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.





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.




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,
8 comments
I’m so excited about your career development, AND I look forward to seeing more content like this. Lots of women at our age wear glasses (I’ve worn contacts or glasses since I was 15) and keeping up with trends in eyewear is really important to our style and confidence. My glasses are overdue for a style update, that is for sure. I love these double bridge ones; they are so light and delicate. Sending you love and can’t wait to see What Lizzy Does Next! xxx
Oh Lisa, thank you very much. Yes, there will be very few in our age group that don’t need glasses, even if it’s just for near work, like I do. I love how delicate they are too, yet they have something about them too. And thank you for all of your good wishes and support (as always!) xxxx
Eeeeee I’m so excited for you and your return to optometry Liz!! I wish you lots of luck, you will be awesome – I know it.
I love the double bridge frames but they just don’t suit me… or at least I don’t like them on me, which upset me because I think they’re so cool! But the double frames are definitely tempting – I’m going to look for them next time I get glasses #thumbsup
Catherine x
Oh thank you so much Catherine! I’m looking forward to the next chapter. And I can’t think why the double bridge wouldn’t suit you but the double rims are fab anyway. I can see you in some really cool ones! xxx
Congratulations on the next move – it’s a challenge to juggle, but somehow we do. I was poking about in my local opticians today – I have one pair of glasses and it keeps falling off my nose when I am digging stuff, so either a second pair is necessary or these need their end bits bent a little more. I decided to go the more expensive route and invest ion an extra pair so have booked in for an appt at the end of the month so your blog post is perfect timing 🙂
Hi Juliet, you’re right. We always seem to manage to juggle don’t we! It’s frustrating when frames slip off isn’t it and getting the sides adjusted will help. Enjoy choosing your new pair! xxx
Good for you Liz – I hope you really enjoy getting stuck back into your career, I bet you put all of your clients at ease as soon as they walk in. x
Oh thank you Nikki. I always enjoyed the patient-facing clinical side of optometry and really can’t wait to get back into it xxxxx