Mitzi Borren in Garret Leight 'Hampton'

Sometimes the optical stars just align and produce great beauty. Take a look at Mitzi Borren in her new Garrett Leight 'Hampton' in Demi Blonde and you'll see what we mean.

The new Garrett Leight optical range arrived at our High St store at 10am on Thursday. Mitzi wandered in at 10.10am, by 10.20am her decision was made and the rest is history.

Anna McCarthy in SALT 'Clark'

You don't become sales manager for a clothing label unless you have a great sense of style. So when Anna McCarthy of surf label Rusty needed a new pair of glasses, she aptly chose the SALT 'Clark' in Black Tortoise. 

This bold classic is distinctive enough to stand out in the crowd, yet versatile enough to suit any outfit in Anna's trendy wardrobe.

Albert, Lukas, Lawrence and Oscar Kightley

New Idea, January 9th 2012 (Click to enlarge).
Oscar's character Albert wears Martin & Martin 'Lukas' (Left),
while Oscar himself wears Zero G 'Lawrence' (Right).

With the upcoming premiere of Sione's 2 this month, we felt it would be fitting to do a feature on the talented actor, writer and comedian Oscar Kightley. A few months back, Oscar's character Albert was in need of some new glasses for the much awaited sequel to Sione's Wedding. Here at MHPE we were given the privilege to work alongside Oscar and costume designer Kirsty Cameron in choosing a new pair of frames for Albert.

Martin & Martin 'Lukas' was the winning frame - an angular, bold number in Black with Crystal temples, which compliments the sensible character of Albert and looks very smart when teamed with a suit and tie.

Oscar Kightley in Martin & Martin 'Lukas'

As Michael is now Oscar's optometrist, we were more than happy to sort out Oscar with some glasses of his own, too. Out of the spotlight, Oscar now wears the Zero G 'Lawrence' in Black surgical-grade titanium - one of the toughest, most flexible and lightweight metals available for eyewear. It's a different look for Oscar, but we think it suits him just as well.

Oscar in his own Zero G 'Lawrence'

Sione's 2 comes out on the 19th of January and we can't wait to see it. We plan to don our best jandals and head along to the premiere. Hopefully we'll see Oscar there in his new Zero Gs!

Daniel Thurston in Oliver Goldsmith 'Berwick'

A fun pair of sunnies can brighten up any dreary day. Just ask Daniel Thurston. He chose the legendary Oliver Goldsmith 'Berwick' in Black & White to last him through the summer, come rain or shine. This unique take on the aviator was originally designed for Prince Charles in 1980, but it was Princess Diana who wore it and made it famous.

You can't go wrong with frames endorsed by Princess Di, whose fashion sense was as unexpected and enduring as the grim weather forecast of late. And what better way to celebrate this wet English summer we're having than with sunglasses fit for the royals themselves?

Great choice Daniel, you pull these off with pizzazz!

Nga Waiata in OG 'Lord' and CG 'Findley'

Nga Waiata's new Oliver Goldsmith 'Lord' 

For opticals, Nga Waiata wears the Claire Goldsmith 'Findley'

All the way from Napier, here's the lovely Nga Waiata in her new Goldsmiths. For sunglasses she wears the Oliver Goldsmith 'Lord' in Bottle Green, and for optical glasses she wears the very elegant 'Findley' in Fire by Claire Goldsmith Legacy. 

Nga Waiata is a jewellery designer and yes, she designed the necklace and blue ring you see in the photos! If you'd like to see more of her jewellery, you can follow her blog at www.ngawaiata.blogspot.com.

Meet the designer: Marie Wilkinson

Cutler & Gross have been designing timeless, one-of-a-kind eyewear since 1969 when they opened their optical boutique in Knightsbridge, London. Quirky charm, classic elegance and superb craftsmanship are the trademarks of Cutler & Gross, which has endured for over four decades and only gains momentum with every passing year.

The Cutler & Gross new season collection is inspired by a love story set in 1960s Hong Kong. One of the visionaries behind this exquisite collection is Design Director Marie Wilkinson. We asked her a few questions to find out who's behind the beautiful eyewear.

What (or who) inspires you? 

I am inspired by the people always.

What three words sum up your design ethos? 

The glasses must be relevant, flattering and have a certain wit.

Best piece of fashion advice? 

Get to know yourself and select styles that suit you.

Favourite frame from your range and why? 

0822 because it is my ideal man’s frame, with elegant clean sweeping brow line; the aviator lens is a ‘nod‘ to the pilot shaped glasses Steve McQueen wore, the keyhole bridge is both a historical optical design and one that elongates the nose and is super comfortable and the lean, parallel temples are supremely elegant.

What is your pet peeve? 

Motorists being disrespectful to cyclists! (I am recent convert to London’s bicycle hire scheme)

What would be your perfect day off? 

Beach combing with my partner  and son on west coast of Harris, in the outer Hebrides.

November L.G.R. Winner: Jane Mow

Jane Mow in L.G.R. 'Victoria'

Jane Mow was the lucky winner of our November L.G.R. sunglasses giveaway. We asked our Facebook fans which of our frames they wear and why they love them. 

Jane answered:

"I wear "Clark" by SALT. I love them! I've been searching for a replacement pair for years. Michael helped me choose these & haven't regretted it since! I've had sooo many comments on how stunning they look! Plus they fit perfectly on my face. Definitely a winner!!"

For her prize, Jane chose the elegant 'Victoria' by L.G.R. This up-and-coming fashion designer certainly has taste.  She graduated earlier this year and is heading over to Sydney in January, so she will definitely be needing these!

All the best for your fashion career Jane, and congratulations - you look stunning!