Rochester Business Journal
July 29, 2005
Eyeglasses have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 13th century. They aren't just for seeing anymore--but for being seen.
Nowadays you can find frames in every size, shape and color imaginable. Lenses come in many strengths and thicknesses. And even if you have perfect eyesight, who says you can't wear frames as a fashion accessory?
Rochester has several eyeglass boutiques competing with the larger chain stores. One Hip Chic Optical, at the corner of Goodman Street and Park Avenue, caters to an artistic and eclectic clientele and features frames from hard-to-find and exotic lines.
One Hip Chic is showcasing unusual and uniquely colored frames as this season's must-haves, in addition to new and interesting shapes and metals. Owner Tamra Kujawski says frames made by theo eyewear of Belgium are one of the shop's biggest sellers. All the lines carried at One Hip Chic are exclusive-you won't find these frames anywhere else in the Rochester area-and range in price from $250 to $550 and up.
One Hip Chic does not make lenses in-house, but they will order any size or style to fit any pair of frames.
Henry Miller Optical, located on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners, is a small shop with a minimalist style. The store lately has sold a lot of rimless frames (very popular now, says employee Jason Moore), but the chunkier plastic frames of a few years ago are still in vogue. The look seems to be retro in nature, whether it's toned-down rimless or plastic, Buddy Holly-style. Dark, oversized sunglasses also are making a comeback-think Jackie O circa 1971.
Henry Miller Optical carries many exclusive and hard-to-find brands, as well as some more common lines, such as Anne Klein, Luxotica and Kenneth Cole. Frames run from budget-priced to several hundred dollars. Versace and some imported lines from France and Japan are the shop's most popular sellers. It is safe to say that people with all sorts of budgets are able to find something here.
Designs in Eyewear, located in one of the myriad nondescript medical buildings on South Clinton Avenue, is under new management. The store is comfortable and relaxed, fresh and bright. You'll find several different lines here, from Nike to Valentino and Burberry, and most lenses are made on site. Lydia Brown, one of the shop's employees, says the current fad with male customers is the Flexon frame, which is made of a titanium-based alloy that is ultra flexible and will not break, even if bent. This makes it a good choice for active eyeglass wearers (and the less coordinated). For the shop's female clients, Fendi and Ogi are the most popular lines.
Designs in Eyewear offers many hard-to-find lines, including Cazal Eyewear and Silhouette. Frames run anywhere from $75 to $400 and up.
So, how do you find the perfect pair of glasses? Experts say you should choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape (for example, a round frame for a square face). Also important is the size of the frame. With the exception of trendy, oversized sunglasses, frames should be in scale with your face size: Tiny frames will look awkward on a large face, as will large frames on a small face. And if you decide to buy a pair of colored frames, very popular right now, make sure the color you choose complements your skin tone.
There are a lot of new and exciting eyewear options out there right now. This is the perfect time to buy the red cats-eye glasses you've always wanted or try out a pair of rimless reading glasses.
-Laura Thomas Telford
07/29/05 (C) Rochester Business Journal