Design

In the first of a new series of articles looking at British frame design, Blue Gem's Eleanor Hughes talks Rob Moss through the creative process of a pair of Kangol sunglasses

Everybody's come across them. Following their eye test a patient has a good look round before launching into a five-minute moan about the price of frames. How can three pieces of plastic joined together with two hinges cost £99? And how does stamping a brand on the temple make it cost more?

The trouble is, some practitioners would actually find it hard to defend the cost of eyewear, perhaps even privately feeling rather disgruntled that someone, somewhere must be making a fortune. They don't necessarily comprehend the human and financial resources that are used in designing eyewear.