Having been cursed with terrible eyesight since an early age despite having two eagle-eyed parents, this one is close to my heart. Of course there are plenty designers making a splash in the world of eyewear: Marc Jacobs has always served me well, and this season I am swooning over Victoria Beckham’s fine metal butterfly frames. But in the last five years or so, prescription glasses have taken on a fabulously fashionable life of their own, and I love having a pair to go with every outfit. Designer glasses serve their purpose, and I adore shopping around for one-off vintage frames, but if you really want to become a collector I’d recommend investing in a sturdy selection of cheaper specs too. There are now a number of independent eyewear companies that produce styles just as eye-catching as brand name frames, at a mere fraction of the price. Here are four European optical companies to get you started.
Eye Respect
A truly British brand, Eye Respect glasses are designed in London using quality Italian materials. Often working in conjunction with other companies such as menswear label Oliver Spencer and Italian leather brand Il Bussetto, the brand stocks a vast selection of super-slick frames that range in price from £95 to £240.
Their chunky, circular Adrien glasses in black gloss will have you channelling a marvellously fashion-forward Harry Potter in no time.
CUBITTS
Born out of King’s Cross and with sites across the capital, this British brand has developed its own hi-tech software to measure facial structure so they can advise punters on what styles will suit them best. As an added touch, they’ve named each style after a London street, and all purchases come with handmade foldable leather cases and a mini screwdriver for adjusting from home. Glasses range from £125 to £425 for bespoke frames.
I’m currently pining over their gold Bemerton frames which invoke a stylish sense of seventies nostalgia, as well as their cat-eyed Matilda frames in a super on-trend shade of honey.
Ace & Tate
Ace & Tate is pretty much Europe’s answer to Warby Parker, the American brand that brought en vogue budget eyewear to the masses. But what makes them even better is their genuine passion for altruism. For every purchase made, the Amsterdam-based company will donate a portion to the charity Sightsavers, while their latest Black is the New Green collection is made from entirely biodegradable acetate. Specs are a cool £89 across the board.
The minimalist and contemporary Neil frames come in six shades and are perfect for everyday wear.
Archibald Optics
Proclaiming its services as “a new breed with old and trusted beginnings,” Archibald Optics prides itself on cutting out the middlemen. They have a direct relationship with some of the world’s greatest craftsmen, meaning you’ll get the finest handcrafted products without the excessive markups of conventional luxury retailers. They have a showroom in Bethnal Green and prescription glasses retail for £175.
The oversized Amelia frames in champagne will pair perfectly with this winter’s trend towards nude hues, while the Elenore frames in Red Dawn serve as a great statement piece for the festive season.
Written by Thea Carley
