Charlotte in Martin & Martin 'Fritz'

Charlotte Jordan is a star optometrist studying for her PHD, while lecturing at Auckland University and working as an optometrist at Green Lane Hospital and Auckland’s Eye Institute.  Charlotte said she heard we had the best frames in Auckland and took time out from her busy schedule to organise some new gigs for herself.  We think she looks fab in her new Martin & Martin 'Fritz'.

James McDonald in OG 'Mistinguett'

Television producer, pool shark and all round good guy James McDonald looking hot in his new Mistinguett by Oliver Goldsmith.  Funny thing is James' wife came into High St to get her eyes tested and James walked out with the new sunnies!  

Oliver Goldsmith Mistinguett circa 1967

URBIS Features Great Design

We received an email through our website today asking about the Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses featured on page 26 of the latest URBIS magazine.

We had no idea about this and so Kimberly (who is the most svelte and fastest of us all) rushed out to buy URBIS.

And there ......looking awesome was The Fuz........designed in 1966 this is one big, bold pair of sunglasses......its a standout winner this summer......and not just cos kiwis have gone mad over the 1960's and 1970's but because quite clearly its another design classic by Oliver Goldsmith.

The Fuz is instore at Teed St and High Street.

URBIS Magazine Issue 59, p. 26

Specs and Rock N' Roll

We’re wondering whether we should be paying U2 a commission.  This week we’ve been inundated with past and new clients from many parts of New Zealand wanting to update their specs in time for the U2 concerts.  We have never thought of marketing our services specifically to rock enthusiasts but it makes sense. U2 have been around since the mid 70’s making the average age of die hard fans about 45 to 50.  That’s a scary thought for our Kay who, back in the early 80's, jumped security to talk to Bono backstage at the Logan Campbell Centre… but she’ll just have to get over it… cos aging rockers with declining sight make fantastic speckies.

Rupert in Dita 'Grand Reserve'

One of our favourite clients Rupert Smith looking great in his Dita Grand Reserve.  We have a new shipment of Ditas clearing customs now and should be in store Monday. 

TOUCH DOWN ZERO G

Our newest eyewear range has just arrived.  Zero G is a fresh take on eyewear with an emphasis on classic styling but with a modern feel. Although they don’t actually defy the laws of gravity, Zero G frames are very very light indeed.  They are alsotough, have no screws, have no solder points and most importantly they look fantastic. We spent a long time search for this special range and what is even more exciting …. we are bringing it to this part of the world for the first time.

Some people might be interested to find out that Zero G is  American designed and handmade in Japan from 100% surgical Titanium but what most people will be interested in is that these frames look fantastic and are incredible comfortable to wear.

EYEWEAR REVOLUTION happening right now!!

Historically impressive things have emerged out of hardship. After the great depression of the 1930’s young Americans did what they could to enjoy life and flocked to the dancehalls... BIG BAND swing was born. The silky, smooth glamour of the likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Glen Miller was true American style.

What has this got to do with an eyewear blog? Well folks, the USA is where there is an EYEWEAR REVOLUTION happening right now!!  Hard times for Americans over the past few years has seen many people reject mass-culture like never before, providing an opportunity for independent, talented eyewear designers to shine.

We think its important to note the life that young independent American designers are breathing back into the industry... real grass roots innovation and talent. There is a determination to succeed, focus and an uncompromising commitment to quality.  We already have SALT, one of the most exceptionally well-designed and crafted ranges from America and we’re delighted to announce our recent addition, ZERO G. Whereas SALT is primarily acetate based, ZERO G is the PREMIUM TITANIUM range we, at MHPE have been on the look out for.   

WE have brought it to NZ for the first time and it’s in store NOW.

For years, we in New Zealand have been told by those that flog frames on behalf of the giants that great eyewear is European based. But at MHPE we know otherwise……And…….. lets face it which is more appealing…a continent that created Billy Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, NIRVANA and Pearl Jam or a continent responsible for A-ha, Nena (99 Luftballoons), Basshunter and CRAZY FROG?

Ok we know …..that’s not fair and we do still have some great independent European eyewear ranges but …..you get our point…..or if you don’t… consider it this way. Why settle for house red when you could have a bottle of Napa Valley’s finest?

More information about ZeroG and its amazing super light (zero gravity), screwless design in our next blog.