February Favourites
I get the sense that we are feeling buried in winter these days, literally (six foot snow banks), and figuratively (will it ever be spring???). Let’s bust out of the rut and refresh! Change up our eyewear and pretend it’s already summer by wearing our sunglasses ALL THE TIME. Seriously though, needing some eye-spiration? Keep reading and get to know each member of our fabulous dispensing team through a personal favourite eyewear line carried in our office. Here we go…our boutique’s February Favourites!
Nicole shares Garrett Leight as her favourite line in MVC’s optical boutique. Originating in California, Leight is known for its clean lines and cool but classic shapes. Nicole describes it well, like her own personal style, as “laid back and accessibly retro.” Leight celebrates frame shapes that have stood the test of time without looking to over the top or costume-y. The line is styled without excessive embellishment or logos, and offers classic and modern colour options.
Saxon chooses Gucci as her favourite line. Just like Saxon, Gucci is bold, dramatic and fun. The Italian fashion house offers frames that are on the cutting edge. Think iconic Gucci stripe, bold colours, metal hardware, and oversized shapes. If high fashion, dramatic sun wear is to your taste, look no further! Oversized lenses and thick temples provide excellent coverage while being decked out with everything from floral patterns to glitter. Gucci is extra in the very best of ways.
Kari, our optical manager, loves the Andy Wolf line and looks easy breezy while wearing them. She can truly wear any style, and it’s no surprise she heads the direction of eyewear fashion in our optical boutique. Andy Wolf is designed and handmade in Austria. They have a small team that personally oversees every step of the frame manufacturing process so you know you’re wearing a truly handmade piece. Cool shapes exaggerated in size become edgy but still wearable, and are loved among locals and influencers alike.
Crystal, who is in charge of all the fun events planned by our office, shares her passion for eyewear with patients through her whimsical energy. Francois Pinton is her favourite. The French design house is bold, avant-garde, and inspired the fun and fantasy of Parisian fashion. Pinton metal frames are sleek with a touch of the unexpected, and acetate frames have bold shapes and colours with that magical touch of vintage Paris. The line offers a variety sizes, which is excellent for those more petite in build but wanting the oversize shapes of now without being too large.
Antoinette is our technical guru and has a very discerning eye for detail, so it’s no surprise that she chooses Etnia Barcelona as her personal favourite. Etnia craftsmanship is very high quality. The frames are playful with a huge catalogue of eye-catching, unique silhouettes. They offer bold colour and cool shapes and amazing detail all in one. Like Antoinette, they don’t miss a thing.
I wanted to celebrate the workhorse of our optical team. Recently I’ve been about doing the best with what I have; practical without too much compromise on style. That’s the energy of our Superflex line, stylish in the true sense of classic eyewear for all but at a very accessible price point, and an Optician’s friend with regards to adjustability and durability. I’ve dispensed countless Superflex frames to people who have enjoyed them alongside all of the wonderful brands mentioned here.
Feeling inspired yet? C’mon, get bundled up and pop by! Clearly we’re a really fun bunch! Have an eye exam, a free coffee and grab some new specs and shades, and let’s make this warm weather hurry up already!
Written by Tracey Lee, Registered Optician at Merivale Vision Care