Specsavers has welcomed the warmer months with its Shades of Summer 2019 range, comprising more than 150 new styles.
The collection focusses on current sunglasses trends, with bold shapes and sizes in playful colours. Past styles have been widely explored and updated for the contemporary market.
Stig Engelbreth Hansen, Specsavers Head of Global Design, acknowledged the success of collaborations with designers like Alex Perry, Carla Zampatti and pop icon Kylie Minogue which have focussed on introducing four key trends to the Australian market.
“I think the most important one is the extra-large, oversized trend,” said Mr Engelbreth Hansen. “It’s a reinterpretation of the ‘90s grandpa’ shades – bulky, bold, and a very fashionable statement.” He also noted that, “the bigger the glasses and the wrap, the more protection,” an important element given the strength of the Australian sun.
Mr Engelbreth Hansen described the shades of pink within the collection as being a “nice change” from the age-old dark palette. “I love the shades of pink, featuring blush to champagne. They can be worn by anybody and are 90s inspired, with the more shallow shapes coming through,” he said.
The range includes various takes on the classic cats eye from very angular, extreme shapes to a 90s inspired soft almondshaped cats eye. There’s also a new upwards angled square lens and, for men, the revived navigator trend turns the tables on the classic aviator to reflect a 50s inspired design.
Mr Engelbreth Hansen attributes much of his design inspiration to his travels and life in Northern Europe where he loves to “just sit and observe people,” he said. “We then try to adapt to local tastes and flavours and work really closely with focus groups in Australia.
