Since the 1970’s and the first appearance of the Designer jean, the serious shoppers amongst us have lusted after the starry delights of properly posh products from the Hermes Birkin to the latest Dolce Corset dress. Specs were a relatively latecomer to this phenomenon, with clothing, accessories and perfumes filling our closets and our dreams before we got around to thinking about that all important piece of jewellery for the face. So what has designer eyewear meant to us? What do you get for your hard earned cash, and will it enhance your life or at least your vision?
So the basic question……what does Designer really mean? It should mean you are paying a slightly higher price for the excitement of the latest and boldest shapes, innovative colours and decoration, and the best quality materials. You really do get what you pay for, and remember that an international fashion house like Gucci or Christain Dior will not put their name to a shoddy or poorly designed product. You are getting your own little piece of luxury for everyday wear, with superior construction, exclusivity, and style. The problem today is that any ambitious manufacturer will stick any exotic sounding name on a frame and call it Designer! Don’t be fooled – it will cost you more so make sure you get more! Stick to the well known and trusted names in fashion – Pucci, Prada, Fendi, Chanel, Hugo Boss – for example to know you are getting what you’ve paid for. You’ll get an excellent quality product that will last longer, be comfortable, and provide stable housing for your lenses. This strength and durability may also mean your sight is always properly corrected, as ill-fitting specs can affect your sight as well as your comfort.
Back in the dark days when the NHS called the shots in our eyewear choices, we had very little say in what we wore, and many a child feared the dread news that they needed glasses. Giorgio Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier and YSL were among the first Designers who bought joy to our hearts and fashion to our faces with their stunning eyewear designs, and we haven’t looked back! Eye wear is now a must have accessory, not a grudge purchase, and anything that prevents bullying and low esteem must be applauded – this is a huge issue for some, so never dismiss fashion as frivolous.
You may be a Marc Jacobs girl or a Paul Smith boy, but don’t worry that you’re only paying for the name. You’re paying for quality and style, and who could ask for more than that!
