Trying to subvert the glasses paradigm with an off-trend look
April 22, 2019 6:31 PM Subscribe
I really like these frames (Barton Perriera Rhiannon in desert) but, you know, classic case of only being available at a pretty high price at a place that’s out of network, etc. I have a really hard time finding frames with the right coloring for me, much less in a shape and thickness I like, and I should probably just chump up and buy these, but if I have to spend that much (and out of network to boot) I’d rather support an actual artisan/startup business. Anyone have any leads on anyone with a comparable look?
And I ask this having made the rounds of the usual suspects, including previous Ask MeFi threads. This is true crowdsourcing — I’m really looking for frames like these.
And I ask this having made the rounds of the usual suspects, including previous Ask MeFi threads. This is true crowdsourcing — I’m really looking for frames like these.
Response by poster: Yeah, it’s that paleness of color that is hardest to replicate. I’ve considered wood frames, but for acetate, it is almost always too dark or, alternatively, white/clear.
posted by blueshammer at 7:17 PM on April 22, 2019
posted by blueshammer at 7:17 PM on April 22, 2019
Zenni, more. They have a big selection.
Not sure there's an artisan market. MeFites have recommended Zenni and Warby Parker.
boingboing.net/2019/03/12/luxottica
boingboing.net/2019/03/05/the-eyeglass-industry-is-a-rip
posted by theora55 at 7:22 PM on April 22, 2019 [1 favorite]
Not sure there's an artisan market. MeFites have recommended Zenni and Warby Parker.
boingboing.net/2019/03/12/luxottica
boingboing.net/2019/03/05/the-eyeglass-industry-is-a-rip
posted by theora55 at 7:22 PM on April 22, 2019 [1 favorite]
A few options from Eye Buy Direct, though neither quite as delicate as your original:
- The Kyoto, in either the Neapolitan or Clear Yellow color
- The Traveller, which looks a little darker but has metal arms
posted by somedaycatlady at 8:22 PM on April 22, 2019 [2 favorites]
- The Kyoto, in either the Neapolitan or Clear Yellow color
- The Traveller, which looks a little darker but has metal arms
posted by somedaycatlady at 8:22 PM on April 22, 2019 [2 favorites]
Not sure there's an artisan market.
There definitely are small/artisan frame-makers, but their prices are definitely not in Warby Parker or Zenni territory (probably much closer to the Barton Perreira frames.)
If you do decide you want to splurge on artisan-y stuff, though, one place I'm familiar with is Lab Rabbit Optics. Lab Rabbit's a one-man business with its own private line, but it sells frames from other small independent manufacturers as well. Here're links to a few acetate frames that aren't identical but that have pale and non-uniform greyish or brownish color schemes that hit somewhat similar notes:
These grey/beige ones (similar shape, similar color fade, but the color is a little greyer and the bridge is not acetate)
These are fully acetate but the grey is a little darker than the first pair.
Some like these and these are closer in color but further off in shape.
There may be colors & models that aren't on the store's website, if any of these seem close. You might also be able to find other small stores with interesting collections by searching for some of the same brands. For example, Brooklyn Spectacles seems to have some similarly complex pale acetate frames.
posted by ubersturm at 9:18 PM on April 22, 2019 [3 favorites]
There definitely are small/artisan frame-makers, but their prices are definitely not in Warby Parker or Zenni territory (probably much closer to the Barton Perreira frames.)
If you do decide you want to splurge on artisan-y stuff, though, one place I'm familiar with is Lab Rabbit Optics. Lab Rabbit's a one-man business with its own private line, but it sells frames from other small independent manufacturers as well. Here're links to a few acetate frames that aren't identical but that have pale and non-uniform greyish or brownish color schemes that hit somewhat similar notes:
These grey/beige ones (similar shape, similar color fade, but the color is a little greyer and the bridge is not acetate)
These are fully acetate but the grey is a little darker than the first pair.
Some like these and these are closer in color but further off in shape.
There may be colors & models that aren't on the store's website, if any of these seem close. You might also be able to find other small stores with interesting collections by searching for some of the same brands. For example, Brooklyn Spectacles seems to have some similarly complex pale acetate frames.
posted by ubersturm at 9:18 PM on April 22, 2019 [3 favorites]
This company has a lot of lighter colour frames in similar styles and they donate a pair for each one purchased ($95 for most)
posted by jrobin276 at 9:40 PM on April 22, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by jrobin276 at 9:40 PM on April 22, 2019 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Hey guys, thanks for helping me crowdsource this. I haven’t seen a home run yet (esmerelda, I worry that the difference in the browns on those is enough to go from innocuous to beetle-browed on my noggin), but you definitely found contenders I hadn’t seen and helped me validate how close I can hope to get. Be seeing you!
posted by blueshammer at 12:59 PM on April 23, 2019
posted by blueshammer at 12:59 PM on April 23, 2019
I own a number of Warby Parker glasses, and I can say that the lenses scratch or discolor easily, needing to be replaced within about one to two years of daily wear. I work in an office, not a sawdust mill or foundry, but they just can't take the wear and tear of daily life.
posted by dog-eared paperback at 1:12 PM on April 23, 2019
posted by dog-eared paperback at 1:12 PM on April 23, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by larthegreat at 6:55 PM on April 22, 2019