The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Gina Gill gets all sunny-eyed with the summer collection of snazzy glasses available from Kirk and Kirk. bite glasses F ashion can be the strangest thing sometimes. Sometimes trends are so completely random it’s difficult to fathom how they became a thing whilst other times, something completely ubiquitous and commonplace suddenly becomes the IT thing, taking over like a stylish bubonic plague (not that I’d consider the plague an accessory or anything).We saw it with beards, which somehow erupted from the 19 th century to become the most ‘shorditchy’ trend since the flat white. It happened with trainers, rendering fashion editors everywhere five inches shorter in one fell swoop when they all swapped their Manolos for Stan Smiths. And it’s happened with glasses: no longer preserved for secretaries or unattractive sidekicks, glasses have become the ulti- mate facial accessory, prescription not necessary. Whilst a pair of stylish frames has long been used to add an air of sophistica- tion and wisdom to a working woman’s ensemble, it’s the Alessandro Michele effect that really pushed the trend out to the mainstream. Ever since his debut show for Gucci, all ‘70s ruffles andVelma inspired hair and frames, glasses have become more than just geek chic.Thank- fully, getting the Gucci look is super easy right now, thanks to the fabulous frames at Kirk and Kirk. Launched by Sidney and Percy in 1919, the Kirk family has been pioneers in optics for almost a century now. Working from their London workshops, the duo were innovative in more ways than one, championing cutting edge designs as well as cutting edge delivery systems; they were the first brand to utilise motorbike couriers in the 1920s, setting themselves apart as anything but traditional, and three generations later they’re still channeling that distinctive vibe today through Kirk and Kirk. Currently run by Jason and Karen Kirk, the brand is still about passion and unique style today. They’re fans of using acrylic for their frames, which is super lightweight and also affords them a wide colour palette that ensures a stand out range of hues. Their glasses are deco- rated with little sterling silver or 9ct gold motifs that are hand cast right here in the UK. And as quality is so important to the brand, each of their frames is made from start to finish in France, ensuring perfection throughout. When it comes to styles, Kirk and Kirk have something for every mood. The Harper style has a distinctly Mad Men vibe when chosen in somber black but their customisable options means you could choose a pair in Bordeaux, which when combined with the silver fly motif is deliciously kitschy (especially if you paired them with a beehive).The Fleming in tortoiseshell is a boxy style that gives off a serious vibe whilst keeping an air of individual style, especially if you opt for the adorable lion motif. And if you want to go full-on Gucci Velma, choose the Wallace style and pair with a sweet little mussed up bob, a doctor handbag and a pussy bow blouse. If you’re feeling a little experimental then the Kaleidoscope collection has you covered. The Lez style is super punchy, and let’s face it why wear a red lip when your specs can depict your inner sass. And the Cady in pink is super instagram- mable – add an ice cream and a baby pink lip and you’ll be well on your way to ALL the likes. Most excitingly, Kirk and Kirk have you covered for days in the sunshine too with their collection of sunglasses. The Jenny in ocean blue is the ultimate accessory to a sunny day, bringing a touch of the Côte d’Azur to the concrete play- ground that is east London whilst the Amanda in the lilac dusk is the perfect forward thinking festival accessory (flower garlands are OVER) that will add a little stylish quirkiness to any ensemble. As a wearer of glasses they’ve always been an addition to my look, necessary but not necessarily thought of. But now, with Kirk and Kirk there’s never been a better opportunity to make your frames the focal point of your look. www.kirkandkirk.com Easy Reach Luxury Eyewear Within