Coke bottles, four-eyes: we’ve got an answer to every schoolyard insult with this fall’s coolest spectacles, which make the most of retro styling, all-natural materials and innovative forms.
Belgian manufacturer Theo’s VinGtage collection is inspired by old-school frames and perfect for mathletes: each of the nine pairs (four in titanium, shown above, and five in plastic) features the symbols for divided by, absolute value and square root—among others—on the front and sides. Available at Rapp Optical and Spectacle.
For traditionalists, Oxford by Leisure Society is a metal take on the ever-popular P3 style (like the Kala frame below). The Japanese craftsmen behind the laser-etched, gold-plated titanium frames make only one per day; it takes six hours of engraving for each pair. Available at Gafas.
Since opening this summer, Opticiando has been a Junction hot spot for delightful vintage finds. But they also carry new releases like 905 by Kala, which is hand-made in California from plant-derived, biodegradable acetate.
Guilt-ridden environmentalists will like this, too: rather than using refined metals or plastic, Drift handcrafts its frames from Forest Stewardship Council-certified wenge, walnut, maple and bamboo for a rugged yet soft aesthetic. The Chicago-based manufacturer also uses non-petroleum based plastic, VOC-free epoxy and water-based coatings on the frames, organic fabric for its travel pouches, and recycled paper and water-based inks for its marketing material – and it gives one per cent of its sales to charity. Available at Phila Optical and Pink Eye Optical.
Paris manufacturer Gold & Wood won the 2011 Slimo D’or for its B23.2 frame, which pairs a smooth wood form with metal accents. Available at Gafas and Josephson‘s.
Designer Jean Paul Gaultier teamed up with glasses guru Alain Mikli to make this 20-frame collection of otherworldly metal-and-acetate sunglasses and optical frames that splay out at the arms (which, some say, can pull double-duty as a hair comb). Available at Spectacle, Josephson‘s, and Eyes on Church.
One of the city’s biggest claims to fame, optically speaking, is eyewear designer Mel Rapp, whose College St. shop Rapp Optical carries some of the best eyewear on the market—as well as his own excellent designs. We especially like the duo-tone acetate frame Jason (shown), hand-crafted by Rapp and his small, trusty team.
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Paige Magarrey writes on design for Toronto Standard.
