In recent years we’ve seen fashion – as it is famed for doing – coming full circle with regards to frames. They’ve got bigger again, they’re going rounder again, but the most noticeable change, for men, women, kids and baby boomers, is the dramatic swing from sleek and sharp metal to warm and groovy plastic……
During the nineties and early noughties specs were all about metals, particularly antique finished, oval or rectangular styles. They were minimal in style, small in size, and frankly, not the most exciting eye wear fashion to grace the face. Then bling began to light up our lives, and specs demanded the same glitzy treatment as bags, shoes and all manner of accessories. Glasses became bigger, bolder, and more decorative, and the chunky nature of plastic frames made this possible.
With decoration came an upscale in proportion and the whole look – the barely there effect of rimless and semi-rimless frames was shot into oblivion by bold, in your face as well as on your face bright plastics with wide sides, layers of bright colour and wild designs. Colours in every shade from classic black to all hues in pinks, purples, reds, lime can brighten up our lives and our eye wear wardrobe.
In terms of practicality, plastic can be more comfortable to wear than metal, providing the frame is a good fit to start with. The moulded bridges cannot be adjusted, so you need a good fit around the bridge for successful wear. There are fewer bits to go wrong, without the need for complex attachment of trims and nose pieces. There is no possibility of an allergic reaction to those sensitive types amongst you, and they cover a multitude of sins if you have a higher prescription and therefore thick lenses.
Not for shrinking violets or those who don’t want to be noticed, plastic is a bright and bold way to correct your sight while bringing a dash of colour into your life.
