The Luxury Tour

Sama Designer Sheila Vance Discusses Luxury

8th June 2012 Eyewear designer Sheila Vance at SAMA Eyewear in California shares with Eyestylist her views on Luxury.

How do you define Luxury? Luxury is a state of mind, a way of seeing, understanding and interacting with the world around us. Though it may seem counterintuitive, luxury – like faith – is an incredibly egalitarian concept. As a result, we can all enjoy the luxury lifestyle! In the material realm, luxury can be distilled into equal parts quality, style and exclusivity. If a product lacks any of these elements or their presence is out of balance, then it lacks authenticity and can’t be classified as luxury. Though there are numerous designer brands masquerading as luxury brands; the sad truth is that there are fewer and fewer true luxury brands in the world with every passing year.

What elements are most important when designing Luxury eyewear? Eyewear is unique amongst fashion accessories in that it must combine the style of haute couture with the precision of a medical appliance. Merging fashion with such a high degree of functionality presents unique challenges that can only be met by a master eyewear designer.

What inspires you to create eyewear? I find inspiration everywhere: nature, art, fashion, history. I also travel frequently and find seeing new places and meeting new people incredibly inspiring. Once after returning home from a particularly breathtaking trip to Egypt, I was so inspired that I designed my ultra-luxurious Sahara collection based on the experience! I love listening to music and find that it helps put me in a creative place. My taste is eclectic and includes everything from classical and opera to contemporary electronica. I’m also inspired by fine art and love visiting museums. I’m awed by Monet’s use of colour, Picasso’s use of form and shape, and Rembrandt’s use of light. Architecture is another of my many passions.

NYC LOFT 2025
TVR True Vintage Revival
OGI Eyewear
SALT.
SILMO Paris 20-23 SEPT 2024
Res Rei
Article One
100% Optical London 24 to 26 February 2024 at Excel London - register for free
Elegant pearl 'Chantal' by Shelia Vance for SAMA

Do you have any special ‘luxuries’ that you like/enjoy/cannot live without? I love beauty and grace in their myriad forms. From Loree Rodkin’s incomparable jewellery to Chef Nozawa’s delectable sushi, I take great pleasure in enjoying the masterworks of true artisans. Perhaps the greatest luxury I afford myself – that gives me the greatest satisfaction – is giving to others. Whether it’s through the Sam Vance Foundation that I established in my late son’s honour, or through worthy charities, I view giving back to society as both a responsibility and a privilege.

Any other comments about Luxury? We’re all born with different gifts and opportunities. Though we all won’t be rich and famous, there’s no reason why everyone can’t enjoy at least some of the finer things in life – luxury is all about attitude. Stop and smell the roses once in a while……now that’s luxury! www.samaeyewear.net JG