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Paul Smith
and Oliver
Peoples first
became
acquainted in
1989 when
the Paul Smith
retail store in
London began
carrying the
Oliver Peoples
eyewear
collection.
Paul Smith Ltd. was expanding its collections through
various licenses and eagerly sought an eyewear
license. Based on their prior working relationship,
Paul Smith decided that Oliver Peoples would be the
best fit to produce and market their eyewear line by
using the highest quality materials and an exclusive
marketing philosophy. When Paul Smith approached
Oliver Peoples with the idea, they welcomed the
opportunity to create a collection for this designer
whose work they respected and admired.
The Paul Smith Spectacles collection combines
the whimsical yet classic designs and attention to
detail synonymous with Paul Smith, along with the
outstanding craftsmanship and optical expertise of
Oliver Peoples. The collection reflects the spirit of
Paul Smith. Its roots are clearly English with the
original collection reflecting the forms and shapes
inspired by 1960’s and 70’s London. In contrast,
the colorations and treatment of the materials found
in the collection reflect the offbeat, and sometimes
peculiar style of Paul Smith clothing.
In keeping with the Oliver Peoples collection, Paul
Smith Spectacles are handcrafted of the finest
materials and the designs are precisely engineered
to offer the most comfortable fit to each wearer.
At the heart of the collection is color. Whether a
vibrant jewel tone, an interesting metal, or a multilayered
laminate, color is always the central theme.
Though the collection has several outstanding metal
designs, Paul Smith Spectacles is credited for the
revival of plastic frames and has become known in
the industry for unique plastics, particularly laminates.
The collection convinced people to look at, talk about
and wear plastics again, significantly changing the
direction of the industry.
The Spring/Summer 2007 collection of frames from Paul
Smith Spectacles draws influence from the designer’s philosophy of
“classic with a twist.” With dramatic shapes and unexpected detailing,
the new optical and sunglass designs are consistent with his quintessential
whimsical style.
The optical collection offers retro inspired styles with surprising, modern
detailing. The PS-1007 merges bi-colored metals and gives this titanium,
semi-rimless shape a fresh new look. Another trend within the
collection is the fusion of materials. Hybrid designs – mixing metal and
plastic – create unique silhouettes. The standout men’s hybrid optical
is the PS-508, a sharp 50’s inspired style with classic Paul Smith appeal.
The bold plastic brow bar coupled with a metal bridge and bottom
eyewire is designed for the fashionable, confident man.
In the Paul Smith mainline, it would not be unusual to find a charcoal
suit lined with surprising bright hues or intricate graphics. He always
includes thoughtful details for the wearer. Stepping right in line is the
feminine optical style of this season, the playful PS-405. Cut-away
plastic exposes the back laminate color allowing vibrant pink, aqua or
lavender to peek around the traditional tortoise on the frame front.
The elements of surprise continue to pop up in the sunglass collection.
The PS-375 unveils the most defining, unique attribute of all this season.
Asymmetrical metal detailing on the frame front of the modified butterfly
shape creates a stunning, modern piece. This unusual detail perfectly
embodies the nonconformity that drives Paul Smith’s designs.
The PS-378 and PS-379 sunglasses were inspired by the late 70’s/early
80’s. These plastic frames have modified aviator shaped lenses with a
sexy feminine twist. The PS-379 is the more subtle of the two, with
beautiful transparent beige crystal plastic accented with a splash of color
on a plastic topbar in burgundy, black or tortoise. The PS-378 takes the
design one step further with solid plastic colors and a gold metal top bar.
This feature is carried into the men’s sunglass collection with the PS-382.
Here the metal detailing is found on the frame front and the temple. Another
noteworthy men’s frame with 80’s inspiration is the semi-rimless
PS-380. This frame is clean and strong with a heavy straight edged top
and solid colored lenses.
From traditional to dynamic, this season’s eyewear collection embodies
the true spirit of Paul Smith.
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