Optical trends are increasingly following fashion as stylists wake up to the fact that glasses are a key fashion accessory as well as an optical necessity.
Now it is possible to match your eyewear to this season’s latest looks. With celebrity specs wearers like Gok Wan and Kate Silverton putting eyewear on the map, more specs wearers are using their glasses to make an essential style statement that reflects their individuality.
New trends for 2009
Retro
References to the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s were everywhere at the optical industry’s major trade fair Silmo in Paris. This popular vintage look has been given a new twist for 2009 with thicker sides and exaggerated shapes and temples.
Architectural
This masculine trend incorporates strong distinctive shapes in metal and plastic combinations, with dark hues, and lots of black. The industrial look is off-set with high-tech precision manufacturing and sophisticated but tactile detailing on the sides.
Classics
Think 70s and 80s ovals and rounds in fine metals. Less is more with clean, classic lines, and a pared down simplicity in gold, silver, gunmetal, and black. These more demure styles tend to have greater longevity as they have less complicated features, also making them more affordable.
Statement styles
For specs wearers who want to be noticed and have fun with their look, statement specs are for you. New methods of lamination allows for high resolution images to be used on acetate sides, resulting in bold motifs, and contemporary colourful patterns. For a subtler look opt for plain dark fronts and colour on the sides only to give your wardrobe a splash of colour.
Trend tips for 2009
Colours
Classic black, dark brown, gunmetal
Natural earth and mineral tones – beige, smoky grey
Tortoiseshell
Jewel colours – ruby, emerald, and sapphire
Clashing combinations – orange and turquoise
Shapes
Classic ovals and rounds
50s and 60s retro
Bold and angular
Thick moulded sides
Larger optical shapes inspired by sunglasses
Materials
A return to fine metals
Acetate
Plastic and metal combinations
Details
Laser etching, stamping and moulding on sides
Carved out filigree sides
Jewellery effects, especially diamante
Geometric patterns – stripes, squares, zigzags
Fun motifs such as lipstick kisses
Engraved ‘wood’ effects
