Bold and defined
A new pair of spectacles is no longer seen as a ‘medical necessity’, but an opportunity for patients to express their personality, character and depict their individuality through their choice of eyewear. I have observed this mindset shift in practice for several years and it has become more apparent since the pandemic began. The transition into a more flexible working from home culture has led to patients wanting to create a more impactful presence by selecting bolder and stronger frames for video conference calls. Acetate frames with much thicker rims, especially when combined with dark colours, have become popular. Unique patterns and textures are also very appealing for individuals who wish to reveal their artistic leanings and/or work in a creative industry. Many niche brands have introduced a raw matte texture instead of perfectly shiny, smooth and polished surfaces on acetate frames. This differentiates the frame styles and creates a more unique feel and appearance.
Lightweight but not rimless
Working in practice, we have all heard the phrase ‘my glasses are heavy and constantly slide down my nose’. Materials such as titanium, aluminium, natural buffalo horn and higher cotton percentage cellulose acetate provide a very comfortable feel for the wearer without compromising on the durability and longevity. Alternatively, Kirk & Kirk eyewear uses high quality Italian acrylic to produce bold, expressive yet lightweight frames. The spectrum of colour that can be combined with edgy shapes is certainly eye catching.
On the contrary, Mykita is able to create a comfortable lightweight feel using stainless steel, cut to high precision. The Mykita Leica ML05 frame rim (pictured) is 0.5mm wide and flexible. Unlike conventional glazing methods, the frame rim is glazed within the groove of the lens perimeter, mimicking an inline supra glazing process.
Colouring in
What about colours? Olive, sage, emerald, lime and many more variations of the colour green have blossomed in 2022. I’ve also observed bold use of other colours in split frames (Theo Eyewear Altalenapictured). As a dispensing optician, I always look for the most flattering shade to best match with the patient’s skin complexion, eye colour and hair tones.
Frame shapes: round, rectangular or hexagonal?
Shallow rectangular frames are certainly a concept of the past, whereas round shapes have evolved into different variations. A modern twist to a panto shape has been introduced by many brands here the top of the rim has been cut into a flat line. I enjoy dispensing this style particularly to male patients, who have previously disregarded round-shaped spectacles because ‘it doesn’t suit them’. The flattened rim at the top follows the natural brow shape instead of the eyebrows being seen inside the frame.
Surprisingly, hexagonal shapes (Anne et Valentin Latitude pictured) have also entered the eyewear market and are appealing to individuals in a creative industry or who wish to portray their arty nature through their eyewear choices.
Big label brands or niche independent manufacturers?
Based on where you are demographically, there will be a strong preference for either one or the other. Big label fashion brands will always be in demand due to the increased exposure and awareness of their brand, such as Ray-Ban, for example. Younger buyers and those concerned about living up to a particular image are interested in big label brands. Areas with a more affluent patient demographic tend to be keen to learn more about niche brands; the craftsmanship behind the frame-making, the longevity of the materials used, the sustainability and environmental impact of the entire frame manufacturing process. In many instances, they prefer frames without any visible branding on the outside. Such niche brands are stocked by high end independent practices instead of large multiples.
What’s next?
When we choose beautiful eyewear for our patients, it makes them feel confident and gives them the ability to express who they are to the world. Different eyewear trends will come and go, different colours will become fashionable and different factors will influence what is trendy and cool. It is therefore important that we ask the right open questions and get to know each patient individually in order to advise the best frame style for them.
- Suzana Gorda is a dispensing optician working in an independent practice.
