After browsing the Savile Row website, trying to find some photos of this unique handmade frame that Martin is wearing, I realized it was actually bespoke and there were no images of it. And that is exactly what they do at Algha Works, ever since they founded their spectacle factory on Fish Island in east London in 1932. This Quadra frame is crafted from 18kt rolled gold and finished in either a 18kt gold or rhodium (silver color) plating. It features square shaped lenses with rounded edges, a classic bridge with adjustable nose pads, and are fitted with thin, light weight pear tip temples especially for this TEF shoot.
Retro shapes remain the foundation of their Savile Row collection, and are still popular after John Lennon made the round-eye famous in the sixties, as well as the timeless ‘panto’ style worn by Eric Clapton.[nivoslider id=”12355″]
These days, it is the only frame maker left in Britain, the factory is still in business today producing glasses under the Savile Row brand – and mainly exports its products. The original machines are still used to hand-craft the spectacles, which have been worn recently by the likes of Harry Potter, Denzel Washington and Johnny Depp.
Famous fans include Ralph Lauren who wears the Panto 47 with silver skull temples, Robin Williams who has worn the Beaufort Panto with a chestnut front, Sean Connery in the Diaflex High Mount Gold and the Queen who has been spotted wearing the Half Moon style. Using antique tools and machines, the craftsmen can even make entirely bespoke frames for which customers can specify eyeshape, type of bridge, type of temple, temple tip colour, frame metal colour, rim colour and lens type.
For more information, visit their website.
Shooting: TEFdoesSUISSE
Eyewear: Bespoke Quadra by Savile Row
Model: Martin Graf, editor in chief at EYEcom
Photographer: Tania Cater
