Cult Eyewear
There’s a new tome that we are jonesin’ to get onto our coffee tables STAT! “Cult Eyewear; The World’s Enduring Classics,” is the latest eyewear book that has us swooning. Neil Handley, curator of the British Optical Association Museum, has pulled together this beautiful publication which contains more than 500 historical and contemporary images. “Cult Eyewear” is focused on the aesthetic of the history of eyewear as opposed to the vision correction aspect of this current fashion obsession. It’s a concisely illustrated introduction to the evolution of stylish eyewear.
The book profiles the innovative designs and historically important inventions in eyewear dating back to the 1780s. Over 30 infamous and iconic brands are profiled, each chapter featuring the films and key personalities associated with particular designs or brands throughout the years (i.e. Elvis Presley and John Lennon), as well as little known anecdotes. Who knew that Dame Edna Everage’s glasses have “A hand job by Anglo American” etched in the inner temple?! We do now! Although some brands are missing from the compilation, Handley acknowledges that it is due to an “inevitably, somewhat personal selection for the myriad of designer fashion brands…” So what iconic eyewear labels can you expect to see in the book?
American Optical, Anglo American, Cartier, Kirk Originals, Persol, Ray-Ban, Marly, Carrera, Porsche Design, Viennaline, Vuarnet, Neostyle, Silhouette, Christian Dior, Lafont, Robert La Roche, Cazal, Alain Mikli, Police, Mykita, Metzler and Polaroid!
“Cult Eyewear” is not just for eyewear aficionados and collectors. This is a coffee table book that will appeal to anyone with an eye for design or a passion for fashion.
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