Sunday, November 14, 2010

Geek chic is as in vogue as ever

Last but not least, the NHS-reading-glasses look so memorably champion by Morrissey in the early 80s is still going strong. Heavy framed, square glasses were everywhere at LFW, with some cheats just sporting the frame and no lenses or plain glass (how satisfying to think they can't pull off this key look without specs!). So don't let these non-speccies to steal your style thunder…

The juxtaposition of masculine items (trouser suits, tank tops, brogues, heavy-framed glasses) with one's feminine wiles is what makes this look work. It's simply a mater of getting the balance just right. We're not doing androgyny here, more an emphasizing of the feminine by contrasting it with those coolly clunking males details. Think Jarvis via computer nerd and you'll nail it. Michael Bastian for Gant has a similar feel…

Next season's take on the trend sees lots of shorts, bare legs and chunky boots, satchels, huge 'ugly' watches and messenger bags (or try a Hermes-inspired bowler hat and head-to-toe leather if you dare). Miuccia Prada went all 'comic book' with her collection, combining beautifully tailored flared dresses with heavy woollen stockings and striking glasses.

Oversized Lennon glasses were on the men's runway at Topman Design and Louis Vuitton. As the precursor of Morrissey-style NHS specs, they have a similar iconic impact. Perhaps more than any other trend on the LFW spring/summer 2011 catwalks, this is a style that relies heavily on accessories. Ladies - get in touch with your inner bluestocking and look to DSquared2 and their iconic thick-rimmed glasses. Why Miss Jones, you're beautiful!

Where do you get the key ingredient? French Connection's range at Specsavers has some very sophisticated interpretations of the geek rectangular shape (FC84 works the tortoiseshell look, FC85 is classic), while Jaspar Conran's frames work the heavy black look with consummate ease.

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