Eyestylist

UK start-up TimeFrame, created in lockdown, proposes bespoke frames made from old stock and restoration of vintage specs

A new project by a UK dispensing optician – created in lockdown whilst on furlough from his regular work – offers customers a bespoke sunglasses design, made from pieces of old, unused, upcycled or vintage eyewear. Elliot Carey says that alongside repairing special vintage eyewear finds from the past, he is creating one-off designs using pieces of unwanted spectacle frames that the owners would otherwise throw away.

The limited editions sunglasses are fitted with new UV protective lenses with a choice of colours and tints – depending on the requirements of each client.  Above: old eyeglasses reconfigured into new “Frankenspex” designs – the styles have a Gothic-infused style and finish

Carey has also sourced a selection of unique vintage frames, some of which he will reconfigure for his clients, who include individuals with a love of vintage eyewear, theatre companies, and people who just want to recycle their frames and use them again.

With plans to expand the bespoke service and create designs inspired by architecture and design details in his local city, Carey is confident that demand for his handmade recycled styles will increase as the fashion industry resets its focus towards a sustainable agenda. A one-off bespoke design without a huge price tag is an attractive proposal to a young 20+ age group especially for those, according to Carey, with a passion for upcycled fashion and a desire to recreate their perfect specs and give them a new lease of life.  To find out more visit www.ebay.co.uk/usr/timeframer90

Available exclusively at Baxter & Bonny from 7th August 2020

Fun yet classic, with focus turned to sustainable, energy-efficient production as well as charming, easy-to-wear design, the second capsule by Gemma Styles and Kenmark Eyewear is announced with a further 5 timeless shapes, in youthful colours including honey, watermelon and caramel.  Styles says she focused on the longevity of the shapes, making sure they could be loved and enjoyed by their owners for years to come.

“The Young Ones” – a petite acetate cat eye – pictured above in carbon: “The inspiration for this shape was a photograph of my grandma from the early 1970s” says Styles.

Continuing the theme of the first collection, each sunglass is named after songs from Styles’ personal favourite playlist that embody the look and feel of the frame. Gemma also wanted to give back to a cause near and dear to her heart, mental health.

To do so, she created a special ‘Find the Light’ style (‘Don’t Stop’ in Caramel) specifically to donate 10% of the proceeds to mental health research. It was important that this style had a positive song association.

The first line created as a collaboration between influencer/writer Gemma Styles and Kenmark Eyewear launched in 2018 with four styles. The new sunglass designs  are available exclusively at www.baxterandbonny.com from the official launch date of 7th August 2020. For more information about Kenmark visit www.kenmarkeyewear.com