Frame Freak

Designer of Lust: Graz

2009-08-07T09:47:00.000+01:00

Graeme Mulcahy AKA Graz is an enigmatic and wonderfully eccentric character who knows how to create some wonderful eyewear designs. Producing collections for Chronicles of Never as well as his own frames (currently all sold out sadly) and bespoke pieces Graz is steadily becoming the must-have designer for eyewear. Personally when I get a few bucks I'm going to ask him to do me a bespoke frame for my newly prescribed glasses. Buy Chronicles of Never collection online at Pitbull Mansion or for bespoke contact Graz via his site. Also look out for a new collaboration with Monster Children...I can't wait!

Emergency John Hughes Tribute Post

2009-08-06T22:40:00.014+01:00

So I just heard the director and writer of some of my favourite movies, John Hughes, has died at the age of 59. Wearer of some classic glasses himself, I decided to do a tribute the only way Frame Freak knows how and take a look at the frame style in some of his most iconic films...

Sixteen Candles (1984), these were a big craze in the 1980s, known as robot or Devo (they were sported by the influential band) glasses, they appear right at the beginning of classic Sixteen Candles starring Molly Ringwald.

Try these from Mack Daddy for a modern twist on the look.

The Breakfast Club (1985) is an undisputed classic and the moment Brian Johnson the brain/geek of the gang dons a pair of sunglasses inside and takes some drags on a funny cigarette is the moment a world of geeks knew they could be cool, if only they put some shades on and chanced upon hanging out with some cooler kids.

Check out Ray-Ban 4140's for a similar unisex style. Available from Sunglasses UK.

Pretty in Pink (1986), an awesome film if only for the best character Molly Ringwald should have got with - Duckie played by Jon Cryer. A style icon and the coolest, don't-give-a-shit kid in town Duckie sports the classic round John Lennon or 'teashade' style frame.

Update the look with the previously posted about Anon Wizard.

Ferris Buller's Day Off (1986), the ultimate cool kid movie, Ferris and his gang were not short on style when it came to sunglasses. Ferris himself rocks Clubmaster style shades, while his best friend Cameron goes for an aviator style. Sloane, Farris' girlfriend, dons oversized glasses.

Bite Cameron's style with David Yurman
aviator style sunglasses.

Update the Sloane style with Alain Mikli Seduction shades.

Vintage Style: 1968

2009-08-06T16:01:00.006+01:00

This is the cover of Vogue April 15 issue 1968 (back when they published two a month in April) The glasses are Oliver Goldsmith a legend in classic eyewear if ever there was one. These were proclaimed by Vogue to be the 'Sunglasses of the Summer' and I love the bold colour. I've always been slightly wary of sunglasses where you can see pretty much right through a light coloured tint (Bono - you have corrupted my mind and burnt my eyes with your existence) because I think they can look creepy but here they totally work.

Incidentally Oliver Goldsmith has an original vintage collection and many of their current designs are based on classic originals, although the pair on the Vogue cover doesn't appear to have been reproduced. Check out the glasses above I nearly freaked when I saw them...drool.

Inside the magazine there is a nine page illustrated fashion spread (I can't imagine Vogue doing such a thing now) but I just wanted to post this image because it's so vibrant and the girls are rocking the glasses on top of that bike..don't you think it looks modern?

Alexander Hi-Tek

2009-08-06T14:12:00.011+01:00

I've been a terrible blogger for not updating more regularly and I have a long backlog of glasses related things to post about I promise I'll be more on top of things from now on... So I'll start with my favourite recent discovery Alexander Hi-Tek, who is maybe better known for his industrial looking watches popular in the 90's (which we all know is back in a big way, thank you recession) But he has created a collection of glasses worthy of any high fashion brand.

I found out about these when I saw them in the window of Cop Copine in Upper Street, Islington, London. I am reliably informed by the lovely girls in the shop that they are the only stockists of the collection in the UK! They have two other branches in Hampstead and Richmond. Another fact I picked up from the girls is that Alexander did the accessories for the movie Demolition Man, which you can see reflected in the slightly more madcap designs.

I particularly like the bridge shape on the rounder plastic frames in the collection, almost like the shape of a mosque, and the flattened top design I think is a trend that we'll be seeing in more glasses in coming seasons.

Some of the styles are available online but I also saw other really great styles in Cop Copine that are not available online, so if you happen to be in the London area it's well worth dropping into the store.

Sunglasses Out and About

2009-07-09T21:55:00.006+01:00

So I have been planning to post pictures of people that I see in their sunglasses for a while but given I've been so busy, it's been hard. However last weekend in London was beautiful which in turn always brings out the beautiful people...Here are a couple I snapped.

This guy was effortlessly cool and topped off his look with these shades from uber chic designer Dries Van Noten. Love the round lenses and keyhole bridge coupled with unusual frame colour.

Combining your leopard print headscarf with clashing almost tortoiseshell framed sunglasses, good style choice? YES, YES and YES. I think the sunglasses on this lovely lady are Miu Miu but by this point I'd had a couple.

If you have pics of yourself or friends in glasses/sunglasses you think I'd like please do send them to me.

Clash Magazine & Oakley present Sunglasses at Night

2009-07-09T21:35:00.004+01:00

Oakley have been continuing their return to the forefront of cutting edge youth culture (see Frogskins) by sponsoring and collaborating on various events recently.

The highlight of this Clash magazine and Oakley night for me has to be The Phenomenal Handclap Band whose eponymous album has been on heavy rotation on my iTunes for a while now. But there's also highlights Whitey, Youves and the Greco Roman Soundsystem to enjoy.

A combination of music and sunglasses? Yeah, I'm in...

And as Clash themselves put it: "The dress code - sunglasses of course!"

Sabre X CTRL

2009-06-30T23:06:00.004+01:00

Sabre Vision are doing some great stuff at the moment and these glasses, the result of a colab with CTRL just further prove that. Slightly 80s, somewhat 70s and a touch original gangster - keep an eye out for more info about when they and where they will be available.

Thierry Lasry and an update

2009-06-30T22:36:00.010+01:00

I have been stupidly busy due to a new, very last minute and unexpected contract with a large internationally renowned department store/brand so have not been blogging (or doing anything else) as much as I'd like. Let's just say I'm not likely to need sunglasses much over the next couple of months but it is exciting AND gives me a great insight into upcoming brands/designers.

Thierry Lasry was pretty much born into designing eyewear as the son of an optician and designer. A look at his collection reveals lots of originality and that all important 'handmade in France' factor that guarantees quality.

The Vulgary (top) have a nice heavyweight look with a shape that really frames the eyes and a slight Jackie 'O' feel. Available at Beach Cafe.

Reminiscent of Paloma Picasso sunglasses from the 70's or even earlier frames that were fashionable in the 50's the Jalouzy are bold and exciting with a similar eye-framing shape. Available from Browns Focus.

Durkl X Sabre

2009-06-23T22:43:00.004+01:00

Coming soon are these bold beauties from Durkl in collaboration with SabreVision. Limited to less than 100 pairs for each of the colourways, my guess is when they're released they won't be around long.

Vintage Style: 1984

2009-06-19T17:22:00.005+01:00

This week I found a June 1984 issue of UK Vogue that contained a feast of glasses. Interestingly there aren't many fashion spreads that contain glasses/sunglasses until the Vogues from later dates, though there are adverts - maybe I should pick up some copies of The Face (rumoured to be making a comeback btdubs)...

I had a bit of a gaffaw at the ad for Silhouette Fashion Frames, how quintessentially 80s is that!? Silhouette started in Linz, Austria in 1964 with the aim of creating glasses that were more than a functional item. A family run company and still going today they are now in 90 countries. I can imagine seeing these now on a slightly falling off-trend ironic east London hipster who doesn't actually need glasses but reckons they can pull this look off. They can't.

Cartier went overboard on the gold for this ad, perhaps having been inspired by Spandau Ballet's hit 'Gold' the previous year. The glasses do look quality though, I like the subtle 'C' joint on the arms. The use of silver with gold is a trend that was big in the 80s but is now somewhat frowned upon, I've decided I'll go on a one woman crusade to bring it back - in a chic way of course.

Okay, I have to admit that I have no idea what 'dead bodgies' are as this was a bit before my time in terms of using slang. But I did a bit of research and found that a 'bodgie' is an Australian term that refers to someone similar to a Teddyboy but 'dead bodgie' has me slightly perplexed, if anyone wants to shed some light...What I like about this ad is the girls really look like the ones from the 'Addicted to Love' video (which came two years later) such a big look for the 80s. The glasses by Jonathan Sceats aren't really anything special. the top pair are sort of Italian racer looking and the bottom cat-eye ska look is quite cool but I don't think I'd rock them today.

Lastly, from a beauty shoot are these on-trend round glasses. Simple, clean and classic. But, is it just me or are models from the 80s not really that beautiful?

Marc Jacobs Fall 09'

2009-06-18T15:32:00.010+01:00

Coming up for Marc Jacobs Fall 09 collection are these frankly amazing 'Shield' sunglasses. Bold and not for the those that want to blend into the crowd, the glasses conjure up a superhero's mask - which is always chic worn by the right person in my book. The unique lens shape, slightly cat like, reminds me of Enid from comic/film Ghost World - an enduring quirky style icon.

As they're different and don't follow any other trend out there, I'd wear these and feel fabulous. The black and tortoise (not pictured) versions will be available at Marc Jacobs Collection stores, more info on where you can buy the entire collection when I have it.

Zanzan: Other stockists

2009-06-17T23:01:00.004+01:00

Just a heads up as I don't want to harp on too much but if you are into quality eyewear a pair of Zanzans is a must. Previously I mentioned that Zazou in red-ink were sold out but I've since found out that was just @Farfetch. You can also purchase the highly sought after glasses range in store at Bluebird, START and Liberty. Peep the handmade leather case above (pictured with the Le Sept) I haven't shown you before and start salivating.

Round Glasses

2009-06-17T21:28:00.011+01:00

It's funny, I've seen many articles on what is the 'must have' style of sunglasses this seasons, everyone upon everyone will be donning Clubmasters, aviators are back too apparently (did they ever go away?) and round John Lennon-esque sunglasses are being touted everywhere especially after New York Times did a 'Style Investigation', it seems the only style not 'in' is the kind of over-sized bug sunglasses Victoria Beckham insists on sporting (I've never liked them anyway.)

And not that I'm one for following the crowd but seeing as there are some nice round frames out there, here are my picks...

Ralph Lauren combine a keyhole bridge with a kind of saddle bridge (although in acetate) for these clean looking frames from the Purple Label.

Jeremy Scott is always ahead of the game so its not surprising these 'Mickey' frames are from last year but I think they are absolute fashion fun and still forward.

Randolph Engineering have been producing glasses since the 70s and in 1982 became the prime contractor for military-style aviation flight glasses for the U.S. Department of Defense, so you know they're durable. The P3 are the classic retro glasses, including the 30s pilot style curved arms to hook around the ears. They come with grey or grey mirrored lenses and a lifetime guarantee for the solder joints. Get them direct.

Simple but effective, these 'Annie' 70s inspired frames from Nasty Gal are a colourful and cheap way to get with the trend, also available in black, red and tortoise. Buy them now.

Not enough? Have a look at my previous posts that include round glasses.

Revue Vintage - doubling up on trends with half-frames.
Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm - these are a top pick if you can find them.
Festival sunnies - includes cute Karen Walker and colourful Anon.

Spotify Glasses Playlist

2009-06-16T23:58:00.005+01:00

So I decided to have a little fun and create a Frame Freak playlist @Spotify, all the songs are themed around glasses and sunglasses, they didn't have everything I wanted of course but hey it's still pretty good. The mix starts slow and builds up, it's a very eclectic mix...Listen here.

Calvin Klein Classics Collection

2009-06-16T16:53:00.009+01:00

Nostalgia is everywhere; bands are reforming left, right and center, films are being remade by the scraping-of-the-barrel load and all round it's a time to re-live the good old days. Having a particular revival is the early-mid nineties a time which, not coincidentally, we had another global recession/slow recovery. So perhaps it’s about showing what can come out of such a time, the fat of the financially aggrieved but creatively abundant land. Personally I'm all for it, I'm currently digging out my early 90s sunglasses, watching Wayne’s World and listening to INXS as I write.

On the other hand, I may not have to get all dusty in my mum's loft as in keeping with this revival Calvin Klein has released the Calvin Klein Classics Collection - vintage designs first produced in 1992 but with a modern twist. I've had a peek at the collection and my pick is the above white/clear frames with saddle bridge and cool, not quite round, not quite oval shape. I can see my favourite fashionable and chic 90s couple Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp rocking a matching pair of these - 'sweet'. You can find stockists at Marchon and if you're in London they can be purchased at Unger & Fagen in Mayfair.

Vintage Style: Zeiss 1974

2009-06-12T18:31:00.013+01:00

I'm lucky enough to have a huge collection of French, Italian and British Vogue from the 50s-now in my house and they bring hours of pleasure for all members of the household as use for everything from inspiration to comedic value. So in an ongoing series I'll occasionally pick some images of sunglasses from said magazines for all to laugh/admire/gawp at. My first pick are from May 1974 issue of British Vogue.

It's almost impossible to imagine Zeiss advertising in Vogue now, having gradually diversified into supplying all kinds of top-of-the-range lenses for everything the from the medical to film industries. And although they are still considered top quality lenses (hence their use in both Zanzan and Retro Super Future frames) they're not known for designing high fashion frames anymore. But back in the 70's they were still using fashion houses to design frames under their name. The House of Patou designed these beauties (Jean Patou himself died in 1936) and I absolutely love the fact that they can be worn either side up. Genius.

Designer of Lust: Zanzan

2009-06-12T17:16:00.007+01:00

A few days ago I mentioned Zanzan in my Festival Sunnies post and since then I have spent much time drooling over the collection. I have also managed to pass my new obsession on to some of my friends with whom I spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about Zanzan...

The Zazou come in three colour ways and my favourite is the red ink-coloured with ebony-coloured arms and rum-coloured tinted lenses (pictured above). Unfortunately these are now sold out! So my penny saving didn't come in time but given that they are limited to only 100 pairs it's hardly surprising. What I love about this model is that the colours give a great twist on the aviator shape. The black are slightly more masculine, the red are really unisex and the gold-coloured clear acetate with violet tinted lenses are more feminine, essentially there's is something for everyone. Get them while they're still available from Farfetch.

The Black Rio are straight up Italian Vogue c1973 and that can only be a good thing. Also three colour ways with Zeiss lenses and again only 100 produced. Get them from Farfetch.

It would be hard for me to describe the Rubirosa better than Zanzan themselves..."Rubirosa recalls an age when impossibly exotic Latin American playboys seduced the beautiful, the glamorous and the wealthy wherever they could be found. In the 1940s and 50s, impeccably attired lotharios danced, raced and romanced with style and passion in Havana, Hollywood and the French Riviera." And that is exactly how they look, sleek, sophisticated and gorgeous. Again, bag them at Farfetch.

Gilt

2009-06-10T13:52:00.001+01:00

Gilt is a members only online sale service, coming up they have a Mosley Tribes and Paul Smith sunglasses sale. Join here.

Festival Sunnies

2009-06-08T17:21:00.017+01:00

It's festival season in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the most essential accessories for any festival goer is a good pair of sunglasses. In my opinion there is a front-runner for must have designer when it comes to this summer's festivals - kiwi born Karen Walker, as worn by Beth Ditto and Alexa Chung. So this list is quite Karen Walker heavy, which is no bad thing.

The Super Strength in corn yellow are a pair of beauts, bright, bold and a super cool shape with blue gradient lenses. Available @Goodhood. Suggested festivals to wear them: Synch - Greece June 12th-14th. Playing; Ebony Bones, Tortoise and Junior Boys.
Lowlands - Netherlands August 21st-23rd. Playing; Crookers, Grace Jones, Grizzly Bear and Whitest Boy Alive.

The Duper Strength also from Karen Walker are a very similar shape to the Supers but they have metal arms and different hinge arrow detail. A nice understated and sophisticated grape colour with brown gradient lenses. Get them @ A-styl. Suggested festivals to wear them: Isle of Wight - UK 12th-14th June. Playing; White Lies, Noisettes and Pixies.
Sonar - Spain 18th-20th June. Playing; Late of the Pier, Heartbreak, Animal Collective and La Roux.

Another Karen Walker, I left these out of the Clubmasters alternative article but the influence is obvious. The Outsiders are available in black with grey lenses and the pictured 'Dusty Blue' with brown lenses. Buy from A-styl. Suggested festivals to wear them: Glastonbury - UK 24th-28th June. Playing; Metronomy, Blur, Bon Iver, Passion Pit and Bat For Lashes.
Exit - Serbia 9th-12th July. Playing; Kraftwerk, Kissy Sell Out and Buraka Som Sistema.

If you're feeling daring the Anon Wizard glasses are for you, classic round lenses John Lennon style with a white metal frame to compliment the green and silver with orange. They are also available in more traditional colours than the orange and green mirrored ones pictured but lets face it at a festival you're going to want to stand out. Snap them up at Burton. Suggested festivals to wear them: Efes Pilsen One Love - Turkey 20-21st June. Playing; Royksopp, Klaxons and Tricky.
Storsjoyran - Sweden 30th July-1st August. Playing; TV on the Radio, Lady Gaga and Mew.

Retro Super Future Flat Frank 2, classic shape with a nice two tone colourway. Available direct. Suggested festivals to wear them: B'estfest - Romania 1st-5th July. Playing; The Killers, Franz Ferdinand and Motorhead.
Sonisphere - UK 1st-2nd August. Playing; Metallica, Mastodon, Nine Inch Nails.

Uber-cool new sunglasses designer Zanzan have produced the Le Sept (named after a club in 70s Paris) limited to only 100 pairs they ooze quality and refined chicness. These glasses are probably more suited to the backstage area with the hand-polished Italian acetate and wine coloured Carl Zeiss lenses. They come in a black leather and suede case, handmade in England by Spooner & Watts. I adore the Le Sept and will be taking a closer look at Zanzan in the next couple of days. Get them @Far Fetch. Suggested festivals to wear them: Calvi on the Rocks - Corsica 3rd-6th July. Playing; Friendly Fires, Phoenix and We Have Band.
Cornbury - UK 11th-12th July. Playing; The Pretenders, Imelda May and Shortwave Set.

So now all we have to hope for is the right weather.

Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm: Janis

2009-06-05T19:41:00.005+01:00

Released at the beginning of this month and part of a collaboration between Bernhard Willhelm and Mykita the Janis are whimsical, cute and I love them. They come with gold frame and brown gradient lenses (pictured above), gold frame with gold mirrored lenses or silver with black gradient lenses. As yet, I'm not sure where you can buy these but if anyone knows do let me know. Take a look at the rest of the collection.

Keyhole Sunglasses

2009-06-05T18:35:00.010+01:00

Although it's becoming more common place recently I think that the keyhole bridge design in a pair of glasses is always a nice touch and makes them look quality with a vintage feel. I've picked out some that range from expensive to slightly cheaper but all worth a look.

A friend of mine recently got the Persol Retro Keyhole glasses (pictured above) and they look great, weighty with really clean lines. They are actually a reproduction of glasses from 1957, so they really are vintage looking. This is the black pair but they're also available in tortoishell. Get them from Designer Glasses.

Mosley Tribes Lyndel are almost a cross between Wayfarers and Frogskins and they've got some amazing colourways like the gingham pictured here, also available in blue and yellow. The Lyndel are from last years collection but not enough people know about Mosley Tribes in my opinion so make sure you check them out. You can get yourself a pair from Karma Loop.

The Ben Sherman 'Ben' are part of the Anthology Series which aims to chart the history of iconic sunglasses shapes but with added spunk from Ben Sherman. Now, I think the idea behind the collection is really cool, and you can check the whole lot out here. These particular shades are hand crafted and super sophisticated looking in a retro Bond way. And if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Persol's 'Ben' are the way to go. Buy them direct.

Sight Station isn't the most glamourous of sunglasses makers but these feminine frames could work well on lots of different faces and I think they look nice quality despite the cheaper price tag. And lets face it, everyone likes a bargain or two. Get them here.

5 Clubmaster Alternatives

2009-06-04T17:39:00.009+01:00

As I've mentioned before Clubmasters are huge this summer which means that half-frame glasses will be cropping up everywhere but rather than grabbing some cheap Clubmaster rip-offs why not go for a similar but distinguishable design. I've picked 5 Clubmaster alternatives I think are worthy of your dough.

Pictured above is the Amy Sacks Bamboo Takeh Tempura. These scream quality, the frame is made completely of bamboo which gives the glasses a nice wood effect without the worry of warping and they look almost vintage. Another plus is the fact that they are green sunglasses, according to the website the bamboo is farmed and sustainable. You can get a pair direct from the website.

Next are the Linda Farrow Luxe Vintage, 24K gold plated and handmade with grey tinted lens. They are understated but with just enough detail to make them a stand out. Available from Far Fetch.

The aptly name Police Clubman are definitely a slightly more masculine pair. A nice deep red frame with matching red tinted lens. Available from ASOS.

Rounder and less universally wearable than the Clubmasters the Revue Fact from their Vintage collection is still a nice pair of sunglasses. Available from Eyeglasses.

To counteract the Revue's more rotund look for those that prefer a squarer pair of sunglasses these are the Nicole Farhi Retro Frames. Significantly more boxy than the Clubmasters these tortoiseshell framed glasses are again more masculine than unisex and would probably suit an older face. Available direct from their website.

Pictures of You

2009-06-03T16:11:00.000+01:00

I want pictures of you in your favourite glasses, sunglasses or optical are both welcome. A few sentences about them and where you got them would be great too. As this blog is new there's probably not too many people reading yet so I this will be an ongoing call. Send me your pic.

Danielle Scutt

2009-06-03T15:40:00.000+01:00

Danielle Scutt is definitely a designer watch what with her Topshop collaboration and partnership with Linda Farrow on some fresh sunglasses. The above pair is from her Spring/Summer 09 collection. I adore the shape, semi-catlike and large enough but not so big they look silly. Teamed with the colour and hair on this model they look perfection! If anyone knows where I can get me a pair let me know.

Oliver Peoples Wylie

2009-06-03T13:29:00.002+01:00

So by all accounts the Clubmasters have been bubbling under as the next sunglasses to 'do a Wayfarer' there was even an article about them in the Guardian for chrissakes. I like them, yes, I tried some on last year but they were just too small for my massive face. Then I was at a flea market in Brooklyn on a trip to NYC and found a beautiful pair of 80s DKNY's in the Clubmaster style for only a $2!! Alas my friend left my bag containing said sunglasses on a bus, suffice to say unlike the Frogskins they never came back to me.

I have been looking for a suitable replacement ever since and because I'm not into having something everyone else has I'm not going to give in to the Ray-Ban Clubmasters allure, that and I'd look stupid in them anyway. Enter Oliver Peoples Wylie...Not that similar to Clubmasters they have a full frame for a start but I think the same sophisticated feel, similar bridge styling and plenty extra in terms of quality. Here's the description from the website which tells you exactly what I mean: "This mixed-media style features a plastic eye rim, titanium temples and a metal bridge with retro pins. Discreet, custom filigree detailing is visible on the end pieces and temples. Hand-crafted and fitted with authentic vintage glass colored lenses in limited quantities." Yum.

Opus Design Award 2009

2009-06-03T04:43:00.000+01:00

If you design eyewear I highly recommend you enter the Opus Design Award 2009 and you now have until 30th June to register.

Last year my favourite entries were HIDEFER's Hanglass pictured above which were designed to be easily hung anywhere available. And the so cool but sadly completely unavailable (believe me I've looked) Luis Porem designed RGB glasses that can be filled with different coloured inks to match your mood or outfit.

Think you can come up with something better? Then get designing.

Retro Super Future & PAM

2009-06-03T03:03:00.000+01:00

I have to admit in the past I've never been overly excited by Retro Super Future, they have some nice colourways and feel good and weighty when you try them on so you know they're made well but the original shape was just a little too Wayfarer and I thought there wasn't enough in the details to distinguish them from afar from Wayfarers or cheap copies. So I wasn't too impressed that is until now...Previously mentioned Aussie designers Perks and Mini AKA PAM (who have also done sunglasses with Co-Lab) have stepped up to collaborate with Super Future on two new designs 'It's Easy Being Green' and 'Love Is Blue'.

Interestingly these were supposed to be out back in April but the DHL truck was broken into and all the pairs were stolen! Now they've been reproduced and Super Future have applied a recognisable feature to tell the difference between the stolen ones and the new production, the Super logo on the original production is on the inside of both arms but on the new production there is only one on the left side arm. It makes me wonder what on earth happened to the original production and who has them now? Being a massive geek I'd probably be even more excited to come across a pair of the stolen glasses, please don't kill me Super Future.

Back to the glasses, they're limited to only 100 of each colour 10 of which are available on their site (although that won't last long). They have Zeiss lenses, which indicates yet another reason I may have criminally overlooked Super Future glasses. And they are just plain fresh.

Then when I was perusing the site I came across these clear glasses and fell in LOVE, I promise Super Future I'll never underestimate you again as you've now produced my absolute favourite frames. Go you.

Oakley Frogskins

2009-06-02T23:50:00.001+01:00

I've been feverish about Frogskins since I found out Oakley were reproducing them in 2007 and I currently own four pairs of the newer designs and one pair of originals. And as you can probably tell I used a picture of my own Frogskins to create the header for this very blog, sketching them out to give it a more 80s feel.

I've got the glow in the dark Trevor Andrews pair, the matt grey and matt red pairs and the dalmation. The originals are just plain black but if you've got any other original colours you want to get rid of, do let me know! I like them because they're colourful and unlike Wayfarers they are not too overdone by hipsters worldwide.

I've had close calls with two pairs almost losing them and miraculously getting them back. The Trevor Andrews accompanied me to a festival last summer, dancing wildly to my friend's band they fell off. Devastated, I spent the next hour or so scouring the ground looking for them until I had to eventually concede they had gone. However I was so gutted I wouldn't give up and over the next couple of days I stared at everyone wearing white sunglasses (this was 2008, there were tonnes of white sunglasses) sometimes madly running up to people so I could peer at them more closely as they looked at me like I was not covered in mud. Anyway as you've probably guessed by now I eventually ran up to a boy who was indeed wearing my sunglasses and he promptly gave them back to me with a smile as I hugged him giddily.

So now they've released the 4-legged versions with interchangable arms pictured at the top of this post. Grrr, will they ever stop? Both my brain and my finances can't keep up but I love them so. My dream would be to have a complete set of them, oh and don't even get me started on the Paul Smith ones...

The first part of a nice history of the Frogskins can be found at 4 Snowboarding. I eagerly await the second part.

Co-Lab

2009-06-02T22:13:00.002+01:00

So those of you as freakish about sunglasses as me will already know Co-Lab from Australia but I wanted to highlight my favourite pairs from both last years and this seasons collection. ASOS.com that behemoth of online fashion shopping has recently started stocking pairs of Co-Lab, though not the full range. I'm in two minds about this being a slight snob about my glasses and a total nerd about having things not many other people have. The fact that ASOS.com have Co-Lab sunglasses makes them almost urgh mainstream, but in saying that I'm not a total hipster douche I'm just funny about glasses as you will come to realise should you choose to visit this blog again. But then on the other hand I can get a 40% discount at Asos so it does have its benefits.

These are, to me, the classic Co-Lab sunglasses I love the repair elastic as though they have been broken and the not quite defined shape that would suit many faces. PAM who collaborated on these glasses are already well established and super cool so that just adds to the covetability of them. As per they are limited and numbered to 1000 worldwide.

From the latest season, the Mandala designed by Genevieve Gauckler is currently my most coveted pair of sunglasses. It's the details that get me with this pair, the artwork inside the frames, the nose bridge support shape (you can always tell a pair of glasses is quality if they have this keyhole shape in the bridge support) and the graduated lenses. Ahhh perfection.

Finally I've picked The Woods designed by Josh Petherick. I really like the faux wood look and the square shape as well as the graduated lenses. You can imagine rocking these on a beach in Punta Del Este, Uruguay and that might be the most pretentious thing I've ever thought let alone written but believe me, it's true. Just a shame I can't afford a trip there anytime soon.