Specsavers Design Collective

I didn't offer myself nearly enough time to explore the exhibition at Graduate Fashion Week, having spent much of my single afternoon shooting the runway or chilling in the media lounge. In between, however, I found myself ogling the Specsavers stand and its upcoming Design Collective, a brand new and imaginative eyewear range from four budding designers.

Launching nationwide on 8th July 2019, the collection is the result of Specsavers' inaugural competition with fashion label Red or Dead, and features unique frames designed by the winning graduates - Joshua Teodoro of Loughborough University, Emily Hill of the University of Arts London, Lydia Blackshaw of The Glasgow School of Art, and Tiffany Bachelet of the University of Dundee.

As a glasses wearer myself, I couldn't resist trying on all the frames, but there were two especially that I'd love to purchase for myself next month. The first are Teodoro's signature sunglasses, comprising a technical aesthetic inspired by space travel. Where the white colourway with an accent of red on the temples is intended to reflect the colours of a spacesuit, my first thought was the Tantive IV from Star Wars, if that doesn't sound too geeky. The second are Blackshaw's transparent frames, which likewise appear futuristic, albeit the kind you might find Tony Stark wearing with a sharp Tom Ford suit. That is, if he hadn't snapped his fingers.

The Specsavers Design Collective will be available to purchase in-store from Monday 8th July