When I was at 100% Optical at the start of the year, there were literally thousands of spectacle frames on display. There was one trend that stood out above all others though: the double bridge.

The Double Bridge

Without question, the trend for lighter, finer-looking spectacle frames is becoming increasingly apparent. The lines have an obvious Scandinavian influence; they’re clean and simple. Yet extraordinary. And although they’re understated, they manage to make a statement. But it’s one that’s whispered and not shouted. The metallic materials are muted in tone. These styles exude grace and elegance and suit a quietly confident wearer.

The double bridge, an extra bar across the temple in addition to the nose bridge, is a key detail. A brow bar complements aviators and round lenses alike.  It adds interest and style but doesn’t detract from the clean aesthetic. The nod to the fifties and sixties gives them an enduring retro appeal.

Monkey Glasses

Monkey Glasses

Vasuma was one of several frame brands that caught my eye at 100% Optical. I love that it names its models after snakes. The Swedish name for the spectacled cobra snake is glasögonorm. It is also the term for “four eyes”, oft chanted by playground bullies, in days gone by. In short, Vasuma is sweet revenge of glasögonorm. People who choose these frames are cool, confident and proud to wear glasses.

I tried their flagship style. It’s called Buttermilk boasts a stylised spectacled cobra on the bridge. I love it and think it would work equally as well for prescription glasses as it does for sunglasses.

Double Wire Rims

Not only are we seeing double bridges, we’re seeing double rims too. They have been re-imagined, forty years after they first appeared during the seventies. Rectangle, round or cat-eye, every shape will emphasise facial features to give a cool, laid-back look. I met the fabulous husband and wife team behind the Italian brand Lio when I was at 100% Optical. They have the most incredible range of double bridge and double wire frames in their Skeleton Collection. Their whole brand is incredible and I’m already looking forward to seeing them next year.

Skeleton frames by Lio

And Finally…

I graduated as an optometrist in 1996 and worked in practice for 15 years, until I took a career break to suit my family’s needs. I’ve always been incredibly proud of this small-ish profession and wanted to keep my hand in, in some form at least. I write a monthly column for the professional journal Optometry Today and have worked with both spectacle lens and frame brands too. But now the time is right for me to return to work as a practicing optometrist. My two teenagers are becoming ever more independent and frankly, ever more expensive with driving lessons, exchange trips, food(!) and, from next year, university fees. I can’t deny that finance is a factor. But a small one. I’m ready to exercise the clinical side of my brain and get back to the patient-facing side of optometry. I need to take several steps to re-register, something I’ve already started and I’ll write about that once I’ve finished.

I will still continue writing my blog, because that’s my passion. I’m looking forward to sharing a work wardrobe with you and to sharing a little more from the world of optics too!

Have a lovely week,