Style
In the frame… This month we welcome optician Jamie Edney -who runs Edney & Edney with his optometrist wife Ayshah on Monson Road - as a new SO columnist. Here he opens our eyes to his brands
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ver the coming months I will share my thoughts, insights and views on all things eyewear to keep readers ahead of the game as styles change and new innovations are brought to the market in both eyewear and spectacle lens design…. At Edney & Edney we have been building a strong reputation as purveyors of unique, artisan and luxury eyewear in Tunbridge Wells over the past five and a half years. As a result, we have gained national recognition as one of the finest opticians in the UK, thanks to our unparalleled selection of exclusive frames. My aim in this new SO column is to further champion the independent eyewear market and showcase the
importance of technological breakthroughs and advancements. Let me start by explaining what is meant by ‘independent eyewear’. It is generally accepted that there are two or three huge multinational companies that own the rights to produce frames ‘under licence’ for all the big fashion houses and sports brands. And while there is nothing wrong with this, the fact these historic luxury brands have little or no input into the design, manufacture and quality control of frames and sunglasses carrying their name – leads to the question ‘why then so expensive if all of them are produced en mass in the same factories?’ Just a little digging reveals how much these ‘couture’ fashion licences sell for and as such give an
indication of what the end consumer ‘spectacle wear’ is paying for. Independent eyewear on the other hand refers to the worldwide community of small batch eyewear designers, producers, pioneers and champions. Each company is solely committed to frames and sunglasses, not as a ‘side show;’ to clothing, perfume, cosmetics, handbags and the like. Key elements to the passion for innovative eyewear are design, flair and creativity coupled with the sourcing of the finest materials, that are then handmade in their own workshops. This gives the end wearer the most stylish, unique pair of beautifully crafted glasses or sunglasses. All of these amazing independent producers have lots of things in common – especially not least shying away from plastering their creations with visible logos and badges! I am glad to say this small collective of eyewear pioneers is stronger than ever and growing year on year as spectacle wearers look to push the boundaries of style, creativity and quality. Over the coming months I plan to
cover sunglasses, myopia control spectacle lenses for children, luxury materials and eyewear wardrobes. So stay tuned... GET IN CONTACT: www.edneyandedney.com @edneyandedney @edneyandedney @edneyandedney
HERE ARE SOME GREAT WEBSITES TO GIVE YOU A FLAVOUR OF WHAT WE DO AT EDNEY & EDNEY laeyeworks.com theo.be jacquesmarie mage.com mykita.com dita.com kirkandkirk.com orgreenoptics.com garrettleight.eu cutlerandgross.com ahlemeyewear.com
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Jazz on The Pantiles has returned and we want you to enjoy your Thursday evening to the fullest! Call 01892520587 or email reception@ onewarwickpark.co.uk to make a reservation. Ts&Cs Apply: Only applicable on a Thursday, bookings must be made direct
48 | June 2022 | SO Magazine