Eyeglasses

[MikeF]

The time has come to buy a new pair of eyeglasses. I've got CAN$400 of insurance coverage, which sounds good until you realize that I've got to shell out over $300 for hi-index lenses on account of my strong prescription. One option I'm considering is getting a fairly generic pair of Prada frames (manufactured by Luxotica). I'm told they represented the highest quality of frame produced by a mainstream manufacturer (i.e. Luxotica or Safilo), and my observations suggest the same. Another option I'm considering is going for something more expensive, and more exclusive - i.e. a frame by ic. berlin, Oliver Peoples, Starck, etc. These are considerably more than even the Prada frames I'm looking at. My question: will I get better quality by going with a more exclusive brand (like those I've mentioned), or am I just paying for the name/exclusivity itself?

 

[Mike C.]

Going with the ic. berlin, Oliver Peoples, Starck, etc. category, you're paying a premium for the styling. For Oliver Peoples, the extra money is worth it even if you're getting the same quality, they make the coolest glasses IMO.

 

[LabelKing]

The brand Starck is manufactured by Alain Mikli I understand. Mikli is a very high quality company, and the items are hand made in France. Oliver Peoples is in the same league. As are certain Japanese lines such as Matsuda.

Luxxotica is the generic maker for most of the luxury fashion industry. Although Persol is another in addition to Safilo.

So the quality will be different as well as the styling. I am not too familiar with ic.-berlin's quality but from what I have heard they are of substance.

Jean Paul Gaultier is another brand that is slightly more mainstream that manages to have a higher quality line of eyeframes.

 

[FIHTies]

Glasses are important as they pretty much frame out your entire face and create that sharp look that an uglier pair wont give you, so I think that spending more money on glasses frames IF THEY LOOK GOOD, is money well spent.

That being said I would allocate a certain amount that you want to spend to frames and stay on the high side so long as they look nice.

Who cares what brand they are.

JJF

 

[imageWIS]

Going with the ic. berlin, Oliver Peoples, Starck, etc. category, you're paying a premium for the styling. For Oliver Peoples, the extra money is worth it even if you're getting the same quality, they make the coolest glasses IMO.

I recall a fictional character that also had a penchant for Oliver Peoples glasses...

Jon.

 

[LA Guy]

As in clothing, don't worry about names. Worry about style and craftsmanship. Ic-Berlin is very trendy at the moment, but I'm not convinced.

I wear Pro-Design (a Danish company) frames. They are great value for money, and the styling is great too. If you are looking for a super lux company, there are some Japanese manufacturers (names elude me right now) with frames in the $400USD + range that are real works of art. Incredibly and subtly stylish and precise. Glasses frame your face, and are more important to your personal style than any suit or pair of shoes will. And unlike those others, everybody, and I mean everybody, will notice them. Do not skimp.

 

[LabelKing]

Does anyone know which brands produce those rectangular black plastic frames?

Slightly oversized, and rather retro. Dior Homme's Black Tie is somewhat too curved for my tastes.

I have a hard time finding these types.

 

[MikeF]

I agree re: not going cheap on something you wear on your face. But assuming the styles are equally flattering, am I better off going off with a designer Japanese frame than with a high-end one by Luxotica?

 

[banksmiranda]

I need to get some glasses. I'm considering Toki, Silhouette, Prodesign, IC Berlin, and Lindberg. Any opinions?

 

[Chilli padi]

LabelKing: see if you can find Cutler & Gross (see C&G website) near where you live. Â They specialise in the retro look. Â In fact if you are in London anytime, they have a boutique that sells nothing but vintage frames.

 

[LA Guy]

I agree re: not going cheap on something you wear on your face. But assuming the styles are equally flattering, am I better off going off with a designer Japanese frame than with a high-end one by Luxotica?

In my opinion, no. At that point, it becomes an question of aesthetic values, and not a practical issue. There are unquestionably differences between the two that close examination will reveal, or that will be instantly recognizable by a select few, (like whether a suit is fully canvassed or very well fused). But you have to decide whether these differences are worth $200+ USD to you. I usually say no. But then again, I'm in the minority on this forum about issues like this.

 

[Duveen]

In a different, non-retro direction do take a look at the expensive but attractive-looking work by Tom Davies, who does 'bespoke' eyewear. I just discovered him recently while idly browsing online, and am thinking that I may consider him for my next pair of spectacles... MikeF - in re-reading your original post, I would respond by saying that you definitely get quality from the better brands. I currently wear the all-plastic 'cut to shape' eyephorics glasses. I usually manage to bend metal frames, but these glasses are so light and easy to fix if I do bend them that I have had no real issues... Tom Davies is unlikely to help you stay within your budget for eyewear...

 

[Brian SD]

Does anyone know which brands produce those rectangular black plastic frames?

Slightly oversized, and rather retro. Dior Homme's Black Tie is somewhat too curved for my tastes.

I have a hard time finding these types.

I believe Gucci makes what you're looking for.

 

[faustian bargain]

Does anyone know which brands produce those rectangular black plastic frames?

Slightly oversized, and rather retro.

i have a pair which i bought a few years ago, by Mikli par Mikli. i've done a quick search online and i can't find my exact model, but perhaps if you look deeper than i have you can find something to your liking.

/andrew

 

[Tom]

My experience has been that frames manufactured in Italy are far superior to those from Asian countries.

I have several pairs of glasses, the Brooks Brothers and Armani frames are far superior to the other brands I own. And those two frames are from Italy.

-Tom