Actually, let me rephrase that title, 'Best Eyewear Brands for Men, with personality'.
I started wearing glasses about fifteen years ago and now there is no getting away from the fact they are well and truly part of my identity.
Now, I want Brits to be braver with their choice of eyewear instead of stumbling instead of just stumbling into Vision Express for the best 2-1 deal. It doesn't happen that way with our European friends in Germany, France & Holland, where eye-wear is seen as an extension of an individual's identity and thus frames, quite frankly, have more flair and personality.
So, to encourage chaps to start getting a bit more creative, I've profiled seven brands that hopefully can inspire you to get a little bolder with your choice of specs.
Cult Eyewear
You may not have heard of this brand yet, so if not, I'd like to introduce to you New Jersey based designers Cult Eye-wear. They crossed the pond and entered the U.K market in December last year with an emphasis on recreating some of the most iconic frame designs of the 20th century.
New Jersey already comes with a rich heritage in optical manufacturing and Cult seems to be continuing the trend with their flagship frame, The Fairmount and new for 2015, The Fontana frame.
More frames at: Cult Frames
Oliver Peoples
Oliver Peoples, probably the widest recognised brand on my list, makes the cut for holding our hands for the last decade and telling us that vintage inspired eye-wear is O.K. Since leading the way, they've continued to produce modern models, for the modern gent. The brand was founded in 1987 with a distinctive culture rooted in California, with each frame still meticulously hand-made.
The O'Malley and Sir O'Malley frames are the pick of the bunch, both available in a range of colours to suit your complexion.
More frames at: Oliver Peoples
Lotho
Another big player in the boutique eye-wear market is Lotho, and definitely one of my favourite brands. Seven years young and head-quartered in Paris, Lotho have produced a variety of frames perfect for the Dapper Chapper with personality.
The Zacharay and Rene frames are leading the way.
More frames at: Lotho
Harry Lary's
Let's stay in France a little longer and go over to Harry Lary's. The French eye-wear house produce original frames that combine creativity & elegance. The brand mainly features retro-futurist shapes, all hand-made, with an 'unconventional & timeless chic.'
Definitely one of my favourite eye-wear brands out there, check out these epic Hosty and Manifesty models.
More frames at: Harry Lary's
Andy Wolf
Handcrafted in Hartberg, Austria, Andy Wolf is another brand that creates unique glasses. They produce an array of classic and contemporary frames all of which are coded by a number/letter system and I love the 4511C & 4515A:
More frames at: Andy Wolf
TYG
TYG Spectacles is an up-and-coming Italian eye-wear line. With TYG standing for Three Young Gentlemen, naturally I was interested in what types of frames they produced.
The eye-wear is timeless and current but exudes personality and I particularly like the Indro and Mr Ripley frames.
More frames at: TYG
Glints
Last but by no means least on the list is Glints. Handmade eyewear from Japan, Glints works for those on a stricter budget. They produce decent frames with bold identities, just without the big price-tag. This is done by cutting out the middle man and sending the glasses to the consumer straight from the factory,
Check out the Nelson and Trego frames.
More frames at: Glints
I'm always on the hunt for new brands so please comment to tell me if I've missed any brands you think should have made the cut?
Also, if you are a chap with more creative eye-wear I want to see so tweet me at @dapper_chapper
Photography credits:
Cult Eyewear - www.cultframes.com
Glints - www.glints.london
Harry Lary's - www.harrylarys.com
TYG Spectacles - www.tygspectacles.com
Andy Wolf - www.andy-wolf.com
Lotho - http://www.lotho.fr/
OLIVER PEOPLES - www.oliverpeoples.com/