Brand Spotlight | Vogue Eyewear
Bang on trend, Vogue eyewear’s bold designs will certainly leave you wanting to strike a pose!
The brand perfectly treads the line between cutting edge style and timeless class that is synonymous with the Vogue name.
Whether you like chunky acetate frames or you prefer a metal rim, Vogue eyewear has something to offer.
And as well as spectacle frames, the brand also includes an exciting array of sunglasses offering the ultimate in chic.
Read on to discover some of our favourite Vogue frames currently in stock at Patrick & Menzies.
These frames certainly have the Audrey Hepburn vibe. Think 1950s fashionista, behind the wheel of a convertible car, hair tied back in a headscarf, looking windswept but oh-so-stylish. Larger framed sunglasses like these are not only a great look, they are also a practical choice offering greater UV-protection for your eyes and the skin around them. Find out more about picking the right frames for you in our recent blog.
Vogue 5030 in black
These sleek black acetate frames show that you can create perfection in simplicity. Smooth shaping and ribbed sides add interest to this uncomplicated pair of specs.
Vogue 5163 in black
It’s not all about bold statements when it comes to Vogue eyewear. For many frames included in the range the beauty comes from the attention to detail, as these glasses demonstrate. The solid black frame is taken to another level by the inclusion of an intricate design detail in gold on the hinge, along with the brand’s logo which screams style.
Vogue 5326 in tortoiseshell
If you are a reluctant glasses-wearer these frames were made for you! Crafted from clear acetate they really are barely there. Perfect for people who are keen to avoid frames which will distract from delicate features, they have the added bonus of accentuating your eyes.
Vogue 5332 in black
In cool grey with rounded lenses, these frames look particularly striking on people with fair tones, though they equally look great with grey hair, too. We particularly like how these transparent frames offer a glimpse of metal running through the sides.
As with all the brands we stock, you can view the current selection of Vogue eyewear currently available at Patrick & Menzies from the comfort of your home.
If you are in need of a regular check-up or are worried about your vision, get in touch today to book an appointment at one of our four North Essex branches – Braintree, Brightlingsea, Manningtree and Mersea.
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Brand Spotlight | Tiffany & Co
Glamorous, luxurious and incredibly chic, Tiffany & Co eyewear is the height of style.
Launched in 2008, Tiffany eyewear boasts a contemporary range of glasses and sunglasses made with precise craftsmanship.
With sleek shaping, an impressive level of attention to detail and the odd splash of the iconic Tiffany blue, the range offers the high degree of quality you would expect from this world-renowned brand.
There are so many beautiful frames to choose from in the range, so we have selected some of our favourites that we know you will love.
TIFFANY – 2176 – 8214
Mixing mottled neutral tones with the trademark Tiffany blue and soft cat-eye shaping makes for a pretty perfect pair of specs. We particularly like the chunky black sides which feature the Tiffany & Co logo for added kudos.
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TIFFANY – 2168 – 8208
Coupling coloured acetate with metal sides works so well in these frames. As is often the way with Tiffany eyewear, the detail is simply stunning, such as the ribbed sides and the flash of stripe around the lenses.
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TIFFANY – 4156 – 8134/3B
Love the Audrey Hepburn look? Then grab yourself a pair of these sophisticated sunglasses, team them with a wide brimmed hat and a pair of chunky earrings and you are heading in the right direction!
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TIFFANY – 1127 – 6125
If you have an oval, round, heart-shaped or square face shape, then cat-eye frames are the perfect option – and we think it’s hard to beat these ones in a soft matt silver. Stand-out but not showy, they are a style investment you won’t regret.
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TIFFANY – 2097 – Black
Superbly subtle but oh-so-elegant, these black frames with a tiny splash of iconic Tiffany blue at the hinge are among our very favourite. Available from our Manningtree branch.
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TIFFANY – 2160B – 8244
These cool blue acetate frames are lifted to another level by the beautiful knot detail on the metal sides. The mix of materials combine perfectly to create a timeless classic when it comes to eyewear.
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You can now browse a wide selection of our frames from the comfort of your own home via our website. Just head over to our frames page to have a look. You can then pick out which pairs you would like to try on before you come in for your eye test.
Although we don’t have all frames available at all times in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Brand Spotlight | Ray-Ban
Think of Ray-Ban and it’s pretty likely you will conjure up an image of stylish sunglasses worn by the glitterati.
In reality, this high-end brand has so much more to offer than that (though it’s fair to say their sunglasses are pretty spectacular).
The brand was born in the 1930s when US Air Force pilots needed to protect their eyes from the sun. Since then, Ray-Ban has shown the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating stylish eyewear.
The Ray-Ban range bills itself as timelessly classic and fearlessly modern and includes a wide spectrum of styles.
These are much more than just spectacle frames. As Ray-Ban explains, they are: “a weapon of self-expression to match how you see the world and how the world sees you.”
Read on for our top pick of Ran-Ban frames in stock at Patrick & Menzies at the moment.
RAY BAN – 5279 – 5775
In mottled browns, these neutral specs are an exciting alternative to the traditional tortoiseshell. The design is bold enough to add interest without being over the top.
RAYBAN – 3547V – 2502
Looking for a classic style of specs? These are just the ticket! The silver frame and curved shaping will never go out of fashion. They would look particularly good if you have a square face shape.
RAYBAN – 8415 – 2503
Black frames coupled with angular shaping result in a serious pair of glasses that really mean business. These would work really well if you have a rounded face shape.
RAY BAN – 4440-N – 6356/XO
We love these Ray-Ban shades which show that the brand has so much more to offer than just the classic Aviator style. Need help picking your perfect pair of sunglasses? Check out another of our blogs ‘Why are sunglasses important?’.
RAYBAN JUNIOR – 1584 – 3686
Ray-Ban frames aren’t just for adults. We stock a selection of Ray-Ban Junior glasses for kids, too. These deep blue specs pack a real punch and are a great example of what you can expect from the junior range.
Did you know you can browse our extensive range of frames online? Once you have selected the pair – or pairs – you like, with just the click of a button we can have them ready for you to try on when you come in for your appointment. And if you need help picking the right frames for your face shape take a read of another of our blogs.
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Brand Spotlight | Roald Dahl frames from International Eyewear
Searching for some phizz-whizzing, scrumdiddlyumptious specs for your child? Look no further than this amazing range inspired by the work of Roald Dahl.
With World Book Day taking place this month, (4 March) we thought it was high time to take a closer look at this fantastic selection of frames.
From Matilda to The BFG and Fantastic Mr Fox to Charlie and the Chocolate factory, – it’s no wonder Roald Dahl’s stories are treasured by children and adults all over the globe.
International Eyewear has taken inspiration from some of these titles to create an array of bold, bright frames which are sure to make children keen to wear their specs.
Designs feature original Quentin Blake illustrations and quotes from the novels. Each pair is accompanied by a rather special branded case and lens cloth.
So, without further ado let’s take a look at our top five picks from this absolutely squiffling range!
The Enormous Crocodile
Inspired by The Enormous Crocodile, these feature the book’s central character along both of the sides. Dark green and chunky, these glasses are sure to be a firm favourite with children.
Matlida
This deep blue frame takes inspiration from Matilda, the story of a brilliant young girl who discovers she has the power to move things with her mind. We love this pair because the rich colouring makes them striking in their own right, while illustrations from the book on the sides are the icing on the cake.
James and the Giant Peach
Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker would hate these glasses – which makes us love them all the more! Inspired by the best-selling James and the Giant Peach, they feature James’ new, strangely loveable, giant insect friends along the sides.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Fantastic Mr Fox is the inspiration for this stylish pair of specs. The warm brown frames give a nod to the book’s central character with the little ear detail on the front.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Wow – these glasses are beautiful. Taking inspiration from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory they look almost good enough to eat! The blue metal frame around the lenses is coupled with striking plastic sides, spiked with colour. The perfect finishing touch is the golden ticket which links the two materials.
You can take a look at all of the Roald Dahl frames we have in stock – alongside our other superb specs – on our website. Although we don’t have all frames available in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Brand Spotlight | Walter & Herbert
Stylish, sophisticated and a whole lot of fun – Walter & Herbert glasses will make sure your eyewear is noticed for all the right reasons.
At Patrick & Menzies we pride ourselves on offering a stunning selection of specs, and the Walter & Herbert range is a great addition as it has so much to offer.
The brand pays homage to entrepreneurs Walter Conway and Herbert Thorn who helped to shape the way glasses are manufactured worldwide.
Around 70 years ago the pair developed a machine which inserts metal reinforcements into acetate spectacle sides with absolute precision, paving the way for many of the styles of frames we love today.
The Walter & Herbert brand now produces quality frames which are designed, made and tested in England: “With innovation and creativity at the heart of every design, the dedicated team of in-house designers skilfully create eyewear to appeal and flatter, whilst always maintaining the fundamentals of comfort, quality and wearability.”
This exciting range offers such a diverse selection of styles we’ve chosen our favourite five to give you a taster.
These frames are a playful take on a classic design. The strong square shape is coupled with warm colouring for a truly contemporary look that is bold without being showy.
Two-tone hues give a real edge to these simple, classic frames. The colouring makes us think of evening skies just before sunset. The no-nonsense shaping of these designer frames would suit most faces.
With a heavy, almost marbled bridge to these glasses, attention is drawn to the eyes and makes for a bold look. Natural tones make these frames incredibly versatile.
We love the cool colouring of these frames. Classic shaping makes them incredibly wearable, no matter the shape of your face. A further design touch is added in the two-tone arms.
Wow! These round frames will make the wearer stand out from the crowd. In classic tortoise shell they offer a modern take on a timeless classic which would particularly suit someone with an oval face shape.
You can take a look at all of the Walter & Herbert frames we have in stock – alongside our other superb range of specs – on our website. Although we don’t have all frames available in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Brand Spotlight | Sea2see
Stylish, ethical frames at affordable prices? Sea2see offers exactly that.
You would never guess it, but Sea2see frames are made entirely from abandoned fishnets and ropes collected by fishing communities off the coast of Spain, making ethical eyewear a very real option.
The company was founded by François van den Abeele, an entrepreneur with a deep passion for oceans and nature.
He believed that waste plastic which is clogging up our oceans could be turned into raw material to produce everyday products. After much investigation and investment his company has achieved just that, creating premium eyewear with a conscience.
Subtle colouring and sophisticated shaping make the range perfect for the ethical consumer who doesn’t want to scrimp on style.
The range includes a selection of sunglasses alongside everyday frames and is sure to impress when you reveal what they are made of.
As the company’s website explains: “Sea2see is leading a change, hoping consumers will start understanding that waste can be transformed into premium products.
“Sea2see is more than a product, it’s a statement that anybody can wear with pride, because sunglasses will not change the world, but people that wear Sea2see will.”
The company has made a commitment not to use products of animal origin in its manufacturing and as a result the entire collection is vegan-friendly.
It’s hard to pick, but here’s our three favourite pairs of Sea2see specs.
Think 1950’s chic with these Carmen sunglasses. The retro cat eye shaping of these frames will make sure you are always selfie-ready when you step out in the sun.
The Amalfi frame is subtly stylish. Bringing the recent ombre colouring trend to glasses frames, these specs would really suit someone who is looking to take a step away from the norm without going too bold.
Sea2see has really come up trumps with the Taormina frame. This elegant piece is modern, yet classic and is sure to be a favourite with Patrick & Menzies customers.
You can take a look at all of the Sea2see frames we have in stock – alongside our other superb range of specs – on our website. Although we don’t have all frames available in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Brand Spotlight | Prada Eyewear Collection
Prada is the Italian luxury fashion house, specializing in leather handbags, luggage, shoes, ready-to-wear, perfumes and accessories, founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. It represents the best of Italian culture and tradition and is one of the most innovative, prestigious and widely recognized world brands, with a keen attention to detail and a finger on the pulse of new trends. In 2000, Prada launched their eyewear collection, which reflects this approach with unmistakable style, refined elegance and uncompromising quality.
Prada’s eyewear collection is made by Italian eyewear conglomerate and the world’s largest company in the eyewear industry, Luxottica. Luxottica was founded by Leonardo Del Vecchio, who began his career as the apprentice to a tool and die maker in Milan. In 1961, he moved to Agordo in the province of Belluno, which is home to most of the Italian eyewear industry and in 1967, he started selling complete eyeglass frames under the Luxottica brand, which proved hugely successful. Today Luxottica make glasses for Chanel, Versace, Armani, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as their own lines.
Prada glasses are among the most colourful, avant-garde and yet wearable on the market today. The brand is renowned for both anticipating and influencing future tendencies, so they’re the perfect option for those who want to lean towards a timeless aristocratic elegance. The collection also includes the Prada Linea Rossa line, which is inspired by the world of luxury sports to convey an everyday casual yet sophisticated style.
“Beauty, creativity and superior quality have always been the guiding principles of the Prada Group,” says Carlo Mazzi, Prada’s Chairman, but the Group is also committed to environmental and corporate social responsibility, so you can sure you are making an ethical choice too.
Take a look at some of the frames: The Duple come in a abundance of colours and has a chunky 1960s feel, upgraded with an exposed metal nose piece, the Ultravox has a beguiling kitten shape and doesn’t overwhelm finer-boned faces, the Journal captures the nerdy-cool vibe with a solid square-frame, the Cinema and the Ornate both have interesting corner details and the Minimal Baroque are so fashion-forward you’ll be on the cover of a magazine!
From sophisticated designs with intriguing detail to vintage models reimagined in different, original nuances, the Prada Eyewear Collection is a range we are very proud to stock. Obviously, we don’t have all frames available at all times in all of our stores, but we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know!
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Brand Spotlight | Lulu Guinness Frames
Dare to be different! That’s the motto of Lulu Guinness, who is perhaps most famous for her statement handbags, much loved by trendsetters such as Kate Moss, Emma Watson and Paloma Faith.
Remember the red lips clutch bag that was much imitated a few years ago? That was Lulu Guinness and she makes a knowing little nod to that iconic image with her signature little red lips printed on the arms of each of the frames in her eye wear collection.
Lulu Guinness at Patrick & Menzies
We love the Lulu Guinness range here at Patrick & Menzies because they are definitely a talking point, but without being over-the-top wacky! Rather, they are sophisticated, with a touch of daring – featuring inter-plays of colour and dramatic retro shapes.
The collection is targeted “at women with a fierce sense of humour and an even fiercer sense of their own femininity” and we can see these frames being snapped up by our clients that are looking for something playful and modern, but with a touch of gravitas.
Style details are important to this designer and along with the red lips and metal logo inlay, these frames come in a veritable rainbow of colours, and patterns including animal print, glitter, polka dot, and the trademark black, white, and red – whether you’re looking for a striking silhouette, vintage glamour or subtle whimsy, there’s a frame in this collection to suit.
High Quality Frames
But style doesn’t come at the expense of substance – Lulu Guinness frames are made from high-quality materials, built for the rigours of everyday wear and some of the styles are offered in an alternative, more generous fit. They are super comfortable too, with adjustable or integrated ergonomic nose pad systems and cushioned hinge bracket arms.
“Glasses have become an expression of one’s individuality”, Lulu says. “I wanted my frames to be beautiful objects in themselves as well as flattering for the face”. And they certainly are – luxurious yet affordable, the Lulu Guinness range is in all our stores and, as you would expect, we can fit them with the highest quality lenses that are right for you.
Pop in and browse the collection. We look forward to seeing you!
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Get Some Colour in Your Life! Introducing Mattisse
Until fairly recently, spectacle wearers had a fairly limited choice – perhaps silver, gold or bronze coloured frames, in a limited number of styles. In the last twenty years or so plastic frames have given us a few more options – if we’re lucky we might have some red, purple or brown choices. Now, Patrick & Menzies can give you a veritable colour spectrum to choose from! We are proud to announce that we are officially stocking the gorgeous range of frames from Mattisse Eyewear!
Mattisse produce fashion-forward eyewear that gives the wearer the opportunity to express their individual personal style. Their designers travel the world and are inspired by nature (especially butterflies!), geometric design and abstract impressionist artists like Matisse to produce vibrant, pack-a-punch eyewear in a glorious range of stunning colourways, patterns and shapes.
These are no ordinary glasses – hand-painted in Italy, the frames are then put through a state-of-the-art laminate process, which means they are optics-ready and made to last. Peeling and discoloration won’t ever be an issue: And that’s a very good thing, because we are sure you’re going to want to wear them every day!
Indeed, we wouldn’t be surprised if you find choosing just one pair impossible – take a look through the product catalogue and you’ll see the collection offers outstanding colours with contemporary styling, all at an exceptional price-point that gives true value for money.
Mattisse Eyewear is suitable for every age group and they truly have something for everyone; styles that will appeal to men, women and children. There are frames in hand-painted tortoiseshell, delicate butterfly patterns in cyan and turquoise, Mondrian style geometric patterns in primary colours, unusual and stylish frames with leather temples, pastel rainbow stripes and more muted and sombre styles that still stand out from the crowd.
Patrick & Menzies is delighted to be one of very few distributors of this very special range of frames in the UK. Factor in our personalised service and impeccable eye-health credentials and you’ve found a winning combination.
If you enjoy fashion and find currently available eyewear choices uninspiring, then Mattisse Eyewear will be your new favourite brand. If you value customer care that’s second to none and a level of service that’s incomparable, then Patrick & Menzies will be your go-to opticians. Pop into any of our three branches and have a chat with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. They can show you our wide range of frames and help you get some colour into your life!
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