In London 1919, Jason Kirk’s grandfather and great-uncle founded Kirk Brothers, an optical designer, and manufacturer well ahead of its time. Today, Jason and Karen continue the family legacy, fusing 100 years of optical expertise with innovation and style.
Centena collection
Kirk & Kirk have become synonymous for their experimental use of colour, and sympathetic and creative frame shapes within the eyewear industry, the Centena collection is no exception drawing on the 100-year legacy. As with Jason’s grandfather and great-uncle, Sidney and Percy, Jason and Karen are constantly looking for ways to innovate and educate both customer and industry, looking to the future and drawing inspiration from their heritage, from materials to customer services.
Centena the latest Kirk & Kirk collection uses a special grade of Italian acrylic as an alternative to the usual acetate which gives the frames a lightweight quality offering the wearer comfort, style, luminosity, and function. For the first time in eyewear manufacturing, the Centena collection uses handcrafted 10mm acrylic, substantial, yet lightweight each frame is a design statement. The frame design uses beveled and angled edges and shapes, throwing light across the face.
As a designer, Karen Kirk is inspired by sculpture, architecture, Murano and Moser glass. With a background in graphic design, Karen is inspired by design and art but as an optical designer and wearer, she is focused on ensuring that the frames flatter the face and compliment the style of the wearer.
The Centena Collection is available in 10 unique and flattering styles across 10 monocolour options. Each frame is like an individual sculpture revealing the glass -like properties of the material and the confident angles and shapes of the frames.
Jason Kirk:
“Colour in eyewear is an art. Just like makeup or clothing, some colours will suit you better than others. Your eyes have a very definite colour that can be enhanced with a hint of blue or a touch of green to complement the hazel.”
About Kirk & Kirk
Jason and Karen Kirk have over twenty years in optical design, manufacture, retail, and distribution both nationally and internationally. Jason has a background in sales and marketing, he has worked in the leadership and motivation of a team which started off as a small family business but swiftly became an international network of reps, agents, and distributors. Karen worked as a graphic designer for many businesses in-house and freelance before entering the world of optical design. Karen has over twenty years design experience. Eyewear is not only Jason and Karen’s experience and knowledge, for Jason it has been his heritage and his upbringing. Jason is the third generation in optics in the Kirk family.
As my parents were opticians, I spent every Saturday in my Dad’s practice in Kingsbury from the age of about three trying on every frame, every week, several times.
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