![]() Timeless Elegance and Artisan Craftsmanship in Eyewear In a world saturated with mass-produced accessories, there's a unique charm that comes with owning something meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. Kirk & Kirk, a beacon of sophistication in the eyewear industry, seamlessly blends heritage, craftsmanship, and modern design to create distinctive and lightweight frames that transcend mere fashion – they are a statement of individuality. The story of Kirk & Kirk begins with a love story. Founders Karen and Jason Kirk, happily married since 1993, share not only a deep bond but also a passion for creating eyewear that goes beyond the ordinary. Karen, with a background in graphic design, initially made her mark in the bustling design scene of Soho, London. However, it was only after meeting Jason that her creative journey took a fascinating turn towards the world of eyewear. Jason, with a background in French studies and a career in sales and marketing for L'Oreal, stumbled upon a treasure trove of 1950s and 1960s-inspired glasses in his father's optical practice. This discovery sparked a journey that would eventually lead to the birth of Kirk & Kirk. The roots of optical expertise run deep in Jason's family – his grandfather, Sidney, and great uncle, Percy, laid the foundation with Kirk Brothers in the 1920s, pioneering the delivery of glasses to opticians. The legacy continued with Jason's father, Neville, who furthered the family tradition in optics. In the heart of London, Kirk Brothers' offices witnessed the inception of a vision that would come to life through generations. Frames and lenses were not just sold on the ground floor; they were meticulously crafted from start to finish on the upper levels. This rich heritage is the backbone of Kirk & Kirk, a brand that seamlessly weaves history into every pair of eyeglasses. The partnership between Karen and Jason is the epitome of synergy. Karen's creative prowess, honed in the dynamic world of design, complements Jason's profound optical experience. Together, they have created a brand that stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of artistic ingenuity and technical expertise. Located in the picturesque coastal town of Brighton on the South Coast of England, Kirk & Kirk infuses a touch of the serene seaside into their creations. The frames, crafted from bespoke Italian acrylic, are a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and luxury. Each pair is meticulously handmade in France, a process that ensures not only precision but also an unmistakable touch of artisanal elegance. Kirk & Kirk's eyewear is more than just a functional accessory; it's a piece of art that tells a story. From the heritage-rich roots in London to the serene craftsmanship in the coastal town of Brighton, every frame is a journey through time and a celebration of individuality. Elevate your eyewear experience with Kirk & Kirk – where timeless elegance meets artisan craftsmanship. Vanessa & Mehdi - Visionaries of Technology and Elegance in Eyewear
In the world of eyewear, there are innovators, and then there are those who redefine the very essence of what eyeglasses can be. Vanessa and Mehdi belong to the latter category, and their journey to prominence is nothing short of remarkable. A Dazzling Start The duo made a spectacular entrance onto the eyewear scene in 2003 when they had the honor of collaborating with iconic figures like Alain Mikli, Philippe Starck, and Jean-Paul Gaultier at Mikli Diffusion France. It was during this time that they began to etch their names in the annals of eyewear history. Their dedication to their craft and keen sense of design led to the launch of their first optical collection, a venture that would ultimately earn them the prestigious Silmo d'Or awards in 2007. This recognition marked a significant milestone in their careers and served as a testament to their unwavering commitment to eyewear design. Writing a New Chapter For Vanessa and Mehdi, being eyewear designers wasn't just a profession; it was a calling. They realized that the time had come to script a new chapter in their journey. In September 2018, in the enchanting city of Florence, they unveiled their groundbreaking concept: VM L'Atelier. The Art of Technology and Elegance VM L'Atelier is an eyewear collection that seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with elegant design. One of the most striking aspects of this collection is its ultra-thin and ultra-light frames, crafted using a revolutionary 3D printing process. Each frame requires a painstaking 30 hours of printing, followed by several days of meticulous cleaning, tumbling, and hand finishing. The result is a silky touch and a level of refinement that is simply unparalleled. The coloration process is equally innovative, based on a patented technique that guarantees vivid and luminous colors, making each pair a true work of art. Importantly, all shades have been rigorously tested to meet biocompatibility standards, ensuring they are hypoallergenic and resistant to UV rays. Thoughtful Design Meets Unparalleled Luxury The VM L'Atelier collection goes beyond aesthetics. Its frames feature an aerodynamic profile that enhances structural strength, ensuring reliable and straightforward lens assembly through a cold-insert method. The contrast between the powdery appearance of the front and the titanium temples brings a touch of opulence, making this collection a truly unique offering in the market. Vanessa and Mehdi's work is not merely about creating eyewear; it's about redefining the boundaries of what eyeglasses can achieve. Their commitment to innovation and elegance is evident in every piece they produce, making them visionaries in the world of eyewear design. Vanessa and Mehdi have not just written a new chapter; they have penned a whole new story for eyewear, one that combines technology, elegance, and a touch of luxury in a way that leaves an indelible mark on the industry. For Pierre, being a designer is not about following trends; it's a profound exploration of art and innovation. It means transcending existing fashion norms, dealing with them, and reinventing them with patience and determination. Pierre's inspiring words encapsulate his unwavering commitment to his craft.
A Lifelong Passion for Fashion From a young age, Pierre displayed an innate passion for fashion, materials, and the interplay of colors. Guided by his unwavering determination and with the invaluable experience of working alongside numerous designers, his curiosity, keen observation, and artistic sensibilities led him on a path to realize his childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. In 2007, he took the leap and launched his inaugural optical collection, which quickly garnered acclaim and marked the birth of Pierre-Eyewear. Pierre's dream was now clear: it wasn't about adorning the body but adorning the eyes. The Triumph of Determination Success often comes hand in hand with its fair share of challenges. Pierre faced formidable competition from well-established brands in the industry. However, he remained resolute in his vision and pressed forward with unwavering patience and determination. He understood that true innovation is a process that unfolds over time, driven by reflection and experimentation. By nature loyal and passionately committed, he constantly questioned himself, embraced challenges, and persevered until he achieved his goals. His greatest satisfaction comes from pushing the boundaries to create one-of-a-kind pieces that mirror each individual's personality and uniqueness. Pierre's journey as a designer isn't just about fashion; it's a quest to redefine the way we see the world. Through his artistry, he has turned eyewear into more than a functional accessory; it's a canvas for personal expression and individuality. His creations reflect his unwavering dedication to challenging the status quo, innovating with each new design, and redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the world of eyewear. Pierre's work is a testament to the power of determination, artistry, and the pursuit of one's dreams, making him a designer who stands out for his unique vision and unshakable commitment to creating pieces that speak to the individuality of each wearer. The Visionary Behind Futuristic Sunglasses
Thierry Lasry, a French designer who now calls New York home, has carved a unique niche in the world of fashion accessories. Raised in a creative environment by a father who was an optician and a mother who was a designer, Thierry has redefined the concept of sunglasses, elevating them to the status of essential fashion accessories, much like a stylish clutch or a pair of stilettos. Early Inspiration in Color and Geometry Thierry's love for colors and geometric shapes took root early in his life, influenced by childhood passions such as Playmobil, Legos, and Japanese cartoons like Astro Boy and Cobra. The exuberant fashion shows of Claude Montana and Thierry Mugler in the '80s also left an indelible mark on his creative sensibilities. The Birth of a Signature Line In 2006, Thierry launched his eponymous brand with a vision that positioned sunglasses as the ultimate accessory that beautifully marries fashion, beauty, and architecture. All of his frames, meticulously crafted in Europe, are entirely handmade using Acetate, a material that has become his signature design medium. Much like the Legos of his youth, Thierry's designs incorporate layered blocks of acetate to create retro-inspired shapes with a futuristic twist. A Masterpiece of Design Each of Thierry's creations is a masterpiece, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a palette of surprising colors. You won't find logos adorning the exterior of his frames; Thierry's signature is the design itself. The Thierry Lasry customer embodies confidence, style, sophistication, and a hint of surprise. Playful Provocation in Design Thierry adds a touch of provocation to his designs by featuring a "Y" at the end of each style name, playfully nodding to his own name. This whimsy is reflected in styles like "Sexxxy Orgasmy," "Wavvvy," and "Gambly." The brand consistently pushes the envelope by incorporating exciting colors and fresh shapes season after season. A Star-Studded Fan Base Thierry Lasry's designs have garnered a global following among celebrities and tastemakers. Icons such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Maluma, Travis Scott, Travis Barker, Future, Russell Westbrook, Lenny Kravitz, and many more have been spotted flaunting his creations. Thierry Lasry's fusion of artistic inspiration and innovative design has not only redefined sunglasses but also established them as a canvas for self-expression and individuality. His unique approach continues to captivate the fashion world, making him a designer to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of high-end eyewear. Jewellery frames created by the Quebec soprano Anne-Marie Faniel. She designed them to reveal the unique personality of each wearer.
They feature coloured materials, made of recycled acetate, resulting from a unique original process, imagined by the designer and skillfully blended to highlight the skin tone and morphology of each person, in order to reveal the unique beauty in each face. Faniel has four distinct collections. The Faniel Artistic collection. Pure and hard, it is aimed at the most expressive of us and offers bold and assertive designs designed to harmonize different characteristics of each face. The Faniel au cube collection, where each frame is named after a positive energy, allowing the wearer to carry these beneficial waves to themselves and to others. The ¡Artista! An evolving collection inspired by the great artists who have marked our planet. An exciting universe exploring metal and acetate, allowing the designer to give free rein to her artistic imagination. Works of art for your eyes! Océana! Designed by Anne-Marie's daughter, Clara Faniel, the young designer has created a resolutely trendy and contemporary collection, inspired by a free and vibrant lifestyle, inviting carefree and free living by the sea. High-quality eyewear fashion doesn’t need to be boring – Johann Pomberger, founder of Johann Von Goisern, was sure of that. “Johann von Goisern” combines the first name of Johann Pomberger, the creative originator of the brand, and the location of our eyewear factory, Bad Goisern. Colloquially we simply call it “Goisern”. The “real” Johann (von Goisern) was born in Bad Goisern in 1937 and the region and its people were very close to his heart. His professional career brought him into contact with optics again and again. In 1984 he finally set up his own business in the “production and processing of spectacle frames”. The family business he founded is now managed by the third generation and continues to hold on to the company location in Bad Goisern, making it one of the companies core values. This Austrian designer boasts these three characteristics – outstanding quality, exceptional design and the location of Bad Goisern – this is what still make Johann von Goisern spectacle frames what they are today. Check out the technology that makes them unique! Johann von Goisern frames now available at Insight Eyeworks in Aurora, Ontario
Laura Biagiotti was an Italian fashion designer, she passed away in 2017 but her name and brand carries on creating a collection of iconic and contemporary pieces that represents a direct expression of style and elegance.
Laura Biagiotti is well known for her extraordinary quality fashion all over the world. The New York times appointed her “The Queen Of Cachemire”, due to her love for this precious yarn. Laura Biagiotti was one of the first fashion designers to launch their own eyewear collection. In the ‘80s she had great success with her “mask” shape which is still saught out as a vintage collection piece. Insight Eyeworks welcomes the Italian designer eyewear line, and hopes you'll love it as much as they do globally. FACE A FACE draws its inspiration from sources of Modern Art, architecture and contemporary design. FACE A FACE frames are developed in their Paris studio, where each frame are treated like small subtle pieces of architecture, playing with sizes, shapes, material and textures.
The founder Pascal Jaulent has always had a passion for social issues and for the study of ethnology. Originally it was his dream was to become an urban planner. His studies at the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (Paris Management School) led him to first work in the financial departments of large companies (Nestlé, Dior) before he worked as General Manager of Lafont Paris. It was while working at Lafont that he discovered the the connection between the work of an architect and as well as the technical and fashion components of creative eyewear. For the 2021 new Spring collection, Pascal Jaulent, artistic director of the FACE À FACE design team has imagined a graphic line that is created, unraveled and plays through each model. The concepts play with their interweaving connections and reform themselves: a flexible enveloping line ingenuously vies with geometric and structured forms. No matter how you look at it, FACE A FACE and their expressive designs are far from standardized fashion and conformist trends. They are always in a league of its own, and we are happy to share this passion for fashion and eyewear design with you. UDM is a young company that manufacturers and distributes sunglasses which have been exclusively handmade in Italy.
The brand was been founded by two friends while at university with the idea to create a contemporary eyewear brand where the collection is inspired by current events, and the daily news that happens around them, as well as in the world. UDM is a brand that is constantly changing, both with respect to design, which looks at the past looking for modernity, and with respect to quality, always looking for workmanship, finishes and technical solutions aimed at creating a completely new product. UDM has been the eyewear of choice for a number of celebrities and influencers. Sofia Richie, Jessica Alba, Lais Ribeiro, Veronica Ferraro, Xenia Adonts, Jamie Chung, Eva Chen are only a few of the names that wear UDM’s frames. UDM is equally committed to the well being of our craft and craftsmen, their products are created using fair and ethical production methods to create eyewear that ultimately presents a forward-looking take on visual empowerment. Etnia Barcelona eyewear was created at the very centre of art and culture. They are much more than an independent glasses brand. Their company embodies a culture of rebellious and free, innovative and courageous, attitudes. Their glasses are the reflection of that culture.
Etnia Barcelona has become an international benchmark, not only for the quality of their products, but also for their Mediterranean philosophy. Their head office is located in Barcelona, and they have grown so much over the years that you will also find them in Miami, Hong Kong and Vancouver. Etnia Barcelona glasses are designed with innovative materials and techniques, providing a light and comfortable wearer experience. Every detail, from the highest quality materials, to the design of an intelligent hinge mechanism which adapts to individual facial features, makes Etnia Barcelona eyewear not only look great, but feel great too. If you are the type of person who isn't afraid to express yourself, and whose creativity has no limits, then you may find your perfect pair of glasses in our Etnia Barcelona eyewear collection. |
Joe BusharaWith over 30 years experience licensed optician Joe Bushara and his highly experienced team, bring you the latest trends in frames and technologies in lenses from around the world. Categories
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