I’ve been wearing glasses for almost two years now and I still remember that day I put on my first pair of glasses and I saw the world pin sharp again. Even though my prescription level was (and, thankfully, still is) relatively low, it made such a difference to my day-to-day experience of, well, just about everything. Suddenly, words and signs were clearer, colors felt truer and crisper and textures more detailed. It made the process of designing much easier and more accurate. Since getting my first pair of glasses two years ago I’ve not had an eye test so I was delighted to team up with LensCrafters to experience their new Clarifye eye exam, as well as pick out (and style up, naturally!) some new frames. Click through to see my experience and snapshots from a typical day for me in NYC.
I headed up to Westchester, NY to check out LensCrafters’ new global design look which they will be rolling out across their network of stores. Tactile wood and slate combined with stylish lighting installations and a series of easy to navigate frame displays made for a great experience in store.
As you can see, the store was super light and bright – it made getting a real, everyday feel for how my new frames would feel, a breeze.
Good eye health is super important and good vision is essential for my design activities and work with color, so I was keen to try out LensCrafters’ new digitally advanced eye exam, Clarifye. I must admit I totally geeked out by how cool the Clarifye exam was: the doctor used advanced, digital equipment to map the unique fingerprint of my eye, which allowed me to see the inside of my eye as I never had before. It was a lot less stressful than my previous eye test which was based on more of a “which is better 1 or 2?” type test. With the Clarifye eye exam completed, a helpful optician helped me pick out my new frames via a fun digital Q&A. Once I narrowed down my selections, I used their MyLook app in order to compare each pair side-by-side. With my final frames chosen, I had them fitted professionally in store using their AccuFit technology.
First stop? The paint store to pick out paint chips for a project I am working on. With all these subtle differences in shade, tone and hue between each paint color, it was great to have new frames with an up-to-date prescription in.
I love how the tortoise shell Giorgio Amani frames pair with my denim jacket and white tee. They are the perfect classic pair that will go with my everyday outfits.
Yes, I still read newspapers! Well, not everyday but I do like to buy the weekend edition of The New York Times and then read the various sections (it’s huge!) throughout the week as I travel on public transport between meetings etc.
I get much of my design inspiration from the natural environment. In fact, people often ask me ‘how do you find all these colorful places?’. My response is simple: I am continually looking around me for inspiration as I go about my day. A flash of color out the window of a cab causes me to take note of the cross streets and return later to see it up close. A line up of brightly colored bikes parked at the coffee shop makes me stop and take a picture for color reference later. I love the thrill of discovering something new…
…and I love when I find ten minutes to enjoy an iced coffee and time to read Monocle magazine, too!
I had to stop immediately when I saw this split level blue and white wall out of the corner of my eye. Not only does it match my blog branding but also the outfit I was wearing – now that’s what I call #MakeYouSmileStyle. I wasn’t lying when I said I’m always on the lookout for color!
One of the details I like about this pair of Giorgio Armani frames is the matte finish to the tortoise shell.
Here I am color hunting/catching up on emails/updating social/texting gifs to my friends as I walk around NYC!
Confession: this is my first time owning a pair of sunglasses with a prescription in – and it’s amazing! Finally, I can have pin sharp vision and not have to squint as I head about town in the sunshine.
When it comes to picking sunglasses, I often choose RayBans because I like their timeless appeal.
As you can see, I was all smiles! Do you wear glasses? What’s your favorite type of eyewear?
// Styling and art direction by Will Taylor | Photography by Jean-Laurent Gaudy | Posted in partnership with Lenscrafters, all views my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep Bright.Bazaar going!
28 Comments
Hi Will, I’ve read for a long time but this is my first time commenting as I really felt inspired by your words and pictures. I’ve felt unconfident in my glasses for sometime but reading this makes me feel like I don’t have to be embarrassed about it. Thank you. Keep on inspiring us all! Mark x
@Mark – Thanks for taking time to say hello and leave such warm words. Always feel proud and confident to be you. I’m happy to chat more on email if you like; you can reach me via the contact page. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Handsoooooooome lol xo
@Jess – Too kind, thanks! 😉
I’ve not been into a lenscrafter for years and it didn’t look like this!! Will have to check them out again. Thanks for sharing!
@Tessa – It’s a total transformation, for sure! Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Great shots of you, especially like those Armani frames
@Guy – Thanks, man!
Hi Will. Great read as ever!
What are your raybans? Love them!
@Sophie – Thank you! The are the Erika classics model.
Thanks for sharing your day Will. LensCrafters store is beautiful and your glasses look great, good choices as usual!
@Mary Beth – Thanks so much, it was a lot of fun to put this together!
Thanks for this post! I like your blue jacket, it’s “boyish”-worker style ;-( Not for a woman…
I have glasses, okay, I have three: A black frame, a blue one and a transparent. I like my
sunglasses bigger to save me from sunlight an in classic brown.
Thanks for sharing your day in NY!
@Monika – Your frames sound awesome! 🙂
The frames look awesome Will. Love them on you!
@Tom – Thank you! 🙂
Hi Will! Love the hunting day. Great photos!
@Grace – Thanks so much! 🙂
I’ll never have my eyes checked somewhere else after teaming up with Lenscrafters earlier this year, it’s a breeze!
@Josh – Right? The best!
Good day. I come from japan . nice to meet you
@Nana – Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Will! I’m new to your blog, I just finished your book “Dream Decor” and that’s where I found out about the blog…Love them both!
Can’t wait to read More!
PS..Love the new glasses too 🙂
@Sherri – Thanks so much for the kind words! Delighted to have you reading – welcome along! 🙂
You’re so handsome and talented. ???
@Monica – Thank you so much!
Hey Will! Your vibrant colors have dazzled me! And your words have made my day. Your glasses are beautiful and I’m looking forward to reading Dream Décor.
@Michelle – Thank you!