New year, new look, right? Apparently not – vintage-style eyewear has never been more popular. There’s just something timelessly and irresistibly stylish about those “squircular” frames. Good as these old-school pieces are, what you want are those that have a touch of modern chic infused with the recognizable throwback silhouette. You also want to pick models that are engineered to suit your face shape, especially if you’re of Asian descent.
We’ve gathered three brands that boast some fine craftsmanship and, of course, signature vintage designs. In a sea of guys adopting the same trend, the last thing you want is to look just like one of them. Here are some models that’ll make you stand out.
OLIVER PEOPLES
One of the hottest eyewear brands that have crossed from indie into the mainstream is Oliver Peoples, and you really can’t go wrong with their vintage styles. Especially when it’s named after Gregory Peck, one of the leading men of old Hollywood, best known for his role as Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird.
No, not a happy movie. Nice specs though. Source: Giphy.com / To Kill A Mockingbird.
Inspired by the movie, the model OV5186 was created in collaboration with the Peck Estate, and it’s perfectly handsome. The almost round lenses are housed in acetate frames, with a signature “pinched” shape around the bridge that makes the nose look sharper. Known simply as the Gregory Peck, size 47 is best suited for Asian faces. The diehard throwback will enjoy the tortoiseshell, while those who prefer a modern update will like the shiny black model. And if things can get any more old-school, the Gregory Peck also comes with clip-on shades!
A true fusion of vintage and modern can also be found in the OP-505. The shape of the lenses are similar to the Gregory Peck, but this style features contrasting filigree temples and nose bridges, as well as distinct nose pads. Having been the rage in 1987 when Oliver Peoples first started, this style has been re-released as part of a limited edition vintage collection.
To maintain the integrity of the original, the frames were reproduced in the same Japanese factory where the first OP-505s were made. These historical frames come in two colorways: classic tortoiseshell and antique gold, as well as black and brushed nickel.
USH
Speak of indie brands – USH is so indie that most of its material available online is solely in Japanese, attracting buyers around the world simply from the beauty of their pieces. Much like an artisan in pre-industrial times, USH’s founder and designer Yuichi Toyama is the sole face of the brand. His eyewear is inspired by classic designs, and created by traditional techniques, with an understanding of Asian face structure.
We found four designs that perfectly capture the continuum from classic to modern. First is the UFO-060, which sports a fine, gold “squircle” frame accented with black, thick top-halves over the top-halves of the lenses. Besides a throwback feel, this style also flaunts a playful character.
Shaped almost the same but with rounder bottom-halves, the UFO-061 also features the classic black and gold coloring. The vibe is much different, however. The thin, all-black frame makes for a more modern, less quirky look, with classic flair more than compensated for with contrasting gold temples that extend its shiny contrast to the front.
Following the thin profile of the UFO-061, the UFO-059 is practically the same animal. Its lenses are slightly more rounded, this time fashioned in tortoiseshell acetate. Subtly contrasted with a gold nose bridge and temples, the UFO-059 exudes a refined, elegant quality quite like that of an antique study.
Most modern is the UFO-058 – completely metallic, wire-thin frame in gray and navy, it’s more square than round. Studious, serious, and thoughtfully clean-cut.
EYEVAN 7285
Many brands that qualify as “indie” to the rest of the world in fact have long histories – and one of them is Eyevan 7285. Starting to gain international traction only recently, the brand was founded in 1911 as Yamamoto Kogaku, and relaunched with the Eyevan name in 1972.
With their wealth of technical and styling know-how, it’s no wonder they’ve gained somewhat of a cult status. Especially after appearing on the New York Times in the ’80s as Madonna’s preferred eyewear. With its second relaunch in 2013 as Eyevan 7285, the brand is still steadfast in putting out an intriguing mix of classic and modern styles. Being a heritage Japanese brand, they’ve also figured out how to make glasses more comfortable and flattering for Asian faces.
We picked two distinct styles from Eyevan’s limited collection – round and rectangular. The Model 539 is a classic aviator style, reduced to a minimal use of material. The devil’s in the details. Thanks to a transfer cloisonné applied to the top halves of the lens rims that look like tortoiseshell, the super thin profile is enlivened by a subtle color contrast on its front, against either gold or grey frames.
On the squarer side, the Model 312 is Eyevan’s interpretation of the classic Wayfarer style, with a slightly thinner profile for a lighter, more refined edge. The nose bridge is narrow, clearly defined, and the rim corners feature metallic double-dot detailing. The temples are pretty special, done in an ergonomic shape that curves and undulates like, as Eyevan says, “an ancient gardening tool”. The bright tortoiseshell looks professorial, and the navy one subtle and masculine.
We couldn’t resist squeezing in another squarish style – the Model 548. Much like the 312, except this one has smaller lenses. Once again it’s the details that make this particularly style stand out. Look closely and you’ll realise the acetate is encased inside the filigreed metal rim, like a frame inside a frame. These subtly ingenious models come in bright tortoiseshell and translucent grey.
Jump right onto the bandwagon of hipster throwback – just don’t settle for any pair of vintage specs. Get yourself a well-made pair with a story to tell.
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Living, working, or passing through the sunny island of Singapore? You’re in luck. The styles mentioned above are all available at JAMCO Optical, B1-15, Katong Shopping Center.
Plus, get a big fat 70% off on a second pair of HOYA Hi-Vision Long Life Single Vision prescription lenses when you mention His Style Diary.
The promotion will be valid till 31st January 2016, so hurry up.
This article was sponsored by JAMCO Optical. Check out their Facebook page here.