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STYLE SPOTLIGHT Putting the fun into frames From toddlers to teens, the children’s eyewear market has emerged as imaginative and evolutionary, writes Joan Grady Sun protection for vulnerable eyes: Mini Vice Consul (left) and Mini Sophia by Oliver Goldsmith For the young, eyewear and fashion attitudes take a unique path – and for independent opticians, the bottom line results will be positive and lucrative. Without a doubt, and at an ever-younger age, children have become more aware of youthful styles and trends specifically created for them. With their parent’s guidance, youngsters now have the opportunity to discern what they want to wear. Television, social media and their peers can strongly sway what they like – and what they don’t. With youngsters maturing more quickly today, these influences can result in adolescents developing confidence about their choices. Creative colourations by JF Rey Kids & Teens Echoes of adult frame trends with WhizKids Hiawatha by Dunelm Optical Designers and companies are careful to keep parental concerns at the forefront. Safety and durability rank high on what interest parents; they know that their children can become overly active when playing. Peter Beaumont at Dunelm Optical notes: “Our designs incorporate practical considerations such as the active lifestyles, smaller eyes and face shapes of young wearers.” Sturdy materials, flexible hinges, lenses that can be glazed, and soft nose and end tips add to the comfort and safety for young wearers. DISTINCTIVE DESIGNS Now that youngsters are so style savvy, their preferences are taken into consideration. “The new Dunelm designs reflect the positive trend we’re seeing amongst young people to embrace their eyewear,” says Peter, “and they use it as a style statement to express their individuality. Young specs wearers are very much aware of the eyewear styles sported by their older siblings and family members as well as celebrities, and they are keen to replicate these in their own frames.” Children have definite opinions, and apart from toddlers, kids want more grown-up styling. JF Rey in France picks up the bold design and special elegance of the adult models in its children’s collection. However, designs are adapted to put across a younger identity, so that they are as fresh and creative as the young people who wear them. At Dunelm, the trend-led styling in children’s designs reflects what is happening in adult collections. At Oliver Goldsmith, Mini-Icons sunglasses – important for children’s outdoor activities year round – are based on adult designs, but modified to fit small faces. Eyespace captures the imagination of youngsters with cool, contemporary styling, and takes cues from key women’s eyewear trends. Demi is designed with young fashionistas in mind – a fusion of fashion, form and fun eyewear that kids will enjoy wearing. Original Penguin Jr is eyewear based on the iconic American clothing line. The designers have created youth styles for Stylish fashionista by Eyespace 24 Vision Now AUGUST 2016
STYLE SPOTLIGHT Retro-inspired shapes for boys – The Loomis Jr by Original Penguin Youth Vibrant hues from Red Kids Optical in the Netherlands boys that are retro-inspired. The hip round shape of Loomis Jr in Flinestone Grey is certain to appeal to boys with big style. SPECIAL EFFECTS Zoobug designs – authentic eyewear for children designed by eye surgeon Dr Julie Le – has launched a one-piece Rubber Flex Active collection. The frames are in one piece – there are no joints or metal parts, to ensure both comfort and safety. There is a detachable headband with an ear lock to prevent the frame from slipping forward. for frames in bright, happy colours with replaceable flex systems. Bas and Mirjam van Hensbergen, the brother and sister design team, also note that with stylish frames children wear glasses without any reluctance. French designer, Caroline Arbram, has plenty of inspiration for her eyewear creations. She has two youngsters (as does Julie Le and Mirjam van Hensbergen) who keep entrepreneurial Mums alert to style factors for children. Caroline’s latest frames combine both contemporary and retro styling in gorgeous colours, that are spot on and incorporate the latest eyewear trends for young spectacle wearers. black, along with purple, coral, and various shades of blue, burgundy and chocolate. Colour is the benchmark of children’s eyewear at Lafont Paris. Coupled with charming designs for young children to teens, the collection features a range of primary bright tones, through to sophisticated colourations. Marrying retro and modern silhouettes in bountiful, beautiful colours provide excellent options for kids – with welcoming parent approval always an important factor when purchasing specs for children. Model ZB1019 – one-piece rubber flex frames by Zoobug Magically strong and agile Spider-Man – the hero in Marvel comic books – has great appeal for children. The fictional character, launched in 1962, continues to have legions of fans with his ability to overcome challenges and villains. International Eyewear features ultimate Spider-Man character artwork on a contemporary styled frame, which will appeal to a child’s inner hero dreams. Red Kids Eyewear in the Netherlands opts Retro inspiration by Caroline Abram in luminous violet acetate INTERPLAY OF COLOURS Colour interpretations in children’s eyewear are similar to creating a fine orchestral sound. Just as there are varied instruments that musicians play, the colour spectrum ranges from pianissimo to forte. Peter Beaumont says: “Vibrant hues, from bold pinks to teals, and bicolour designs feature strongly in the designs, including stand out details such as contrasting tips and playful patterns to interior sides.” Two and three-tone clever colour combinations are ingenious – sometimes mixing vibrant colours fused with muted hues. Classics include tortoiseshell and Contemporary and grown up: Tobogan by Lafont Paris Frame detailing is important too; special features enhance character and style such as matt finishes, laser prints, and textured effects, all added touches that distinguish designs. Children who cultivate healthy eyewear habits early in life reap enormous benefits. Independent opticians can assist young spectacle wearers by marketing exciting options that exist in frames. Children, and the children’s eyewear sector, are changing. Tastes are becoming more mature at an earlier age and the past stigma around wearing glasses has all but disappeared. Attitudes are increasingly positive, and eyewear for youngsters reflects this with dynamic, wearable, safe, fun and fashion-forward designs for the increasingly cool young spectacle wearer. Spider-Man triumphs: Duty C1 Marvel 2016 by International Eyewear Bi-colour blue in Ork by Orange Eyewear Vision Now AUGUST 2016 25
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