Ric Jensen touches the frame on his new glasses to call up their reading power. Batteries in the frame send a current that changes the orientation of molecules in the liquid crystals of the lenses. When he touches the side of the frame again, the reading power disappears. He also can adjust the glasses to see at a long distance or at an intermediate level.

EmPower glasses. They look like a typical pair of glasses, but they automatically adjust to the wearer’s needs with the touch of a finger. Manufactured by PixelOptics of Roanoke, Va., the glasses are said to be the “next generation” after blended trifocals. These glasses provide a wider field of view, less distortion and avoid common side effects that may come with progressive trifocals and bifocals, the company says

How they work

The glasses provide vision correction that is instantly activated by a layer of liquid crystals embedded in each lens, according to the manufacturer. The correction force is powered by a battery, and wearers control the level of correction with their fingertips. They touch the frame of the glasses by their temple to turn the electronics on or off, and a swipe of the fingers activates the automatic correction mode.

Could this be the future of optical glasses, or just another fad that will soon be replaced? Only time will tell…

This past Wednesday was the #SprungTO event where influencers around Toronto gathered to talk about eyewear, music, luxury, and their personal projects.

SPRUNG was an invite-only event that attracted interesting and passionate people from the Arts, Fashion, and Entertainment communities. What was the soul reason for this event? It was the motivation of luxury brand photographer and designer, Nathaniel Anderson, who wanted to bring like-minded people together and provide a great social experience for attendees.

There was complimentary beverages, food, great music by the in house Dj and even Flow 93.5‘s radio host, Jeni was emceeing the prizes and the speeches for the event.

Some notable guests were Davide Stennett, who is a designer of this beautiful jewellery, Restoration Couture; Toronto City Gossip, a popular Toronto website covering reviews and news of the hottest places in the city; Aimee Cook from the blog, Rants of a Red Head, as well as, Corporate Traveler, and Studio Film Group.

Overall, a great night filled with beautiful people, high-styled eyewear, and great conversations with really interesting people.

*Pictures courtesy of LXRY Magazine*

The frames Dr. Banner wears are simple, sophisticated,  and slightly sexy.  If you’re looking for frames with this kind of vibe check out the brands below, both of which can be found at Gafas!

(From L-R: Leisure Society – Princeton; Barton Perreira – Dudley)

Carrera has presented the new campaign – CARRERA “Jump into the Sun” – sunglasses 6000. The model features a vintage square shape in a timeless iconic style. The heritage of the eyewear brand is interpreted in a modern way with some new creative details such as corrugated rods.

Carrera has accomplished this new sunglass model through its unique and lightweight hypoallergenic material – Optyl, which is a hardened plastic weighing 20% less than acetate resulting in a reduction of allergic reactions. The Carrera model 6000 is available in 14 different colors, especially for contrast – brightness mate, vertical stripes and shades of camouflage. Check the Gafas blog to find out if/when we’ll be getting the Carrera 6000 in stores!

Gucci has unveiled ads for its Cruise 2012 fashion eyewear collection photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot.

Karmen Pedaru is the face of Gucci’s Cruise campaign. The bright images are shot in a garden setting where Karmen and her partner are sporting trendy floral and striped prints and exciting hues, while surrounded by pink flowers.

The Gucci Eyewear collection looks sleek and modern. All details synonymous with Gucci creative director – Frida Giannini. The fashion eyewear collection succeeds in its variety. Never a brand to rely on just one look, Gucci once again is successful.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there!

With love,

From the Gafas Family!

Check out the video below of Carmelo Anthony wearing some very fashionable frames:

Academy Award Winner Charlize Theron

Before she was the Academy Award winning activist that we recognize her for being now, Charlize Theron was just a simple girl growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa. As you can tell from the picture below, Charlize had major style…though she may not have realized it at the time!

Check out these pair of frames that would have made vintage Charlize proud!

They’ve come in! The new line of Linda Farrow has just arrived at the store! We have an array of eccentric, colourful, and trend-setting frames that are sure to make you the belle at any ball. This line includes collaborations with such designers as: Veronique Branquinho, Matthew Williamson, Prabal Gurung, and Charles Anastase. Come by Gafas and try on a pir for yourself!