 | Jon Herrscher
has worked as an optician for nearly 30 years, beginning his career with a part time after school job in a Garden City Optometrist's basement lab where they literally made eyeglasses by hand using a glasscutter & cribber. In 1989, Jon left Kansas for Houston, Texas to teach young opticians the trade, returning to Wichita in 1996 to be closer to family. In August 2003 he purchased Myoptix Fashion Eyewear, an optical boutique, located at 4714 East Douglas in College Hill. Jon can be reached at (316) 651-0887. |
Eyewear & Fashion
2004-06-01 10:55:00
Eyeglasses a fashion trend?
: I see a lot of male models and actors wearing eyeglasses. Is this a new fashion trend?
ANSWER: Movie producers have long been using eyeglasses to emphasize their heroes' attitude. The props range from retro-looking spectacles to the most fashionable sunshades, and from "coke-bottle" eyeglasses to rimless, almost invisible frames, depending on the character.Over the years, the eyewear industry has convinced consumers that eyeglasses are medical instruments first and fashion items second. In a recent survey conducted by the Vision Council of America of men across the country, 87 % indicated that they currently own at least one type of corrective eyewear (including reading glasses). Only 27 % of these see their glasses as a fashion item. For many men, eyeglasses are merely a means to clear vision. All men should be aware of the impact a nice pair of frames can have on their overall image. Appearance counts for a lot, and makes a lasting impression on everyone you come into contact with, whether you like it or not.Men have many fashionable options for eyewear from bold, squared-off plastic designs to more traditional rectangular styles in soft, toned-down colors. Drill-mounts and semi-rimless styles are perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach. Updated masculine shapes including the aviator and those with double brow bars are making a comeback in more urban areas of the country. Overall, smaller rims remain desirable because they draw attention to the face instead of the frame. Many eyeglass designers are combining fashion with comfort, using different materials like plastics and titanium, which is often used in sporting equipment, to offer lightweight, non-corrosive, durable and stylish options. Most men still prefer to make a traditional fashion statement with their eyewear and stick with time-honored styles and colors of silver, gunmetal, brown and black. An important factor is how the frames fit your face. In general, the size of the frame should relate to the size of your face. Bone structure and the shape of your face will also affect which type of frame suits you. Men don't always have the same opportunity that women do to alter the shape of their face with hairstyles or jewelry. Men's facial features are traditionally stronger and more defined. A square face is best suited to frames that are taller, as well as gently curved narrow styles to minimize squareness and to lengthen the face. Thick frames and an inverted bottom are best for men with a triangular face, characterized by a wide forehead and pointed chin. A frame that adds width below the eye line can minimize a wide forehead and high cheekbones. Try frames that are wider at the bottom, have rounded tops and squared bottoms, and that have lightly colored or frameless designs.Consult your favorite optical boutique where a trained optician can assist you with the many functional eyewear fashions available. Look for one that offers digital photos of you wearing different frames to take home if you need reassurance on your picks. Eyeglasses have as much impact on your appearance as any other wardrobe item, male or female!
