me are wearing.

Emma: Love at First Sight

Love at First Sight

I am just sick of this cold weather and having to do things like de-ice my car!  I need to come out of hibernation and Spring needs to hurry up!

Spring brings us Easter, it brings blue skies and blossom, better outfits, floral clothes, lighter nights. The list is endless, needless to say Spring would make me so happy right now. 

Whilst I absolutely love fashion and playing with trends, I usually stick to my trusty black and white monochrome outfits, my comfort zone. Now however, I am finding myself wanting to try new things! Even if it is simply adding statement accessories to just create a more exciting look to my monochrome wardrobe. So, I thought I’d throw together some of my favourite Spring ready outfits for work, for the day and for the night! 

Featuring these beautiful Chanel glasses available at all our Branches.

Chanel

Styling for Day to Night

Work:

 Finally!! Spring now means we can show a little leg and this outfit is ideal for work wear, pair with tights on the cooler days (if you get a bit warm just nip to the toilets and take them off!) However, I am thee palest thing in East Yorkshire!

The yellow Chanel glasses just add that pop of colour to a monochrome outfit. The colour is subtle and so easy to wear; when people hear ‘yellow’ they assume it’s going to limit what you can wear with it, not with this one. The contrast of the silver arms with the CC logo makes the colour of the frame look radiant and bright.

Day:

I love, love, love flared jeans! Anything flared and I am sold.  I wear my high waisted flared jeans with blouses. Oh, doesn’t the word blouse just make me sound old! I was looking at my wardrobe thinking, my god I need some colour, so I added pink. I have paired my old faithful flared jeans with a pink tie wrap blouse and my new floral faced Olivia Burton watch, added a taupe chain bag in to show versatility! 

Chanel has created these beautiful frames, the rose gold arms give your outfit that added chic, luxe feel. Which is Chanel down to a tee. This pair just adds that hint of pastel pink to my look. It’s soft yet warm.

 Night:

This dress is just ideal for all occasions. Date night, a girls night out and definitely perfect for going for something to eat. It is so roomy, and has a knot tie waist band which gives it its shape and a bit of something extra. The colours running through this dress could go with any of the frames I have mentioned; on this occasion I’ve gone with the brown ones.

As I have already shown you how versatile the pink and the yellow glasses are, let’s talk about brown.. Brown goes with everything! They are a gorgeous shape that manages the line of modern yet classic. The yellow gold sides, the CC logo, the luxury is endless.

To accessorise, I have introduced my life savers! Tie suede wooden heeled sandals and a beige suede clutch. Gold jewellery to bring out the gold sides on my beautiful Chanels.

Thanks for reading.

With love,

Jon: 2018 - Micro-Adventures. What To Pack & How To Prepare For Something Amazing

2018 the year of the Micro-adventure what to pack and how to prepare for something amazing!

 Here at Eyesite we are an eclectic bunch each with our own hobbies, interests, tastes and pastimes. Our collective interest is eyewear but outside this we are individuals who live life and go hard.

Over the past few years I’ve been doing my upmost to explore the globe one adventure at a time. More recently I’ve unknowingly been part of a bit of a millennial phenomenon known as the Micro-adventure or Micro-adventuring. I’ve been camping, hiking and simply going places, I’ve never been before just because I can.

As our world becomes increasing urbanised we all too often find ourselves "living" life trapped behind screens, short on time and on repeat. Micro-adventures are designed to break the monotony of the daily grind and provide a realistic escape into the wilderness. Most importantly there's no need to escape long term or even go full Tom Hanks shouting “Wilson!” at a coconut to achieve it.

A micro-adventure is an adventure that is brief, easy to plan, usually cheap, mostly fun, always exciting, hopefully challenging, not forgetting refreshing and rewarding. It's born out of an urge to reconnect with nature and get close to something real. Instagram about it later if you have to! I can't promise you more likes than that cat picture you posted last week but embarking on a micro-adventure could leave you feeling a little more fulfilled.

I’m happiest with a backpack on and with that in mind I thought I would give an insight into some essential carry prep for when I'm on my own micro-adventures.

My backpack. The North Face Citer.

My backpacks designed as a commuter but due to its hardened construction and almost waterproofness it's perfect for the outdoors. It fits a 15inch laptop protected by a hard rear. Any backpack will do, just fill it and get out there.

Waterproof. Rains pull over jacket.

Rains are a Danish outerwear brand specialising in minimal waterproof garments. This jackets waterproof, super lightweight and has a huge pocket which is ideal. Bring an umbrella if you don't like Denmark or jackets for that matter.

 Smartphone. Google Pixel 2.

I recently converted to Android from Apple. I'm enjoying a battery that lasts more than a day and the camera is amazing in low light. I talked about cutting the wires but you can't beat smartphones for capturing a moment or being able to find that coffee place your friends been talking about.

Smartphone App. Maps me.

A lifesaver. Super detailed, Totally offline, and customisable. A Micro-adventure must.

Hydration. Oakley drinks bottle.

Pack some water it's cheaper than champagne.

Eyewear. Dita Haliod.

A lightweight metal offering from Dita, surprisingly tough and inspired by Japanese calligraphy no less. The premium build adds comfort for days, or longer, of use.

Eyewear. Oakley Holbrook Metal.

What’s that thing in the sky!? If something miraculous happens these Oakley frames are easy to wear and fit almost anyone. Lightweight and would withstand a drop or two. This active frame is perfect for the outdoors and best of all they have prizm daily polarised lenses. Offering the best polarised lens around. Ideal if you want to cut glare and see a truer, sharper image of your surroundings.

And lastly.

Contact lenses. Alcon Total one.

Superior life, moistness and fit help to make these contact lenses a must have. If you want comfort through cities or the outdoors look no further.

I could add more but I did say essentials!

Before this becomes another essay, I’ll wrap it up by hoping to have inspired some Micro-adventures. Some sideways approaches to the weekend or even just the idea of life beyond Netflix.

Until next time

Rhianna: 2017 Highlights

2017 Highlights

Everyone stop what you’re doing - put down the mince pies… and the mulled wine and get ready to welcome the 2018 New Year!! As most people are cheering on ‘out with the old and in with the new” I thought it’d be a great opportunity to reflect back on just a handful of the amazing pieces that dropped in 2017 that will continue on into the new year.

CHANEL - BUTTERFLY RUN WAY

Chanel Butterfly Runway

Bold and beautiful. Chanel really turned heads with this unique piece. The Chanel Butterfly is made up of its statement shape, 8 different contrasting colour ways and all featuring 18karat gold lenses. This screams elegance, class and luxury all in one.

JIMMY CHOO – LASH/S

Jimmy Choo Lash/S

It’s all in the detail! Mix and match your ‘eyebrows’ with the Jimmy Choo Lash/s. This innovative design features two different pairs of detachable ‘eyebrows’ with each piece - switch it up depending on your mood or outfit. A definite must in every eyewear-addict’s collection.

DIOR - POP 

Dior Pop

The perfect Pop of colour! Simple, yet extremely effective the Dior Pop is all lens with a quirky twist - a personal favourite of mine. This piece is giving me major 70’s vibes with its lightly tinted lenses featured in pink, purple, yellow and blue. The Pop was heavily featured in magazines and even in a music video. If you haven’t already seen it please feel free to check out Dua Lipa – New Rules music video.

TOM FORD - JACQUELIN

Tom Ford Jacquelin

Way ahead of it’s time; The Jacquelyn is super oversized and stylish. If you’ve read my previous blog (which I know you most definitely have) you will already  know large metal frames are key trends going into the new year. The mirrored lenses are an obvious crowd pleaser but the large cat-eye shape is the headliner for me.

I think 2017 has been an amazing year for colour and design and I‘m so excited to see what the New Year brings - and not just in our eyewear. Wishing you all the best going into the New Year and I look forward to seeing you in store very soon!!!

Emma: NEW YEAR.NEW EYEWEAR.

It’s that time again and it’s hard to believe we only have 10 days left of 2017 and what a year it has been. Working in Optics has really opened my eyes (pardon the pun!!), but seriously, it has DEFINITELY opened my eyes to how important your eye health really is. Here are 3 New Year’s resolutions that everyone should follow, whether you wear glasses or not.

1.    Look after your eyes.

After all we all get one set of eyes and they are one of the most important senses of the human body. Many people set resolutions to lose weight or exercise more but do not forget your eyes. Sight tests do not just clarify whether or not you need glasses, but can detect many problems with your health before you receive any symptoms. Get your eyes checked! Get your children’s eyes checked and make sure you rest those peepers.

2.    Be Yourself.

The most important resolution in my opinion. This doesn’t just relate to your eyes but with everything you do. For me, glasses are an everyday necessity; there isn’t anything in my wardrobe other than glasses that I keep on all day, every day. Dress and accessorise your look with a ‘who cares’ attitude and confidence and don’t be afraid to make a statement with your glasses. Spend less time worrying about cleaning your lenses (as Nikon have a dirt and grease repellent coating) and spend more time enjoying them!

My personal faves for the winter season.

Chanel Tweed

As Tweed is one of Chanel’s key materials to use, we now have this oversized square pilot optical frame which is Chanel’s newest take on tweed, known as the ‘boyfriend tweed’. It is a look of tweed by using imprinted metal across the top of the frame on the double bridge and also made with acetate. It has the classic CC logo on the sides of the frame to keep it as minimal yet effective as possible.

3. The Power Of Sunglasses

Not only are sunglasses everyone’s number one accessory but they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Why are sunglasses just considered for summer? They are needed all year round, the sun comes out every day as much as we don’t notice that.. If you're not daring enough with your optical glasses, then be daring with your sunglasses! They instantly make any outfit look cooler.

Throwing it back with the DiorLia, the classic 70’s inspired aviator style with a modern twist. With the classic CD logo on the sides taking it back to Dior’s roots.  The gradient colours running through the frame making it different from all the rest, however using versatile colours such as brown, green and grey that will go with every day looks. As proven the Dior Lia will upgrade your outfit to another level as it’s bold yet with subtle colours.

DiorGaia and DiorBianca are also from the same collection offering the gradient colours with a transparent effect but in different shapes but all being the oversized sunglass of the season.

Update your style in 2018, try new things and make statements. Life is for living so do that wearing our amazing eyewear, as it is after all... #allabouttheeyewear

Thank you

Jon: Frames for Film

Here at Eyesite we love diversity. We love everyone's different style, fashion insight and interpretations of what's on trend. Our Eyewear Stylist Jon gives an insight into iconic eyewear on film:

Frames for Film - Iconic eyewear on film.

Choosing frames for some is simply a necessity, its purely practical and together with a prescription enables a person to view the world a little clearer. However, if we dig a little deeper we often find there is more to the story. Each individual’s eyewear choice can say so much more about a person's taste, personality and persona than perhaps they think.

In styling ourselves the way we do we are telling a kind of story, the narrative doesn't even have to be real or true but it can be a fun process! Our frames can be an extension of who we are and how we want to be viewed. Fun or serious, professional or casual, each are relevant and not necessarily exclusive, how we want to be perceived is the interesting bit. Frames can be an afterthought for some but done right can tell someone a great deal, without a person even having to speak a word.

With all this in mind I started to think about my favourite films the iconic characters in them and their iconic frames choices. We are massively fortunate at Eyesite to stock some truly unique pieces of eyewear some of which are echoed in the following movies.

Leon the professional.  

Directed by Luc Besson starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. Reno portrays a professional hitman who makes an unlikely bond with a young orphan who eventually becomes his protege. Jean Reno character is easily one of the most iconic antihero of all time. His effortless, somewhat minimal style in this movie has been copied a thousand times over. You can even see the likes musicians like Skepta mirroring something Jean nailed in '94. The strength of this look never fails and most importantly Jeans iconic round sunglasses have undoubtedly stood the test of time.

For this fit in mind look no further than Dior Homme metal, Garret Leight or a Cutler and Gross in clear. Or if your going the extra mile ask about getting a Giorgio Armani Optical glazed as a sunglass.

American Psycho.

Shortly after the time of its release American Psycho quickly became a critical and finical flop. But since its release in 2000 it has gone on the become one of the biggest cult classics and widely quoted movies ever. Based on the book by Bret Easton Ellis staring Christian Bale this black comedy tells the story of a wall street banker on the verge of complete mental breakdown. Christian’s sharp suited attire and a penchant for Oliver Peoples glasses is still inspiring people today.

Try Oliver Peoples obviously, ideally in tortoise shell. But don't forget we stock Garrett Leight (Oliver Peoples founder, Larry Leight's son) and Tom Ford respectively if your looking for that sophisticated NY boardroom look.

The Lost Boys.

Last but not least I've chosen The Lost Boys by Joel Schumacher this 80's cult horror classic starring child superstars Corey Haim and Corey Filedman and not forgetting Kiefer Sutherland has everything. It has just the right amount of 80's punk and New wave matched with a So Cal coolness that made me want to move to the US after the first viewing.

Look out for classic Rayban Clubmasters and offerings from Persol. For a more luxury contemporary twist try Dita System One or Nomad.

My advice, be in your own movie, stand out from the crowd and don't be afraid to show us your story.

Rhianna: F is for FENDI

Here at Eyesite we love diversity. We love everyone's different style, fashion insight and interpretations of what's on trend. Our Eyewear Stylist Rhianna gives an insight into her favourite eyewear for Autumn/Winter '17:

Fendi is world renowned for their fun and bold designs, and this autumn/winter is exactly that. This seasons campaign is called "F en Folie" which is a reference to their playful and unexpected designs which will feature - they’ve even gone as far as to create an all-new face logo which displays the circular F.

Available in a variety of different shades, the sophisticated sunglasses reveal the versatile and fun side of the Maison's new F is FENDI logo. Discover more on: www.fendi.com Directed by CYCY Sanders

My favourite piece of the collection is The Fendi Run Away sunglasses. The design is constructed of its bold, oversized, circular lenses with very fine metal sides and a double bridge - TOP TIP: keep a look out for large metal designs because they are a key trend across the catwalks this autumn/winter. The over exaggerated round shape of the sunglasses is what gives this piece it’s Fendi identity. The use of bold shapes and bright colours are key ingredients into making a Fendi design.

FENDI Run Away

This season we are seeing a come back of large brand logos, which was featured throughout the early 00’s. An example of this is the Dior Overshine, frequently worn by Paris Hilton paired with her pink velour Juicy Couture tracksuit – an early 2000’s staple. Fendi, Dior and Givenchy, to name a few, are heavily displaying this trend in their designs. Not forgetting the most iconic accessory of 2017: The double G Gucci belt. Every VIP has been pictured wearing it and every fashion blogger has to have it

Dior Overshine

Which brings me nicely back to the Fendi Run Away. Keeping in suit the front lenses feature a large stamped F logo covering the front entire lens. The logo is then mirrored to make the sunglasses pop even more, this has Fendi written all over it– literally.

I believe what makes these tone-on-tone sunglasses unique is how the frame extends above the surface area of the lens giving them an outline effect for extra definition, once again proving to me why I love these over-sized sunnies so much! A colour for every occasion this piece features five fun colour ways: red, brown, pink, blue and black. So the question is; which colour will we see you rocking this Autumn/Winter?

Emma: Behind the Scenes at NIKON

Here at Eyesite we love diversity. We love everyone's different style, fashion insight and interpretations of what's on trend. Our Eyewear Stylist Emma went on an exclusive tour around the Nikon factory:

#mynikonworld – My day at Nikon

This week I have been very fortunate to have been offered the chance to go to the UK’s only Nikon Lab! I was asked to write a blog and my initial feeling were “oh my god”. I had a thousand ideas and concerns running through my head, but at the end of the day I am me, and I work for Eyesite and I want to share my amazing day with Nikon. So here goes...

Nikons UK Head office and lab is based in Milton Keynes and I went with Val who works at our Beverley branch.

I learnt about the history of Nikon and how “light is the essence of the company”. It inspires everything in creation, whether it be with lenses, medical equipment (Optos), cameras or even binoculars. Nikon have achieved so much since opening in 1917 and their magnitude in the optical world continues to grow!

Fun fact: Nikon only supply and support their lenses to Independent Opticians around the world! Never to Multiples.

This means you can’t get this quality of lens on the high street. So, we are one of the lucky few to be able to get these amazing lenses.

From Japan with love

After learning some History of Nikon, we moved down to the lab to learn about how lenses are made and how they end up in your glasses! I don’t want to bore you with machine details, however you all should know that each team member of both Nikon and Eyesite work to their best with every lens and frame making sure our customers are happy with their purchase. I was over whelmed with how big the lab was and how many people play in part in the lens production.

Even though the lenses are designed in Japan, we’re proud to tell you they’re manufactured in the UK! Pretty fantastic since not very much is manufactured in the UK anymore. Nikon have Geisha Dolls placed in their head office to show appreciation of their Japanese heritage.

One of Nikon’s tint rooms

Nikon can basically tint your glasses and sunglasses to whatever you want, varying from Ice Blue to Cherry Pink! New jacket? No problem, your lenses can match.

Whether you know about dispensing or not, each dispense requires measurements no matter what you need. Nikon can provide lenses for every prescription.

This year is Nikons 100th Anniversary and we are very happy to be a part of their world as an independent. I hope you all enjoy my first blog and keep checking back for more of my Eyesite journey.

At the end of the day, Sight is the most important way we perceive our world

Sophie's Choice: Dior

Here at Eyesite we love diversity. We love everyone's different style, fashion insight and interpretations of what's on trend. Our Senior Eyewear Stylist Sophie had to share her love of this season's Dior with you all:

The Rise & Rise of Dior.

SO REAL

Since Rihanna made the ‘So Real’ the eyewear piece to be seen in, Dior has been our go to brand. Now available in over 32 different colour combinations and variations we’ve seen it go from strength to strength. Those floating lenses, that distinctive shape, the metal/acetate mix, those colours! It is a must have staple piece for any sunglasses enthusiast- undoubtedly a true icon in the fashion world.

Dior So Real - Rihanna

However, my personal favourite, is one of the original colours. The navy and rose with a flash of pink. (pictured below) But I’m a sucker for anything rose gold! I just can’t help it, I’m like a magpie. Is it rose? Is it shiny? Is it mirrored? Then sign me up!

Dior So Real

SO REAL 'POP'

Dior then brought out the ‘Pop’. It was a new take on the original “So Real”, unmistakebly the piece of the summer, full metal front, no detailing on the lenses apart from the new iconic pale hue, blue, purple, pink or yellow. Choose your weapon, or take them all!

Dior So Real Pop

STELLAIRE

Which leads me nicely to my must have buy this season. I just have to have it. The Stellaire. Like most of my collection (or you could say obsession) it ticks all the boxes rose, shiny AND mirrored but with a super flat over sized lens that’s made of fine ultra thin lightweight metal. Its super cool! They even do an optical version, and yes, it is rose. I’ll take two!

Dior Stellaire

Dior Stellaire

My key trend of the season: Over sized lightweight metals

Sophie x