Eyeglasses.com Blog

‘Designer Eyeglasses’

A new era of innovation and creativity has developed and spread around the world. Men and women are in need of accessories and items that characterize this new trend, and eyeglasses are the one of the ways we can imprint personality with a touch of individuality. Few Eyeglasses´ makers have managed to stay up to date, but those who lead the industry do it with conviction. Dakota Smith Los Angeles and Ogi Eyewear are important players who have maintained their originality, while giving costumers what they are looking for. Dakota Smith Los Angeles is considered more than just a brand - it is considered an attitude. Over the years this eyewear company has managed to stay true to the American ideals of innovation and freedom. In its 2011 summer collection Dakota Smith Los Angeles present 8 different styles in 3 different colors. This collection highlights the particularities of the brand: style, quality and attention to detail. Interestingly, these lenses are either polycarbonate or CR-39. This is a timeless collection which comes in rich handmade acetate and metal, including stainless steel. The range of shapes encompasses the classic vintage aviator styles, traditional square and rectangular designs, and more outlandish navigator and clubmaster presentations. When it comes to style Dakota Smith Los Angeles is not alone. Ogi Eyewear has become very successful and popular to such an extent that today the eyewear make has three different departments: Ogi Heritage, Ogi Evolution and Ogi Innovation. The Ogi Innovation collections are by far the most fashion-forward of all, and they provide costumers products that possess elements of modern architecture and unique bold frames designed to be trend makers. Ogi eyeglasses do not sacrifice quality, and yet have managed to provide trend setting contemporary products.

Fashion trends and the modern world provide women the space to express themselves through accessories and clothing styles. For many years women have found in accessories the allies needed to accomplish what clothes alone cannot. In fact, eyeglasses are considered the perfect complement to the facial characteristics of women. A fabulous frame with outstanding colors attracts special attention to the face. Sophistication comes in sleek modern styles and emotions can easily be represented through colors. Velvet Eyewear is the first option we will consider for women. In the 2012 Velvet collection, Velvet eyewear attempts to target trend setting women. These feminine looking eyeglasses present the best of Italian eyeglass technology and style. In fact, each pair of eyeglasses comes with Carl Zeiss lens. The general style of Velvet eyeglasses aims to embody classic looks with a touch of vintage, with frames that are made of Mazzuchelli acetate or high quality Nickel Silver. The timeless styles of this collection present each option in three or four different colors, ranging from tortoise, purple, turquoise and red to more metallic looking tones. Eyeglasses can be a female's best ally when considering accessories for a sophisticated night or a sexy afternoon stroll. Altair Eyewear collections are among the most recognized brands for women's eyewear, and provide exactly what women needs to look sexy or sophisticated. Now, Altair Eyewear´s bebe collection has been created from an agreement between Altair and bebe Stores, Inc. bebe Stores are an American clothing retailer founded in 1976 by Manny Mashouf. This particular collection absorbs Altair´s unique style and offers highlights consisting on Austrian crystals, temples detailed with bold chains, logo treatments, floating lenses and rich colorations. Altair Eyewear stays loyal to bebe´s objective of offering stylish inspirational options for women.

The Donna Karan New York eyeglasses (or DKNY as most people call them) have been a top style statement since 1985. The brand was launched by none other than Donna Karan, a renowned fashion icon. Donna Karan graduated from the Parson School of design and has been associated with fashion since then. DKNY brand is not just about eyewear and is also popular for fragrances and skin care products. However, its range of glasses has made a huge impact in the markets. The brand is not only famous in and around New York but serves global markets. The core objective of the firm is to bring to the world, best of New York’s fashion.

DKNY eyeglasses are a huge hit amongst celebrities too. Not only do stars and popular personalities wear them while shooting but also while relaxing. The year 2000 saw Lisa Kudrow adorning two different styles of DKNY eyewear in a movie named “Hanging Up”. Celebrities love DKNY glasses for the stylish appeal and excellent quality. The glasses have a certain elegance and charisma to them. This fan following for DKNY eyeglasses makes them extremely popular amongst the common crowd also. Another reason why people are crazy about the DKNY brand is that the company never slows down on the part of innovation. The brand has created its image by bringing to the markets new concepts and developments with in no time at all. The designer range that it offers depicts the commitment that the brand has shown towards quality.

Another plus point worth mentioning about DKNY eyeglasses is that they maintain a fine balance between style and sense. These glasses offer a perfect blend between eye care and fashion. The name has something for all. Those who have a subtle taste can choose from a variety of options including the range of rimless ones that are simple yet look cool. For those who like the playful and fun look can go for plastic frames in metallic and bubbly colours. Plenty of styles in a classic appeal are also on the DKNY list. DKNY is one such name that will offer trendy eyewear suited to the taste of different people.

Within the sunglasses category, DKNY sunglasses offer various interesting models. The range includes aviators, rectangular and round frames in street-smart designs. The eyeglasses for both men and women reflect the pulse of New York. The colours palate for men is kept minimal yet interesting. Their designs come in classic black, blue and turquoise. For women, the variety in colour is much more extensive including shades like black, blue, brown, tortoise, red, burgundy, gold and silver.

BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses. BOSS Hugo Boss is synonymous with exceptional textiles, design, and fabrication—a true icon in menswear and now in eyeglasses.  The BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses collections awaken the BOSS Hugo Boss man to a wardrobe full of color and innovative fabrics.  The feel is casual with a subtle flair of sophistication.  The BOSS Hugo Boss eyewear collection complements this style with characteristic agility and subtlety.

The versatility offered by The BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses is unique. Colors ranging from Crystal Honey to Dark Havana, and shapes blending classic aviator, retro, and round looks make The BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses a personal statement in themselves. In fact, the exquisite designs of these stylish trends make The BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses stand out with their 100% authenticity, making any person an individual.

The luxury of stylish eyeglasses is accessible through The BOSS Hugo Boss variety for Women. Surely any woman would bring in style with the BOSS 0378 glasses model. In fact, these eyeglasses offer an average fit with a single bridge and an exclusive Cat Eye shape. This style does not come at a price; metallic materials ensure durability on them. The BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses also offer durability through Plastic materials and the BOSS eyeglasses are a fantastic example. These Italian designed eyeglasses bring together class and casual looks to a different level. They maintain with their oval shape the unique distinctiveness of The BOSS Hugo Boss eyeglasses.

The Ray Ban eyeglasses collection is relatively new compared to the sunglasses collection, being introduced only just a few years ago.  The collection has grown over the years, but still stays within a relatively narrow range of classic styles.  Variations of the Wayfarer, rectangle, and aviator designs dominate the collection.  For those who have worn Ray Ban, and nearly everyone has, Ray-Ban glasses offer the same benchmarks of quality.  Ray-Ban eyeglasses have the style, materials, craftsmanship, and comfort that we all have come to expect.  You will find a choice of materials in traditional shapes, full frame and half frame, oval and rectangular.  With Ray Ban glasses you cannot go wrong.

The Ray Ban eyeglasses line is relatively new, compared to the Ray Ban Sunglasses collection, having been introduced in the last 10 years.  Most of the eyeglasses line follows the same classic lines as the sunglasses collection, with Wayfarer, Ronsir, and even aviator styles like the Ray Ban RX6049 eyeglasses frame, and the Ray Ban RX8403 eyeglasses frame.

The Ray Ban eyeglasses collection includes a variety of styles in plastics and metals.  Most frames have a rectangular shape variation.  The most popular Ray Ban glasses frame by far is the RX5121 Wayfarer glasses frame.  It has the same shape as the famous Wayfarer Sunglasses, but without the lenses, and so it is less expensive and will accomodate all types of lenses and prescriptions.

While eyeglasses are a necessity for many, the designer eyewear industry is based primary on want versus need. And with the help of flash sales and members-only sites such as Gilt and HauteLook, and online retailers such as Eyeglasses.com, the average consumer can now afford to purchase designer goods at a tremendous savings. We are also finding that the luxury sales sector is increasing rapidly with Generation Y leading the charge in all fashion categories, including premium luxury and full-priced online luxury retail.

Generation Y increased premium luxury fashion by 33 percent in 2011 over 2010. Though it represents the smallest group of luxury consumers, this group of twenty-somethings has also led the charge of full-priced online luxury retail, spending 31 percent more on designer duds than the year before. They have also shown and increase in spending among all groups in specific retail categories, such as jewelry, shelling out 27 percent more in 2011.

While the financial standpoint on designer eyewear will vary among working youngsters, many limit their eyewear purchases to a minimum. Those with insurance typically have one pair of glasses with little to no extras and keep an old pair for backup. One popular trend is to layer contact lenses and oversized sunglasses. For eyeglasses, the trend is something along the lines of a Clark Kent horned rim eyeglass frame or retro (read: ironic), possibly vintage eyeglasses.

“Most [generation Y-ers] are unaware of differences in lens types and just go with whatever lenses their optometrist's office recommends,” says Kate Baker, 29, at Moneywise Payroll in Charlottesville, Va. “Most have to pay extra for anti-glare and scratch-resistance, if they can afford it; optical insurance isn't that common.”

In terms of specialty glasses, the young members of Generation Y are often unaware of their existence or usefulness. While few of the students are interested in spending additional cash on special glasses, an explanation of why they are special or what they do help move them toward buying.

These tech-savvy shoppers take to the Internet to research eyewear options and compare prices. In fact, females in their 20s often window shop in person to examine the product firsthand but search online for a better deal. But this is not the only advantage online shopping provides: Many Gen-Y-ers relay convenience as web's biggest advantage to brick and mortar retail. This added convenience has only made it that much easier for them to spend on luxury items they may not have had access to before.

Coveted designer eyeglasses purchased strictly as collectibles proves the old adage that art is subjective. Whether collecting vintage eyeglass frames from the 1950s or new limited edition designer frames, collectible designer eyeglasses are the latest art commodity. Interestingly enough, the same proportions, bejeweling, and shapes that were popular during the 1950s and 1960s are among today's hottest trends in fashion accessories. But, for those on the hunt for the real deal in vintage eyeglasses and art collectibles, there are three coffee table books that will steer you in the right direction.

Collectible Eyeglasses

The first book 'Collectible Eyeglasses' by Frederique Crestin-Billet is a considered great read for eyewear enthusiasts. This collector's bible can also be appreciated by the everyday fashionista or accessories hound. 'Collectible Eyeglasses' takes you on a historic journey of classic, most notable, and collectible eyeglass frames throughout time. Whether referencing sports goggles or opera glasses, basic or extravagant, the images of antique, classic, and contemporary designs will inspire while informing on the most recognized and collectible eyeglass frames to date.

Specs Appeal: Extravagant 1950s & 1960s Eyewear

Highlighting vintage eyeglasses from the 1950s and 1960s, 'Specs Appeal' provides a colorful and outrageous narrative fashion by way of cat-eye styles, polka dots, and rose-colored glasses. With more than 450 photos and vintage ads, you can't help but be taken back in time to the ladylike and fashion-forward eyewear that has been reinvented and reused at some point in every decade since then. The jaunty, informative text includes identifying information, historical notes, and hints on how to adapt frames from the past for modern use, not to mention a current price guide for avid of collectors and curious fashion mavens alike.

Eyewear: A Visual History

New York City-based eyewear designer and collector Moss Lipow provides a detailed account of the history of eyewear and its progression from a thing of function to one of a multi-billion dollar industry where medical necessity rivals fashionable accessory. Lipow scoured eBay, flea markets, and similar venues to gather an extensive collection of classic and outrageous examples, from prehistoric whalebone eye guards used by Eskimos to today’s frames, as well as a number of styles from Lipow’s own collections. The book features more than 1,000 images covering almost 500 years of eyewear design.

Blending the fun of fashion with history, these books prove to be entertaining and educational. Curious collectors come for the information while fashionistas stay for the beautifully taken shots of amazing one of a kind pieces. Both demographics receive a lesson about the evolution of optics while reveling in the space where art and eyewear collide. And although this cult sector of the population is small and unnoticeable for now, as the lines blur between form and function, art and necessity, you will see the recurrence of designer eyeglasses as one of a kind art pieces becoming more prevalent in the future.

With eyeglass frames towing the line between function and fashion, it’s no surprise that the shape of eyeglass frames is changing in some dramatic ways. Some of the new options have vintage qualities to them with rounded, cat-eye, aviator and wayfarer shapes; while others have a more ultramodern approach with spikes, curves, and shapes that are more avant-garde than everyday. Round eyeglasses are scaling up in size and offering more complex shapes such as hexagons and octagons. This new strain of oversized eyeglasses and sunglasses are great for anonymity, and are on trend with celebrity style eyewar. However, these larger scale eyeglass frames can be quite tricky to wear as this style doesn’t necessarily work with most facial shapes. Be sure to carefully select a frame that does not engulf your entire face.

Even square frames make an appearance this season alongside oval and 70s glam rock throwbacks. But on a whole, the current availability of eyeglass and sunglass frames range from retro to futuristic.

Speaking of futuristic eyeglasses, Oakley and Google are both working on glasses that will project information directly on to the lenses. Oakley with it's Smart Glasses, and Google with Project Glass. The smart glasses use a technology called augmented reality which gives users information about real life objects or places. Oakley is targeting athletes for its line of "smart glasses". The company is also looking to incorporate augmented reality in its military subsidiary, Eye Safety Systems. These latest developments in eyewear technology have truly turned wearing eyeglasses into a multimedia experience.

And while Oakley and Google look towards the future, Lafont Eyewear harkens back to the past with the classic shapes and colors of Lafont Babel glasses with horned rim, cateye, and other retro styles.

For those interested in serious vintage eyeglasses, as opposed to retro eyeglasses that just appear to be vintage, there is always unique vintage eyewear available online and in excellent condition. Many vintage frames provide the perfect touch of old Hollywood glamour. An elegant pair of Schiaparelli catseye frame with rhinestones and flower design may just be the frame for you. However, if rhinestones piqued your interest or you prefer a more modern, urban chic pair of glasses, then you'll love the Swarovski crystals collection. Swarovski designer sunglasses feature an assortment of frames in metal and acetate with their signature color and clear crystal accents. Other stylish models come in black, gold and blush and include a strong silhouette that is softened by the Swanflower motif on the temple arms. Delicate frames, pinks and pastels, amber and honey hues, and frosted tortoise frames breathe new life into these classic eyeglass frame styles.

This season, designer eyewear collection range fancy to futuristic, rock 'n' roll to demur, and everything in between. No matter if you decide to go vintage or retro, you'll love what the designer collections have in store for you this season.