Eyewear / by Harry Notaras

Did you know that on average, spectacle wearers purchase a new frame once every two to three years, of these almost 50% only have one pair of specs. Ask yourself these simple questions. How many pairs of shoes, how many watches, and how many pieces of jewellery do you own? Would you wear the same piece of clothing every day for the next 2 years?

I am not saying that people should have a different pair of spectacles for every day however there are different occasions where different specs could be worn. It is very hard to purchase one pair of spectacles that will match every outfit you own. When people first meet you I'm sure the first thing they notice is not your shoes or your watch or you're your jewellery, they are looking at your face and if you wear specs then they truly do say something about the person behind them

When I worked in the UK and Europe back in the eighties, it quickly became apparent that people were purchasing multiple pairs to suit different occasions. Spectacles have long been recognised as a fashion accessory and consequently much more thought has gone into design, materials and colour. Every season just like clothes there are new ranges being released.

When I returned from overseas I set about trying to change the attitudes my clients had towards spectacles. This was a challenge as most of the Australian suppliers had very average ranges on offer. I decided I had to go back to the European trade shows and buy ranges directly. This has now become a bi annual event.

We are no longer behind the Europeans in fashion. In fact we are getting styles at the same time they are released overseas. The trend that came out of the Milan trade show in May is much more colour in all materials and designs. Acetates or plastics are becoming more popular with a great emphasis on wider thicker temples (arms). Colours are strong and there is more detail including etched effects inlays with layered colours. Titanium is still the favourite metal used. New technology has allowed titanium to be thicker and wider with more emphasis on brighter dual colours. The rectangular shapes are still very popular although there are many variations available. Rounder panto shapes are just starting to appear again but is still very early times. Rimless is still going strong but now with thicker colourful temples to decrease the minimalistic effect. Sizes are getting bigger and wider with more wrap around designs. The skull fit (temples are straight and curl following the line of the skull, not curling or wrapping behind the ear) is becoming more popular throughout. Other materials being used are Stainless Steel, aluminium and some magnesium.

Remember, spectacles give you great vision but spectacles should also give you a great look.