Yahneake Sterling

Staff Reporter

All eyes will be focused on you in this aquamarine and black frame by Morgan.

Though many people still wear lenses encased in frames that look like windscreen wipers, eyewear, particularly prescription lenses come in frames that have been revolutionised.

Nowadays, the trend is moving towards geometric, rectangular shapes and vibrant, bold colours.

This new trend not only makes wearing glasses more fun, but also makes them more fashionable.

Lifestyle went in search of the store with the hottest, sexiest frames around town. We found them in Eye Q Optical.

According to manager for Eye Q Optical Phillipa Harrison, frames now have more intricate details that enhance the simple beauty of a pair of glasses. There is also new technology in lens design and features.

Is green your colour? Frame your eyes with this green detailed pair of glasses that will draw second glances. This design is from Lafont.

"Lenses coated with anti-reflection and anti-smear finishes enhance the naked beauty of a frame," Harrison notes.

Glasses are also leaning towards protecting the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun with transition lens and polarised clip on lens.

Lifestyle asked Harrison a few questions. Here are her responses.

Why go for the trendy/sexy frames?

Who wants to be drab? All of us crave style and excitement.

How have Jamaican customers reacted to the new look of glasses?

They love it! Once you experience fashionable eyewear you don't go back to boring.

What kind of clientele do you cater to?

Show the tiger in you with this tiger- inspired frame by Face à Face. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/ Freelance Photographer

We cater to everyone, but we do find that in our New Kingston branch, in the heart of the business district, we tend to have more working professionals in their early mid 20s to the late 40s. The demographic of our Manor Park branch is somewhat different, with clients being a little older - it's a little closer home for a lot of our clients.

What are the major brands that you carry?

Some of the lines we carry exclusively are Face à Face and Lafont out of Paris as well as X-Tassy, Tricolore, Fendi, Coach, Bellagio, Koali, Kliik and Fysh.

Accessorise your eyes with this green and bronze frame designed by X-Tassy.

How durable are the frames?

The fact is that not all frames are made equal. Some frames are more expensive because they are made of higher quality materials and so they will last longer and look better longer. How long a frames lasts also depends on how an individual takes care of it. Most people don't realise that just by washing their glasses they remove materials such as sweat that can cause their frames to corrode over time. At Eye Q, we provide information for on our clients on how to care for their glasses.

I can see you take me seriously even in these camouflage-inspired frames. Designed by Jai Kudo.

Which frame is the most popular?

At the moment colourful metals with decorated temples (sides) are in vogue. But as you know fashion is ever changing.

What are the prices like?

Frames can cost as low as $4,000 or as high as $40,000. It all depends on what you fall in love with.

Who says glasses have to be nerdy? You will see clearly in this trendy black and white frame designed by Kashiyama.

What should be considered when choosing a frame?

The shape of your face and your skin tone will determine the style and colour that suite you. It is important that the frame you choose is well fitted, that is, your eyes are in the centre of the frame. Your prescription is also important in determining what type of frame will be good for you.

Model: Latesha Coleman from Pulse Entertainment Group Limited. Eye Q Optical is located at Shop 10 Lower Manor Park Plaza and 8 St. Lucia Avenue, New Kingston.