From London’s East End to New York’s Manhattan, this beautiful hand-made rolled gold frame that Dr. Jen is wearing today just looks amazing on anyone. Its vintage look (and not just the look) fits a sophisticated outfit, just as well as it would fit a more urban look. This particular model “Quadra” which sophia is wearing is actually one of Savile Row‘s oldest and best selling styles. And while their frames are still made in their own London based factory, the customizability is huge, making it almost bespoke.
Our friends at Savile Row have been making eyewear for the stars for almost a hundred years at London’s Algha Works factory, where they still use the original machines brought over by founder Max Weisman in the early 30s. As the last hand-made rolled gold eyewear manufacturer in the world, they protect their remarkable heritage and take pride in their meticulous craftsmanship.
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Founded in 1898
Max Wiseman & Co was founded in 1898. In 1932, Mr. Wiseman acquired a German old-school frame factory and relocated it to London’s East End. The Algha factory, relocated from Rathenau along with its craftsmen and machines, stands to this day. The machines that were brought over are still in operation.
Participated in the war effort
During the Second World War, the Algha Works factory dedicated itself to producing eyewear for gas masks and Aviator frames for the British Armed Forces. After the conclusion of World War II, the government awarded Algha with a contract to supply all British citizens with eyewear through the NHS.
The heyday
What followed was Algha’s period of prosperity. With all British citizens as a client base, Algha grew to serve 1.5 million customers a year, with 300 employees in its building. John Lennon and Queen Elizabeth II both wore Algha frames, and John Lennon’s iconic Round Eyes were Algha-made.
Modern day
In 1988, Margaret Thatcher ended the NHS’ free glasses program. Overnight, Algha lost its customer base, and reinvented itself. Thus, Algha’s house brand Savile Row Eyewear was born. Under this guise, Algha made frames for many celebrities, including Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Ben Kingsley as Gandhi, and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter. To this day, we make vintage-style custom-made frames by hand and using the same machines that were brought over from Rathenau all those years ago.
Shooting: TEFdoesNYC
Eyewear: Quadra in Tan Leather by Savile Row
Model: Dr. Jennifer Tsai, optometrist and eyewear blogger at DrJenandJuice
