Design Inspiration taken from the London Trip

These images are taken from the sunglasses i found the most influential during the London trip. Texture must have been a huge consideration when designing as we saw large range of velvet & python skin. This made me understand how tactile eyewear must be to be well designed, not only is it about the shape and feel against the face. 

Our favourite frames were always ones which are speckled. We though that tortoiseshell patterns are hugely overproduced and although they are very classic, there is nothing that would set us apart. 

Linda Farrow was huge source of inspiration for looking at materials and flattering shapes. however I found Mui Mui was surprisingly inspirational when seeing the beautiful sunglasses that when worn look WAY oversized and completely do not suit any face other than that of a god.

Logo

This is the logo for the Verdure brand.

I really like the simplicity and its boldness. I feel think I'd be able to include this into designs to increase brand recognition. Potentially placed into the arms, in the centre of the frame or moulded into the frame.

The logo has a very luxury feel and also hold character. I think it suits the ethos of our brand quite well and creates a very contemporary yet timeless quality.

Stella McCartney Eyewear

During a trip to London, we decided to visit Stella McCartney to get inspiration for eco-friendly materials. We found her staff incredibly endearing, telling us all about the materials used within her products. We were also advised to look into the online store where there is a considerable amount of information about the brand and their ethos. 

After talking to a few people within the eyewear industry that day and being looked at quite strangely for the consideration for eco-eyewear. I was taken back and overjoyed that Stella McCartney had a collection of partially eco-friendly sunglasses.  

There is also a questionnaire section where Stella explains the make up of the sunglasses; 50% eco-acetate and 50% natural cellulose (which could mean anything from wood pulp to peat). I think it's great how honest and how simply she talks about her products. I suppose this helps to gain trust from her customer. McCartney also talks about the need for timeless, classic design along with their brand colour palette. I think this makes the designs more sought after, making items that are a key accessory; similar to a 'classic' Ray Ban.

This is a consideration we must make, producing something unique but shall last.

Cutler & Gross Visit

Cutler & Gross are a luxury eyewear brand which are located in Knightsbridge, London. The company has a huge social media following and have very intriguing and contemporary advertising. Alongside their own collection, C&G do a large amount of collaborations with designers for catwalk collections which is where they have created recognition.

 After quite a lot of research online, I was very excited to be able to see the eyewear in person and couldn't wait to experience the setting.

The store was a glass fronted small boutique-esque building set in an affluent narrow alley. Initially i was quite disappointed with the sterile, typical shapes, of course apart from the one advertised. Other than this, I really enjoyed the layout of this shop. I found the staff were really friendly and were open to answering a few questions. Apparently the most difficult pair to sell is the one in the advert above, while their most lucrative designs being a classic aviator. I really liked how they had a range of potential lenses in many colours to exchange into each frame. 

It was a shame to find out they had an eyewear museum on the floor above when we hadn't noticed (not that there was any indication or suggestion from the staff)

Overall I found the store an enjoyable shopping experience, however i found the designs very basic and i was hoping for a wow factor, which i always find in their advertising. Perhaps i would've found this, had i gone to their museum.

Bright Old Things 2015 Exhibition Review; Robert Roope

Stepping into the west side of Selfridges, we were met by a small exhibition space filled with trinkets, artwork and clothing. 'Bright Old Things' is an annual campaign based on the usual 'Bright Young Things' which 'hand-picks, nurtures and showcases some of the UK’s most exciting rising stars from the worlds of fashion, art, design and food'.

As a HUGE fanatic of eyewear, I was drawn straight to Robert Roope's sunglasses. I enjoyed the playful colours and the easy-to-wear shapes. When worn, the majority of the sunglasses felt quite average against the skin and in weight, but had a very classic, antique appearance which i enjoyed. A few pieces had a much more modern feel by adding brighter colours or using clear acetate.

I thought the price of the sunglasses were a good price point considering the usual customer within Selfridges and the unique story behind the designer. However i feel these sunglasses could potentially become slightly more atypical in design to create more interest.

To view his collection within Selfridges; click here.

Check out the 'Bright Young Things' website.

Researching Existing Brands

Linda Farrow

''The worlds' most exclusive eye wear''

After finding Linda Farrow through Instagram a while ago, i have been following them ever since. I was intrigued by their powerful imagery and advertising, usually showing the ideal setting of what the majority of us can only dream of. With beautiful sun-bleached women lounging by poolsides for the latest S/S collection, advertising luxury and opulence.

Linda Farrow mention within their philosophy that their main focus is to produce luxury items that are innovative. I agree that this is an element that runs throughout their collections, however i believe they have a huge downfall. LF do not have a classic design that runs throughout all her collections, this discourages her brand and makes it less recognisable. 

This is a consideration for my brand. As a group we need to settle upon a memorable brand name and logo, perhaps with a brand colour that shall run throughout the branding and into the designs.

Starting The Project

As a group, we all individually agreed we liked the idea of creating a sustainable and ethically sound company. We felt we all had a very strong group, a good mix of 3D and 2D people, each individually wanting to do a specific task. My role within the group is a designer; therefore i shall be researching, looking into trends, designing the products and over seeing the manufacture.

The Plan 

Our  idea is to create a luxury brand which manufactures and sells sunglasses. These sunglasses shall be made from recycled materials and shall be 100% recyclable. Our target market is a 25-35 year old woman, who has a city life, and has the disposable income to holiday and travel frequently. 

We need to do research into this market much further, by looking into their demographics and their likes and dislikes. Then we shall have a much more realistic view on our customer and will be able to design with them in mind.