Meet the designer: David Rose

SALT. OPTICS never cease to amaze us. From design and craftsmanship to service and staff, this independent company does an exceptionally good job of everything.

Based in California, SALT are a bunch of passionate people who believe in "simple things made well".  Perhaps that's why their beautiful eyewear never seems to date. The designers at SALT draw inspiration from mid-century style, and revamp it using the latest technology to create eyewear that is always fresh, unique and timeless. 

Take a look at the video below  -SALT's 2011 collection - and you'll see what we mean!

We caught up with David Rose, one of the visionaries behind the SALT brand, to find out what makes him tick and what's behind such enduring design.

David Rose

What (or who) inspires you?

Floating freely between the office, ocean, wilderness and mountains.  People all around serve as valuable reference as well.  Also, sometimes it’s the most insignificant details that catch me the most.   Like contrase lining on a messenger tote or pocket detail on great coat or the quality and craftsmanship of a pair of hand sewn boots.  

What three words sum up your design ethos?

Modesty, integrity, determination.  

Best piece of fashion advice?

I always try to keep a little bit of the old but stay in the present. It’s really just about what feels good to you.  It’s always great to find little unique accent pieces too.  Like a cool pair of patterned socks or belt with an interesting buckle.  Something that lets you complement and embrace your independent lifestyle. 

Favourite frame from your range and why?

Yates.  Classic timeless styling with clean vintage accents to the endpeice.  Looks great in Matte True Navy and friendly Brownstone. 

What is your pet peeve?

Right now it’s the Japanese Yen. 

What would be your perfect day off?

Morning run at the bluffs, work my way over to the beach with family and friends, quick surf, head to the Sierra’s and traverse through the mountains in search of my favorite fishing hole. 

Matt Soop in Yellows Plus 0616

Hailing from the land of Lindberg and Kilsgaard, great style comes naturally to Matt Soop. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Yellows Plus 0616 is a perfect choice for this Danish surgeon... And it's sure to get those heart monitors beeping rapidly!

Meet the designer: Claire Goldsmith

Back when we used buy from 'big brand' eyewear manufacturers, we knew little about who we were dealing with, let alone their design philosophy. Now that we handpick our ranges from our favourite designers around the globe, we are privileged to get to know them, their passion for eyewear, and what makes them tick.

Over the next few weeks we'll be posting a series of short interviews with our designers, so you can get to know them too. This week it's the lovely Claire Goldsmith.

Claire Goldsmith

The Goldsmith name is huge in eyewear. Claire’s great-grandfather Oliver Goldsmith invented the sunglass as we know it, by creating the first ready-to-wear shades. Throughout the '60s and '70s, Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses were made famous by the likes of John Lennon, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Michael Caine. 

For the past decade, Claire has been busy breathing life back into the iconic OG shades. And since 2009, Claire's design talent has been showcased in her very own optical range, fittingly titled 'Legacy'. 

Innovative, but with an elegant nod to the past, this beautiful eyewear really makes a statement. Claire's unique frames can only be found in the world's finest optical boutiques - and now adorning the faces of many stylish Premium Eyewear clients.

'Campbell' from Claire Goldsmith's Legacy collection

'Riley' from Claire Goldsmith's Legacy collection

We asked Claire a few questions about her philosophy, and here's what she said:

What (or who) inspires you?

To leave behind a legacy and to have made a contribution to the world in some way!

What three words sum up your design ethos?

Clean. Timeless. Thought-provoking.

Best piece of fashion advice?

Don't be a slave to fashion. Rock your own style.

Favourite frame from your range and why?

Within the CG collection it’s a bit like having children, I don't have favourites. I like CG collection as a whole. Different frames for different people really.

Oliver Goldsmith is different. I didn't design it so I can be more objective about it. I have lots of OG favs. Y-Not, Audrey, Uuksu, Lord.....

What is your pet peeve?

In eyewear? Licences! Cheap badly made glasses sporting expensive brands. It's disrespectful to the brand, and even more so to the end customer charging them all that money for very little quality.

What would be your perfect day off?

A 24 hour spa massage!!!

Whether it's vintage sunglasses or edgy optical frames, Claire's passion and commitment to quality and innovation is obvious. Rumour has it Claire's got some exciting new optical frames to be released soon. We can't wait to see what she'll bring out next!

Matt Andrée Wiltens in CG Legacy 'Riley'

Here's Matt Andrée Wiltens looking like a million dollars in his new Claire Goldsmiths. Matt works for Paramount Pictures. He does PR, but he might be mistaken for a movie star when he walks down the street in these.

Nice choice, Matt!

A case of Yellows Fever!

Yellows Plus is really starting to catch on with our clients. Is it any surprise? With frames as beautiful as these, it was only a matter of time.

'Woody' in Black

609 in Smoke

 630 in Black

'Beth' in Aubergine Turtle

For craftsmanship and classic style with a kick, you can't go past this exquisite range. 

Designer of Yellows Plus, Toshiaki Yamagishi, really knows his stuff - as well as being one of the nicest people in the business. The range features high-grade titanium and Japanese Zyl in a variety of interesting colours. All frames are handmade, hand-polished, and very unique. What's more, you won't find them anywhere else in New Zealand.

Our latest shipment (some pictured above) is already racing out the door, so we're getting more in shortly. Watch this space.

Harbans Williams in SALT 'Flannery'

Here's the fabulous Harbans Williams wearing SALT 'Flannery' in Oiled Bark. This frame is classic and elegant, just like Harbans herself. Now that's what we call a perfect fit.