Style spotlight

Fun, stylish eyewear for children

By Joan Grady

Fresh, fun and stylish choices abound in children’s eyewear. There is an exciting buzz in kids’ frames with design innovations, including recycled materials and new safety features for high-energy childhood activities and exploits. All this transforms frames into a powerful style statement for youngsters to express their personality and individuality.

Fashion awareness begins at a very young age, as references for youngsters are rooted in family, friends, schoolmates, social media, celebrities, TV and their naturally expanding curiosity. With so many sources at their disposal, kids then define their own sense of style. Youngsters’ desire for independence mirrors the desire to be 'grown up'.

In the early years, parents have a strong role in their children’s eyewear choices, with practical considerations paramount. Parents tend to think in terms of durability, protection and safety. Fortunately, independent opticians can satisfy both the desires of children and parents with the exciting choices now available. From babies to teenagers, the varied shapes, colours and materials ensure a visit to the opticians is a fun and happy experience.

SPECIALISED DEVELOPMENT Multiple considerations are taken into account with the creation of children’s frames. Alex Davis, head of brands and marketing at Stepper, observes: “Styling requires form to follow function. StepperK frames are constructed from TX5, an injection moulded plastic with fitting, durability, flexibility and hypoallergenic characteristics that are particularly suited for frames for the young.

“Very young children are unaware of trends, making selections based on colour rather than styling," continues Alex. "Elements they can recognise – flowers, cars and so on – add to the appeal for the child. Colours follow children’s eyewear trends.” The StepperK collection contains brightly coloured designs and subtle pastels, with attention to shapes skilfully adapted to little faces.

Children are fascinated with stories and Roald Dahl’s adventurous tales have enchanted children worldwide for decades. Among his most notable stories are the immensely popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Matilda. Fans of Dahl’s books can also enjoy charming

Youthful spirit: StepperK 72000 Stepper

Bookish charm: Matilda RD19 Roald Dahl from International Eyewear Sustainable symbol: Beluga from Rock Star by Eyespace

Captivating shapes: Lazer Junior by Continental Eyewear Joyful colours: Blitz Kids BK031 from Norville

eyewear designs based on the characters, created by International Eyewear. Among the highlights is RD19 Matilda, a smart acetate frame for seven to 10-years-olds. Also included in the collection are fun designs that reference James and the Giant Peach, and Fantastic Mr Fox.

Rock Star by Eyespace is right on trend with the sustainability movement with Beluga, artfully crafted from recycled sea bottle plastic. Eyespace product director, Emily Andrews, explains more: “Eyespace’s vision is for all eyewear to be more sustainable, and kids frames should not be an exception. Plastic pollution is a tangible environmental issue that young people can easily understand and relate to.”

The streamlined shape of Beluga in effervescent blue and turquoise is a key note for fashion forward youngsters. The Rock Star frame collection features desirable shapes and refreshing colours that coordinate with the young set's fashion codes.

PLAYFUL, PERKY COLOURS Colour is a recurring theme in children’s eyewear. Appealing interpretations range from dynamic, bold hues to soft tones and very sleek colour combinations.

Luke Wharton from the design team at Continental Eyewear observes: “Colour and pattern are a big factor when it comes to kids' eyewear. We have found that acetate colours are best for creating a vibrancy that looks great and allows us to be creative. Experimenting with glitter and prints gives a premium feel – and helps the frames stand out from the competition. Acetate is also good for adjustability and having a flex hinge gives a quality, comfortable feel.”

The latest designs from Matrix Kid, distributed by Continental Eyewear, include a streamlined two-tone acetate frame in black and turquoise. The contemporary silhouette suits a wide range of young face shapes. Also from Continental Eyewear is the Lazer Junior range of acetate and metal frames in eye-catching colours and captivating little shapes that kids will enjoy wearing.

For babies from 12 months to youngsters aged 12 years, Blitz Kids from Norville offers a comprehensive collection of frames in fresh, snappy colours that will appeal to most children’s love of joyful tones. Solid colour frames and fun combinations are available in a diverse selection of silhouettes.

The spirited range of children’s spectacles at Louis Stone is known as Hi. This season, striking colours mix harmoniously, and the Welsh company has discovered that many of the adult frames are very popular for teenagers as they desire more grown up styling. The exuberant colours appeal to fashion conscious teenagers, and Icy in Sweet and Sour is a popular choice.

Clare Hayley Bent, head of marketing and communications at Louis Stone, also points out that for younger children, the flexible TR90 material and silicone safety bands with locks are ideal for a child’s comfort. In addition, the safety lock prevents children from losing their glasses, which is a particular parental concern.

PARENT AND CHILD ACTIVITY Eyewear spectacles for youngsters need to appeal to both parents and children. Selecting frames with youngsters is an activity that can set the framework on how children perceive wearing glasses. Designers and companies take great care

Superb shape: Icy by Louis Stone

in achieving this goal with research and paediatric consultations.

Kevin Gutsell at Optical Centre Supplies says: “In collaboration with paediatric ophthalmologists, Active Frames in the CentroStyle brand is dedicated to the visual well-being of children from birth to adolescence.”

Active Frames includes six collections designed for the specific needs of children in different age groups. All Active Frames are light, flexible, impact resistant and certified and compliant with EU regulations.

Kevin continues: “Light comfortable and soft, Active Spring is the collection dedicated to the pre-school age, designed to optimise the comfort of the fit thanks to the use of wraparound temples, with a spring design made in double injection and the anatomical bridge.”

Nowadays, style savvy youngsters really enjoy wearing their frames. Cultivating a positive relationship with their eyewear – and the independent optician – is an ideal way for children to understand the importance of eye health, and the opportunity for practitioners to build lasting customer relationships for their business. ■