Glasses direct blog

As ever, we here at Glasses Direct are always keeping our musical ears to the ground for interesting music and videos and this artiste recently slipped onto our radar, mainly due to his cool video which seems to have been shot in a rather swanky Parisienne opticians.

The guy’s name is Oscar O’Mailey and the song is called ” Ques an Charde”. The video was produced by Manuall Focus (another clever link) and although neither name is, as yet, that well known, we expect big things if this tune is anything to go by.

Check the vid out here and let us know what you think!

At Glasses Direct, we’ve always believed that those behind glass are those with a timeless style. For instance, worldwide renowned designer Yves Saint Laurent may have been short sighted wearing glasses from an early age, but was a visionary within the fashion world and today his designs influence some of the most coveted designers out there. From the get go, the press painted him as this vulnerable style genius, an image arguably emphasized by his glasses. The thickness of the framework was a stark contrast to his slight frame creating an air of creative intellect.

Get the look with Mai Tai:

60s icon, Warhol was heavily identified with his glasses; from the harsh dark shapes, to the clear perspex rectangular ones of the 70s. An anti-fashion look, which ultimately resulted in a fashion movement, the art-school geek look was the accidental man of the moment.
With an overload of pretty, cookie cutter celebs now at an over-spill, the power than glasses have to cut through the style chaff has increased by ten-fold.

Take after Warhol with Benetton BE133:

Boyish and gorgeous, Alexa Chung’s off beat wardrobe contrasts against the diamante clad glamour of today’s pin-ups with her specs playing a key part in achieving her stellar star status on both sides of the pond.

Steal Alexa’s style with Lucky Brand Cliff:

For an unexpected twist on the usual hip-hop mogul’s wardrobe, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Tinie Tempah have swapped their anti-pap shades for quirky specs, tapping into the preppy trend with an individual, urban edge.

Try Mai Tai in black for a quirky, preppy style:

Two naturally ‘spectacled’ heroes from the pre-millennium corner are The Smiths front man Morrissey (NHS specs with quiff in the 80s) and in the 90s, Jarvis Cocker (dorky frames, skinny hips, Michael Jackson insults).

Get a bit of Jarvis style with Harold:

This season, we’re predicting a surge of celebrities making a spectacle of themselves (see what we did there?), and we’re not talking about falling out of a cab, sans knickers a la Lohan either. With taste makers such as Justin Timberlake and Chloe Sevigny leaving the contact lenses at home, we’re going to be keeping a beady eye on the London Fashion Week shows this week to see who sends their models down the runway with some all seeing specs on.

As we’re gearing up for LFW, editing our wardrobes as the nights get cooler and the days get shorter, we decided to embrace the joys of the autumnal trends and get preppy.

King of the Preps, Paul Smith showcased why he’s a British icon when it comes to creating hot-to-trot trends when he launched his AW11 collection earlier this year. On great form, the fashion designer skilfully translated what he does for men, for women. Men’s tailoring was slimmed down for the female form but otherwise untouched. Polka dot blazers under collarless coats, pinstripe city trousers, herringbone blazers and boyish cashmere cardigans; It’s his wardrobe in a smaller size.

Yearning to get our Paul Smith thang on, first things first, we focused on the room below our heads. The Paul Smith models looked enviably cool and comfortable, accessorising this most covetable trend with glasses that depicted an amalgamation of the 70s office worker, and 50s rockabilly.  Glasses framed the model’s elfin features, contrasting with soft, school girl-styled tresses or complementing a ‘don’t mess’ quiff, this season everyone wants to be a Paul Smith girl. Grab your brogues and braces ladies and get set for back to school-cool.

Portobello by London Retro

Cute cat-eyes from Lucky Brand

We Love Le Loeb- Keep scrolling down to get 'Le look'.

After last week’s movie themed blog, I wondered what it would be like if I could gather my all time favourite spectacle wearers around the dinner table, open a bottle of 1946 Chateau Petrus Pomerol (sold at auction for £25,570 a bottle….well why not spoil my guests) and generally chew the fat and put the world to rights. Well if I am going to open such a fine wine I would need to choose my dinner companions wisely. Criteria such as story telling, knowledge of clever jokes (nothing smutty you understand), insightful anecdotes, dress sense and worldly wisdom would all be considered and of course spectacle choice would be key.

But before I begin, first things first; this dinner party needs a chef and the only man capable of creating a meal as fine as the conversation is Heston Blumenthal. Renowned gastronome and full time specs man, no man on the planet can cook something that looks like steak but tastes like strawberries and his choice of spectacle is equally brilliant.

Get the cooking look with the JB11002

Right, so that’s the food sorted, so it’s time to pour the G&T’s while I await my first guest.

Well who can this be?…….First to press my bell is Peter Ustinov. Not a man renowned for his specs but none the less a glasses man. He became synonymous with his portrayal of Poirot and later on for his UN work and world travels. A true gentleman with a story for every occasion. As the great man himself said…… “I am an international citizen conceived in Russia, born in England, working in Hollywood, living in Switzerland, and touring the World”

Stetson ST XL8

Next to the door is Steve Martin. An all time legend in film comedy and although he’s hasn’t been firing on all cylinders lately, his early films in the 70′s put him at the top of his genre. I think we’ll skip “Pink Panther 2″ and steer the conversation towards ‘Dirty, Rotten Scoundrels” instead.

……copy this with our own London Retro Shoreditch frame.

And finally to make up my table of 4 (it’s a small table, I blew most of my money on the wine) is Lisa Loeb. Now for those of you who don’t know, Lisa is a singer/song writer (you’ll know who when you listen to “Stay”) who isn’t on the scene a lot but has been around a long time in the biz. I had the pleasure of seeing her do a show in Washington about 10 years ago and she blew me away so she’s on the list for that reason alone. She has also just launched her own range of specs so I’d quite like to swap ideas!

........get the LL look for a bit less with 7forallmankind 701.

Well, now all my guests have arrived, let the starters begin! So if you don’t mind….please close the door behind you. Thankyou

In our opinion, its seasoned dudes like David Hockney who help place Britain firmly on map, when it comes to producing artistic greats.

British Icon: Hockney

The 74 year old was promoting a newly devised technique of filming video art that is ‘better than 3D’ yesterday, whilst at the press release of his up and coming exhibition in London. Using 9 cameras to create ‘9D’ film Hockney also spoke of being able to create landscapes with his iPad as ‘fantastic’. The pioneering artist used a mixture of up-to-the minute technology to produce his retrospective exhibition which starts at the end of January 2012 at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

A legend for a legend: John Lennon JL10B

Hockney showcased his iconic style at the press launch with a pair of circular tortoiseshell specs: A style of which he’s become synonymous with since his first foray into the art world, along with his series of swimming pool paintings that he produced whilst living in LA, back in the 1960s. The British artist who spent many a year living in California, cemented his name in the art world with his highly realistic style and vibrant colours, as well as being famed for rubbing shoulders with the likes of Andy Warhol and fashion designer Celia Birtwell (who appears in several of his works).
With an heir of ‘agelessness’ about him, Hockney looked bright eyed and switched on, showing us how true timeless style is achieved. We love Hockney’s choice of symmetrical specs, which would add a sartorial edge to the most casual of outfits and perfect for this season’s preppy trend, for boy or for girl.
Hockey’s exhibition ‘Bigger Picture ‘runs from 21st January to 9th April next year at the Royal Academy of Arts.

As a slight departure from the normal film related spectacle tie in (think Clark Kent or Harry Potter), I thought I’d flip the view a little bit and take a peek behind the camera with a quick retrospective nod to some of the great be-spectacled directors of our time. Never really seen on screen (except when it comes to plugging their next must-see project) there are quite a few directors known for their face furniture.

So, its curtains up and roll VT for the following ‘Directorial Gods of Geek’.

Simon Pegg

Although known more now for his exceptionally funny film work (yes I’m a massive fan), Pegg’s early work can be seen in the C4 sitcom Spaced, which he wrote alongside writer pal, Edgar Wright. Responsible for writing what is possibly the greatest sitcom of all time, the two also collaborated in writing Brit flick, Shaun of the Dead which also starred Pegg’s best mate Nick Frost (also a specs man).

Oscar for a future Oscar winner

Martin Scorsese

Well, where do I begin with possibly the greatest director of all time. Films such as ‘Mean Streets’, ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Raging Bull’ and ‘The King of Comedy’, would compliment a life time’s work for most directors, but to then follow those up with ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Cape Fear’, ‘Casino’ and ‘Gangs of New York’ is almost too much for my peas sized brain to comprehend! With 3 films in post production at the moment, his Royal Specciness seems unable to slow down. A big thumbs up from Team GD.

A classic for a classic.

Steven Spielberg

Probably one of the greatest directors of all time with a rare ability to bring together sensitive films (‘Schindler’s List’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’) huge box office results (E.T, Jurassic Park) and futuristic ideas (‘A.I’ and ‘Minority Report’), Mr Spielberg can do no wrong in the move world and with his subtle style of specs as his trademark (along with the beard), his choice of scripts are spot on. Having invented the idea of the summer block buster with ‘Jaws’ he also co-produced ‘Shrek’ and the lesser know, but with a cult following, ‘Pinky and The Brain’.

The Portobello from London Retro

Danny Boyle

If you ignore ‘The Beach’” this Brit director has barely put a foot wrong. Bursting onto the big screen in 1994 with ‘Shallow Grave’ and quickly following it up with ‘Trainspotting’ (has there ever been a better follow up movie?), Mr Boyle has just delivered the double whammy of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘127 Hours’ and with new film ‘Trance’ out in 2013, this visionary genius is set to show us his best yet.

Get the DB look with the ST006

Steven Soderbergh

Well, we can start with the genius that is ‘Sex, Lies and Videotapes’ and move swiftly on to ‘The Usual Suspects’ (and yes it’s Kevin Spacey, I thought everyone knew that?) and end up with ‘Oceans 11’ and ‘Traffic’. With a remake of the classic ‘The man from U.N.C.L.E’ on the way next year with long term collaborator George Clooney (calm down ladies), the specs of Mr S are set to continue being stellar.

Neat and masculine: the Madrid

Guillermo del Toro

Maybe not a well known director to part-time movie buffs, the Mexican great is probably best known for ‘Hellboy’ and ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ but surprisingly, also had a hand in ‘Kung Fu Panda’……so a slight departure for him there then! His spec of preference is the classic round eye, a la John Lennon. Easily achievable with our own the John Lennon collection.

The John Lennon JL260

Ethan Coen

As one half of the aptly named Coen Brothers (with brother Joel and his unruly hair), he has helped write and direct some truly modern greats. Kickstarting his career with ‘Blood Simple’ and ‘Raising Arizona’ in 1984 and 1987 respectively ,he has become one of The greats in edgy direction. Their style of film making (see ‘Fargo’, ‘The Big Lebowski’ and ‘O Brother Where Art Thou?’) is founded on self belief, a unique camera style and clear vision.

Get the look with our Mojito range

Tim Burton

This man should win an award purely for his hair, but having directed films such as ‘Beetlejuice, ‘Edward Scissorhands’, ‘Mars Attacks’ and ‘Corpse Bride’ Burton’s directing talent over-rides the crazy mop. The gothic theme he puts in his films, coupled with his style and frequent use of Johnny Depp mean his films are always visually stunning and his re-invention of the Batman franchise proves his genius……as does his taste in specs.

Acheive a more wearable Burton vibe with the ST002

Spike Lee

Known just as much for his film topics as the films themselves, Spike Lee has never been one to shy away from directing controversy. ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘Jungle Fever’ and ‘Malcolm X’ have all show cased his brilliance, and with ‘Summer of Sam’ he showed why he one of America’s greats in direction. His choice of frames is equally out spoken. Be inspired if you feel brave enough with the Mexx 5358.

Frame it like Spike.

Woody Allen

Having written 68, directed 47 and starred in 42 to date, Mr Allan Stewart Konigsberg, now pushing 76, has long been associated with his iconic specs and although some may say his vision may have been a good reason for his rather poor films in the last few years, his early works such as ‘Bananas’, ‘Love and Death’ and ‘Husbands and Wives’ are surely classics of the highest order.

Oh-so very Woody.

Like this post? We want to hear who your glasses wearing, favourite movie icons are.

We may just be inspired so watch this space…

To be honest, we’ve never really paid an amazing amount of attention to Justin Beiber (sorry girls) until that is the 17 year old heart throb bespectacled himself at this year’s VMA awards, where he was nominated for his video, ‘Make You Smile’. We seen the error of our ways and sat up and taken notice, so sorry about that.

An Echo of screams rippled across the crowds as Beibs made his way along the red carpet in a classic tux jacket, on-trend skinny red jeans, a pair of oversized wayfarers and a snake. Yes, a snake. Bespeckled Biebs made his way into the award ceremony carrying a small white snake wrapped around his hand. We’re not sure how PETAs going to feel about this, or his girlfriend Selena Gomez for that matter, but whilst we’re waiting for the Beiber back-lash, we’re more than happy to focus on the singer’s impeccable taste in specs. Fast become the number one fashion accessory for both genders this season regardless of 20/20 vision or not, glasses can really give an edge to the safest of get ups. Adding a sartorial edge to an ultimately rock n roll-inspired ensemble, Beiber opts for a wayfarer silhouette in a mixture of acetate and metal. Oversized and softly square, Beiber’s framework can be re created with the John Lennon JL13BF

Add Some Rock Heritage with John Lennon

Neat and on trend, this tidy wayfarer inspired frame ticks all the right boxes when teamed with this season’s tailored pieces. Wear with jeans and your favourite biker, or for a more polished look gentleman, why not stir things up a little in the boardroom and get the office gossips talking.

Oh, and from now on we’ll be taking a little more notice of Mr Beiber and his style choices. Good work young man, gold style star from Team GD…

…Not sure on the snake though, we’ll leave that to you guys to comment.

It’s clear to see that Sienna loves her retro red sunnies and rightly so, they do look rather fabulous! Why not get her look too (for a lot less than she paid I’m sure!) with our funky Cosmopolitan or Mai Tai frames from our trendy GD Collection? Then just add a dark tint and you’re all set. It’s a great look for festival goers too!

Wayne Rooney, David Arquette and Tiger Woods all have something in common. Aside from the fact each one of these stars has been allegedly unfaithful to their wives in the last 12 months (that we know of) they also all hide behind their shades, unwilling to have any eye contact that might just give away the guilt they are feeling. Well it turns out that these celebrities might just be making it worse for themselves. Out of 1,000 people questioned by Glasses Direct, 81% said that not being able to see their eyes makes them seem even less trustworthy.

It’s unlikely you will ever see a celebrity without their sunglasses when something traumatic has happened or if they have been pushed into the public eye. Courtney Cox and Christina Aguilera hid behind their chic shades recently when their divorces were announced to the public.

So if you have something to hide, or just want to hide what you’re really thinking, why not do it the celeb way; behind a pair of stylish shades? See some of our celeb favourites here…

Wayfarer: John Lennon Jl260F

Aviator: Cowboy

Classic: Jeff Banks st007

Retro: Tommy Hilfiger 3393

As I was laying on my sofa the other evening watching ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ two things struck me. Firstly, I wish I looked like Brad Pitt and secondly, why do movie stars always wear yellow tinted specs when casually firing off a few rounds of a handy AK47? Thankfully, while I know nothing about the grooming habits of Mr Pitt, I do know a little about tints and lens colours. So here is a brief summary to ponder over the next time you can’t decide how to look the part with a cool M16 gadget…

Tints tend to fall into two categories; cosmetic or functional. The choice of colour can range enormously depending on use, preference or even your hair colour! Regardless of colour though, they have to be 100% UV protective and it is important to note that both very pale and a very dark tints can provide this. Cosmetic tints are normally bright colours and are more of a statement so look out for pinks, blues and reds. Functional tints tend to be brown, grey or yellow (as worn by Pitt).

The key reason why some colours are recommended for particular tasks over others is down to the wave-length of light they block out. For example, a brown tint (as it contains yellow) is much better at blocking out the middle of the visible spectrum, creating a much better contrast between the low end and high end of the spectrum. This is perfect for driving, skiing or sport. A grey tint on the other hand blocks out the spectrum evenly. While this doesn’t provide a better contrast, it helps to reduce intense light and glare from the sun’s rays. Yellow is much better for definition as it highlights objects better, allowing for faster reaction times. This is because yellow is the only colour that falls exactly on the retina and is therefore the colour that the eye is most sensitive to. This is why police cars have yellow stripes.

So next time you’re off on a mission or just off down the pub, choose wisely…you never know what you may need to see.