Julien Macdonald Eyewear Collection Launch Party At Vision Express
Visionary designer Julien Macdonald OBE is expanding his fashion empire into eyewear this month, launching a women-only glasses collection, exclusive to Vision Express.
Introducing Macdonald’s iconic style to a 17-piece optical collection, the range features exquisite use of embellishment, drawing on inspiration from his love of romantic baroque themes.
Paying homage to his intricate catwalk creations, the hand-crafted collection injects dazzling mirror and crystal motifs alongside tonal metallic prints and Art Deco design. Sophisticated and stylish, the debut range presents both metal and acetate frames in full and half rim designs.
Macdonald collaborated with internationally-acclaimed eyewear manufacturer OA Eyewear in a development process which took almost one year. Eyewear design experts interpreted Julien’s original sketches into a finished product, with consultation and input from Macdonald at each stage of the manufacture.
Julien Macdonald explains: “As I expand into eyewear, it was important that the collection accurately embraced the design and detailing that people know and love about the Julien Macdonald fashion house. Glasses are as much a statement fashion accessory as a handbag or earrings. For me it’s about completing the picture, by having a pair of eye-catching frames to compliment any outfit, and for any occasion. These are definitely not glasses to hide behind – these frames will put the wearer bang in the spotlight.”
A highlight of the collection is a show-stopping design featuring a gold snake curling around each arm of the modern-shaped, full black acetate frame. Priced at £169 the piece is a nod to Macdonald’s ‘more is more’ mantra.
Cheryl Perkins, Senior Head of Product at Vision Express said: “It’s fantastic to be able to offer the Julien Macdonald collection exclusively at Vision Express. The range delivers the fashion flair Julien is famous for, with durable and high-quality frames that will appeal to our stylish female customers. It will be a valuable addition to the extensive range of our exclusive brands.”
James Conway, Chief Executive of OA Eyewear, added: “We’re thrilled to have helped realise Julien’s vision for his eyewear collection. From the outset we had a shared commitment to develop a range that was distinctive and wearable, with intricate attention to detail. It’s wonderful to have worked with one of Britain’s foremost designers, channeling themes from other areas of the Macdonald empire into a stand-out optical product.”
The night saw us enjoy great music, eye tests, champagne and amazing canapes. Happy end to a busy evening for me dear peeps.
The Julien Macdonald eyewear will hit shelves at Vision Express stores nationwide from 3 December 2014, priced from £169 to £189. Visit: www.visionexpress.com/julienmacdonald
