Oliver Peoples have become one of my favourite eyewear brands in the last few years. The combination of contemporary yet vintage styling and genuine robustness put them at the top of my list. I've tried a few makes recently and too many, while stylish, are let down by a feeling of flimsiness which, while it may be misleading, doesn't inspire confidence. Glasses are inevitably going to be sat on or dropped on the floor during their life, and we need them to last, whether they are optical or sunglasses.
Oliver Peoples recently opened their first store in the UK recently just near Sloane Square in London. I went there to have my eyes tested and to be fitted for a new pair of glasses. The store is well-designed, displaying an impressively wide and stylish range of frames for optical and sunglasses.
Oliver Peoples started in California in 1987 and were inspired by a collection of vintage eyewear. That inspiration remains at the heart of the brand. Basing designs on well-tried classics, brought up to date, is a winning formula.
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| Oliver Peoples Sheldrakes |
I tried a pair of clear acrylic frames. In the past I've tended towards tortoiseshell, but I felt that colourless glasses would suit grey hair better and give a more stylish but muted appearance. I selected their Sheldrake model, based on a style worn by Andy Warhol. As ever, they are comfortable, robust and subtly styled. So much do I like them that my contact lenses have been less frequently used of late.
My thanks to Ellen, their optometrist and store manager whose enthusiasm for the product and professionalism were outstanding. I'd recommend the store not only for the range of frames available, but for the excellent optometry service that supports you in your choice of glasses, whether prescription or not. The store is at 151 Sloane St, Belgravia, London SW1X 9BX, telephone 020 7730 0085. Please mention Grey Fox if you contact them. For more from me about Oliver Peoples click here.
My glasses were provided by Oliver Peoples but I received no financial compensation for this feature.
Grey Fox,
ReplyDeleteNever mind the specticals - where did you get thet fabulous overcoat?
Regards,
Snapper
Please?
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Snapper
I agree, both with your thoughts that the acrylic frames would look great with grey hair, and the previous comment about your fabulous overcoat.
ReplyDeleteI've been silver haired since my early 40's and have struggled with what color frames to choose for my glasses. I finally decided that colorful and funky was the way to go. After seeing your acrylic frames I may choose to get a pair for those more sophisticated occasions.
Best Regards,
The Savvy Silver Haired Lady
I agree with both thoughts. First, your thought about choosing clear acrylic frames for going well with grey hair. Second with the previous comment about the fabulous overcoat.
ReplyDeleteI went silver in my early 40's and struggled with the type of glasses frames that would look best. I finally decided to go with bright and funky. After seeing your photos with the clear acrylic frames, I may go our a get a pair for the more sophisticated occasions.
Best Regards,
The Savvy Silver Haired Lady
I agree.
ReplyDeleteI have been using Oliver Peoples frames for the last 6 years and i find them excellent value compared with other "designer" brands and i also like the fact that they only do glasses, plus the lack of exterior branding is,for me,a far more stylish loo rather than having the makers name all over them!
Finally they are remarkably durable,i usually find one of my three small children pulling at them, and with a range of colours in every style i dont think i would choose another brand now.