With rimless frames declining in popularity over the past couple of years, the minimalist style hunters among us are looking for an alternative which is equally lightweight and invisible on the face. This leads to us an interesting juxtaposition in trends – the chunky bold lines of heavy geek or retro plastics, and the uber skinny rims of memory metals and super thin plastics. So which look suits you?
Take a look around your home and you can translate this into an indicator of your personal style. If you think less is more, and you favour neutral colour palettes, sleek lines and not even a visible door handle, a skinny rim is for you. This will suit your love of function and form, as these frames require super-technology and state of the art materials. To cut down on bulk and weight, materials need to be super tough even when pared down to the minimum. Usually devoid of decoration, or even joints! These frames are made of as few parts as possible, with springy materials that do the work of joints and complex lens housings. Almost invisible on the face, they are practically weightless and very comfortable, second only to contact lenses for making you look specless!
If you like to chuck as much colour, bling and detail at everything as possible, if your lounge looks like the Strictly ballroom, then you need a plastic. With plenty of surface area for decoration and extra colours it’s just the thing to allow you to express your exuberance and wildness! These frames do the work of accessories for you, bringing interest and warmth to the face. These are frames with personality, for those who like to be noticed. On a practical level, they also disguise thicker lenses, will stand up to a careless owner, and are perennially trendy.
There are styles in between these extremes of course – subtle plastics, metals in colours, a few remaining rimless – but who wants to go for the safe path? Take it to an extreme for a memorable look, bold or barely there, the choice is yours!
