Showcasing his appreciation for specs, New York designer, Marc Jacobs sent his veritable army of lookalikes down the runway, complete with combat boots, pleated skirts, and boxy jackets. Oh, and glasses.
Specs seen at marc by marc jacobs AW12 at New York Fashion Week. Oh, and Daria.
Showing his diffusion line; marc by Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week, the designer contradicted his mainline vibe with a strictness that was immediately followed with outbreaks of playful bouclé, mohair, Lurex, lamé, and perforated velvet, which, like the sparkly-buckled pilgrim shoes in which Jacobs took his finale bow, pointed to pleasures beyond the regimented pale.
His army donned pillar box red lips and flawlessly clean skin, whilst almost cartoon like glasses were used to accessorize selected looks, mirroring that of 90s doodle, Daria.
For a more subtle take on one of AW12’s strongest trends, try going for a look-at-me framed silhouette and covet Marc Jacob’s mix of regimented accessories with quirky apparel. For those who are dipping their toes into the trend and wish to test the waters first, take advantage of our free home trial and test out up tp 4 pairs of Jacob’s-esq specs in the comfort of your own mirrors. Don’t limit yourself to black either. Experiment and pick from a plethora of tones and colours, as well as ultra flattering tortoiseshells, too. We’ve picked our top 4. What frames are you going to test run?
NUEU 03
GD Audrey In Pink
BENCH
The Carrera ca6158 in Black and Grey
Shop for more frames like these, here.
Posted on: February 16th, 2012 by Sarah
This week we were really chuffed, but not surprised to see Martin Scorsese receiving the BAFTA’s Academy Fellowship Award, an honorary award given for outstanding and exceptional contribution to film.
Scorsese Scoops the best Bafta of all.
The diminutive director arrived on stage in his trade mark thick black specs to a huge ovation and makes a heartfelt speech, full of the genuine love of film that informs and characterises his own portfolio of outstanding work. The American, whose films include Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Aviator and most recently the Bafta award winning Hugo, picked up the award at the ceremony at the Royal Opera House, London on Sunday evening. Previous winners include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and Dame Judi Dench. Simply put, he’s in good and correct company.
John Lennon black JL09B
Scorsese said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by the British Academy and to join the ranks of such an esteemed group of industry colleagues and friends.”
Inspired? Shop for Scorsese style frames, here.
Posted on: February 14th, 2012 by Sarah
As it’s the month of love, heart shaped things and all things rosy, it only seemed right that we dedicate this week’s frame slot to the rouge silhouette. A great frame choice to compliment those with dark skin tones and features or create a striking contrast against fairer skinned fellows, a red frame really does pack a punch in the style stakes.
So, may we introduce to you, the chosen one this week. The Natalie from Element:
Natalie By Element: One for the redheads
And a red palette isn’t just for Valentine’s Day either. A timeless colour to add to everyday attire, celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Ellie Fanning and Social Network’s Michael Cera have all been papped in red specs. From oversized square frames, to neat rounds, to rectangular silhouettes red adds an interesting spark, whatever frame or prescription you have.
Blondes and brunettes should experiment with primary reds and tomato hues, whilst red-heads should try burgundy for an eye-catching contrast. Those with black skin and dark hair will look fabulous in any tone of red, but we think that the brighter the better! For an immediate update to your eyewear ladies, why not try out the ultra-flattering cat-eyed silhouette? Teaming it with red makes for the the perfect combination for those who are coveting vintage.
Not entirely sure which frame to go for? Check out our Style Finder, here.
Posted on: February 13th, 2012 by Sarah
You could say that the preppy trend is having a bit of a style surge at the moment, but if truth be told, it’s never really found itself in the fashion trough either. A true sign of a timeless look, preppy pieces have been cropping up amidst the more whimsical, fast-fashion trends on the high-street. Edging up florals and accentuating tomboy-inspired denims, scholar style silhouettes are big news in fashion and naturally, in the eyewear world. Spec silhouettes don’t discriminate at the school of prep, but classic styles include retro rounds and laid back wayfarers.
Indie Queen Sevigny in Wayfarer Glasses
Whether the silhouette be neat and tidy, or over-sized and attention-demanding, opt for a 2012 update and experiment with tones of tortoiseshell and red with brands such as London Retro and Element offering an extensive range. For retro rounds and classic styles, the GD Collection should whet your appetite, as well keep things massively purse friendly meaning that you can try something different with our 2 for 1 deal.
Element Norton
For high-end inspiration, take a truly British slant on getting preppy and look at Paul Smith’s AW11/12 show. An avid fan of glasses himself, the British designer sent his models down the fashion pavement in boldly silhouetted acetates, to accessorise their classically Paul Smith brogues and sweats. Fendi teamed a mixture of monochrome and neutral stripes with tinted rimless glasses at their SS12 show, whilst on the celebrity front, Drive star Ryan Gosling has been snapped in circular tortoiseshells frames, much like the John Lennon frames available at Glasses Direct.
Ryan Gosling in Circular Frames
Female stars including Demi Moore, Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevigny are all regular specs wearers and expert coveters of the preppy look. So, however far you want to go with this studious and timeless look, you’re sure to add an injection of educated viewing with a pair of glasses. Prescription optional.
- Paul Smith AW 2011
Shop from our retro selection for more inspiration, Here.
Posted on: February 10th, 2012 by Sarah
U.S house-hold clothing empire, GAP haven’t exactly been setting the world alight with their fashion-focused collections of late, so it’s nice to see that they’ve gone back to what they do so well, and that’s the classics. Once the go-to brand for your true blue denims, and everyday chinos GAP ruled the all-American roost with its casual classics.
Gap's New Classics
And bring back the classics, we say! The GAP Pure line consists of an array of scoop necks, race backs and v-neck t-shirts that will frequent your everyday ensembles. Styling their models with black and tortoiseshell rimmed glasses, GAP illustrate why they’re a household name in the art of dressing preppy. At Glasses Direct we’ve got a whole host of classic frames to get you in the mood for prepping your wardrobe up and adding an extinguished touch to your everyday prescription. From eco-fabulous Element, to the leaders in vintage attire, London Retro, Glasses Direct’s selection is unrivalled when it comes to online eyewear. If you’re looking for a purse friendly option then shop from our own range of classic frames where you can shop from a wide range of acetates and metals, colours and prints.
What do you think about GAP’s new Pure line?
Geek or chic?
Element's Caprio in tortoiseshell
London Retro Carnaby in Red
Glasses Direct's Mai Tai in Black
Glasses Direct's Harold in Black
Posted on: February 8th, 2012 by Sarah
Corden and Jagger channel Sellers and Ekland
Its official, Peter Sellers-style specs are in Vogue. Well, Harpers Bazaar actually, but either way the thick rimmed classics are having a fashion moment this month with funnyman James Corden sporting a pair whilst he and model Georgia May Jagger pay tribute to the iconic duo of the swinging 60s, Peter Sellers and Bond Girl Britt Ekland.
Posing with Mick Jagger’s model-daughter Georgia May Jagger, the former Gavin and Stacey star was snapped by Harpers Bazaar reclining on a chair wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses similar to the ones sported by Sellers, as Jagger cuddles him from behind, looking sexy in a sixties-inspired cream patterned dress. An admirer of Sellers and his notoriety in having the ability to laugh some of the most attractive women into bed, James, who has achieved huge success of late with his run in West End play ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ said he’s been inspired by the comedian from the beginning of his comedy career.
Eco brand Element's Hopper
He said: ‘I worked out pretty early on that if you look like I do then you sure as sh!t had better make the girls laugh if you wanted to get anywhere.
The newly slimed down actor has apparently gone down from 21 to 16 stone, aiming for another 2Ib loss before he hits New York with his critically acclaimed production. The 33-year-old actor is believed to have gone from 21 stone to 16 stone, and is thought to be aiming to shed another 21lbs before hitting New York with his critically-acclaimed production.
Channel the funnyman’s look. A sure fired hit with the ladies:
The Oscar frame
Posted on: February 2nd, 2012 by Sarah
The New Year has bought many unsightly things to our attention: Diets, boring resolutions, no money, living in endless days of darkness, willing the joys of spring to hurry along. But however grim this time of year seems, there is always the planning of your summer holidays to focus on. And yes, it might seem like a lifetime away, but it’ll be here before you can say ‘suncream’, we promise. In the meantime, those forward thinking, ultra stylish types at The Independent on Sunday Magazine have shed some light on the matter, with their Travel Special issue this Sunday just gone. From Cornwall to Sri Lanka you can divulge into the delights of travel. In the style department, The Independent’s style team showcase their favorite specs.
*Enter Glasses Direct*.
For those of you who didn’t manage to nab a copy, you wouldn’t have spotted us in the ‘Style_Fashion_Food & Drink_Homes & Interiors’ section, so we thought we’d show you:
No.2 London Retro's Fitzovia in Dark Tortoiseshell. No.5 Element's Norton in Light Tortoiseshell
For the style-savvy sister, The Independent fashion team have picked out their favourite frames. This included London Retro’s Fitzrovia in dark tortoise and our newest recruit, Element showcasing the Norton in Light tortoiseshell. Both personal favourites of the style team at GD, we’re really excited that our brands had made the cut.
Take a closer look, below:
The Norton in Light Tortoiseshell
View Element’s debut collection, here.
- London Retro Fitzrovia in Dark Tortoiseshell
View London Retro’s range, here.
Posted on: January 31st, 2012 by Sarah
The Harold. Bold, oversized and holding its own in the style stakes: A modern day hero of the eyewear world.
The GD Harold
When I first joined GD I assumed that this bold aviator frame had been created in homage to King Harold… Of Ramsey St that is. But although the triple chinned busy body did rock this shape, I’m told that the Harold stands on its own 2 feet, tempting all those with a partiality for gentlemanly attire and retro apparel.
On the more practical side of things- (we’re not all about vanity here you know!) The Harold is the ideal frame for a plethora of prescriptions which includes Vari- vocal and Bi-focals. Learn more about lenses, here. Formed out of lightweight acetate the Harold has a strong brow bar, complimenting those with rounder faces and soft jaw lines.
Its silhouette is also ideal for those who are planning for the sun to shine, with its large lens capacity being perfect for prescription sunglasses or transitional lenses. Learn more about transitional lenses, here: http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/transitions-benefits/
Posted on: January 27th, 2012 by Sarah
Oldman: Hoping to replace the Berlin Bear with an Oscar this year?
Reported in today’s London Metro, British actor Gary Oldman has been nominated for an Oscar. We actually find it quite surprising that the massively talented and respected actor hasn’t won as Oscar yetm let alone receive a nomination.
Oldman said he was ‘shocked’ to learn he was up for an Oscar after he failed to win a Golden Globe or Screen Actors Guild nomination for his role as spymaster George Smiley in ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’.
‘It is extremely humbling, gratifying and delightful to have your work recognised by the Academy,’ he said.
The British actor will battle Demian Bichir, George Clooney, Jean Dujardin and Brad Pitt for the prize.
While Clooney is predicted to win, there was no doubt in the minds of film fans on Twitter who deserved the award the most – Oldman, who bagged his first Academy Award nomination today for his role as George Smiley in the spy thriller; ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’.
Oldman: Spec-idol for many a distinguished gent:
Shop using our style finder, here: http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/retro-glasses/
Posted on: January 25th, 2012 by Sarah
Above: She wears ‘Miller’.
With disposable consumerism seemingly reaching an all-time high, we felt compelled to look into a way of keeping our carbon footprint’s mileage down, so when we came across eclectic eyewear brand Element we were pretty chuffed. Not only does this brand and its bunch of eco-warriors recycle acetate and metal to make their 10-strong-and-growing collection of specs, they also make their designs contemporary and wearable, too.
Norton; our personal Element favs:
Norton
Now, don’t get us wrong, we love a bit of doing good and therefore feeling good, but sometimes it’s tough finding eco-conscious products that won’t compromise on style, so the fact that ’Team Element’ have cracked the common ’Eco V’s Stylish’ dilemma with such brilliance, makes us love the collection even more.
Shop The Collection Here: http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/element-glasses/
We caught up with Element designer; Olivia Steel to get the 411 on what makes the designer and her team tick when it comes to creating eco-friendly glasses:
GD: So what made you decide to take up the challenge of designing recyclable frames? Not that we’re complaining, of course!
OS: We noticed that there wasn’t anything out there that offered stylish, affordable and eco-conscious glasses. So we decided to do something about it.
GD: So how do you do it?
OS: Well, when a frame is cut out of acetate, there are always off-cuts left over. We collect all of these up, merge them together (all colours and prints together) to make more Element acetate and therefore create Element frames. Our metal frames are made from all manner of recyclable metals, too and each frame comes with a case that is made from a mixture of recycled iron, recycled plastic bottles and 50% recycled blister material (we’re working on the other 50%).
GD: So what about the styles? Where do you guys get your inspiration from?
OS: Our trend analysts keep their highly trained fingers on the fashion pulse to ensure that we’re creating stylish and wearable frames. We also take inspiration from renowned scientists specialising in the effects of climate change as well as silver screen stars who’ve become role models for environmentally conscious living.
GD: Ah yes, we’ve spotted a few frames who’s names ring a bell!
OS: Yeah, we had tons of fun coming up with those names….We’re also really intent on our frames being affordable without compromising on durability and quality, and features such as sprung hinges and hypoallergenic acetate are included in our design processes.
GD: And your personal favourite?
OS: I’ve a soft spot for Caprio, but I think that the Natalie is gorgeous too- the red is my favourite.
GD: Thanks Oliva! we’ve ordered our favourite (the Norton, fyi) already!
Caprio
Natalie
Shop the collection here: http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/element-glasses/
Posted on: January 18th, 2012 by Sarah
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