Students from the University of South Australia’s Industrial Design and Jewellery course have designed and prototyped their own eyewear, working in conjunction with Australian eyewear designer Jono Hennessy Sceats.
The ‘Eye Candy’ project, now in its second year, aims to foster commercial and artistic skills of the design students. An initiative of Health Partners Optical in South Australia and UniSA, eyewear created was judged in late July before being displayed at Health Partners Optical in Pirie Street.
“I think this is one of the best things that any optical store has done,” said Jono Hennessey. “I love seeing Australian designers on show in the global market and this partnership is a great way for students to learn about design and commercialisation.”
He said he made a conscious decision to collaborate with Health Partners on the project, mentoring students for three months, because of the combined commercial and artistic opportunities.
The fold up design is to give a unique feel to the glasses and makes it more practical when wearing them as a pendant
“We need our future generation of designers in the boardroom, not just in the technical team of a business. I want the UniSA students to know there’s a bigger role for them to play, which then helps Australia in the global market,” he said.
Hannah Jordan’s foldable, art-deco inspired pendant glasses won the judges’ favour. Speaking of her creation she said, “The fold up design is to give a unique feel to the glasses and makes it more practical when wearing them as a pendant. They’re designed to look good around your neck as well as on your face.”
Jono said he will collaborate with Hannah on her winning design in what will be only the second time in his career he has collaborated with another designer.
“I’d love to see how the design can be adapted using different materials and styles to complement a couple of our brands – a modern variation might go with the cool retro Carter Bond design and maybe another style using titanium for a new ‘lux’ design would be great for our Zeffer brand.”
