Kirk & Kirk launches debut Vivarium collection

Forget glasses with plain pins in the top corners of the frame. Forget the ubiquitous lozenge shape rivet that dominates the mass market. And opt instead for an intricate fly or a horse inspired by Victorian natural history collectors .

Do so and you'll be getting your hands on the hotly anticipated debut collection from eyewear's new luxury eyewear name, Kirk & Kirk.

As a lifelong fan of Kirk Originals, my brow furrowed last summer when I discovered that the brand's founders, Jason and Karen Kirk, had left the company. Kirk Originals continues, and EWG wishes it well, but it was the launch of the Kirks' new brand, Kirk & Kirk, that was always going to excite us, hence the first post in a long while.

As with brilliant Beam collection a couple of years ago, Vivarium is made of acrylic, which makes it lighter than acetate. The frames are handmade in France while the animal jewellery pins have been crafted in England and are made of sterling silver or 9 carat gold.

Frames top to bottom: Carson, Curie and Fleming, featuring gold horse pins.

2012 Eyewear: 12 designers, 12 frames (VIDEO)

Eye Wear Glasses returns from Silmo, the huge eyewear show in Paris, having caught up with 12 designers . They talk about 12 frames for 2012. Featuring contributions from Graz, Kirk Originals, Ron Arad at PQ Eyewear, Lena Hoschek, Oliver Goldsmith, Kilsgaard, ProDesign Denmark, Claire Goldsmith, Ørgreen, Lunettes Kollektion, TD Tom Davies and Blue Magic Eye.

MUSIC: Frigidaire by Delko

Willem Defoe in the Jim Beam commercial - whiskey glasses?

One of my most surreal star-spots of all time was on a night out in New York with Jason Kirk. We'd popped into a packed bar somewhere when, outside, Willem Defoe cupped his hands between the window pane and his face in an attempt to peer inside. Rather like a scene from one of his movies. All I think he really saw was an aghast me, about two feet away, genuinely rather spooked; followed by me covertly trying to point him out to Jason.

So here is Defoe  in another glass-related context, in a Jim Beam ad playing lots of characters, one of whom, Karl-Lagerfeld-like, is wearing a rather tasty pair of specs... Ideas anyone? Who are these glasses by and where can one purchase them? Roberto in Seattle is keen to find out, and so am I.

Kirk Originals party continued...

Despite the signage, this (right) is Stephen, not Nigel.

Stephen clearly has an eye for style and shows what a little enthusiasm and taste can do - a great look, great combo of crystal and blue.

This pic was taken at the Kirk Orginals Turbo Preview launch in Covent Garden, London. The next few photos will feature more of Kirks' signature style, with the temple curving round the front of the frame.

































Cheers! Jason (left) with Seamus from the shop on Floral Street.