Introducing Kirk & Kirk Sunglasses SS2024
The World’s First Handmade Acrylic Sunglasses
The Kirk family have been shaping optics for over a century. Since Sidney and Percy Kirk converted a dilapidated sewing machine into a lens cutter in 1919, they have pushed the boundaries of eyewear.
Today this British family business is run by Jason and Karen Kirk who will be exhibiting for the first time at Pitti Uomo to introduce the first and only, hand-made acrylic sunglass collection in the world. It has taken five years to develop this unique material which is incredibly light and allows for a bold, chunky frame to be worn comfortably all day.
Creative Director Karen Kirk has a fascination with colour analysis; where colours correspond to seasons, based upon variations of warm and cool tones. Enter Iris Lavender, Crimson Red, Cool Lilac, Cheeky Raspberry, Classic Tortoiseshell and warmer tones including Corn Yellow, Tiger Orange, Earthly Walnut and Zen Sage.
Complementing the distinct palette are its retro-inspired iconic shapes, each of which give the collection its contemporary edge culminating with design innovation through a unique sandblasting technique that has enabled Kirk & Kirk to re-shape their very own grade of Italian acrylic.
“Throughout the creative design process I was focused on standout colours that are flattering to the wearer and their skin tone, rather than finding the right accessory to match an outfit.”
In her quest to flex the design process, Karen Kirk also opted to incorporate the use of metal for the temples, juxtaposing the fronts and spring joints in matted acrylic with Alpaca Silver temples, an alloy of Copper, Nickel and Zinc, often used in jewellery because of its flexibility and durability. Offset by a myriad of gradient lenses, this unique collection echoes a bold wave of sculptural inspiration.
For Pitti Uomo, the brand is showcasing eight shapes, each available in eight colours plus a series of limited-edition colours for Spring/Summer ‘24. All frames are hand-crafted in Italy, finished to the highest optical standards and fitted with fully protective high-grade lenses. Launching at Pitti Uomo in January and available in store from February 2024.
Kirk & Kirk is a British eyewear brand, whose frames are produced from start to finish in one factory in France. They are unique and recognizable due to their use of colour, which is partly due to their choice of materials.
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Eyewear: Violet by Kirk & Kirk
Model: Nurio Gomez
Handmade from their K-Lite™ material, their frames weigh a fraction compared to conventional acetate, allowing them to produce chunky-looking frames that are extremely light and very comfortable to wear.
Not only that but their frames are 100% recyclable.
Some of the latest styles by Kirk and Kirk:
Layla
Eye size: 54 - 19 - 143
Layla is an elegant upswept frame that blends understated bevels, precise chamfers, and hand-polished details into a refined silhouette, all wrapped in a smooth matte finish. Designed to command attention with quiet confidence, Layla speaks the language of effortless sophistication.
Van
Eye size: 53 - 20 - 148
Van is a frame for all seasons—effortlessly versatile, undeniably stylish. With its clean lines and balanced proportions, Van is designed to suit any gender, any occasion, offering a look that feels both contemporary and timeless. It’s the kind of frame that quietly enhances your presence, bringing an elegant confidence to every outfit.
William
Eye size: 53 - 19 - 148
William is built for those who like to think big—whether you have a larger head or simply appreciate the bold statement of oversized eyewear. With its generous proportions and strong silhouette, William doesn’t shy away from presence, yet never compromises on comfort.
Robin
Eye size: 53 - 17 - 143
Robin is a modern legend—bold, self-assured, and effortlessly cool. With its retro-inspired shape and strong lines, Robin channels vintage attitude through a contemporary lens, creating a silhouette that’s as confident as it is charismatic.
Thor
Eye size: 56 - 14 - 143
Thor is the protector—a bold, post-modern frame that channels power through precision. With its sculptural form and striking presence, Thor is a skilful concentration of strength and design, capturing attention and admiration in equal measure. It’s no surprise this frame is winning awards—and hearts—around the globe.
Storm
Eye size: 51 - 21 - 143
Storm is the hurricane—a dynamic force of design that harnesses the raw energy of nature. With its assertive shape and bold presence, Storm delivers a look that’s strong, confident, and unapologetically powerful.
Blaze
Eye size: 53 - 16 - 143
Blaze is the aviator reimagined—a frame that sets the sky alight with attitude and edge. With its commanding shape and fearless energy, Blaze is statement eyewear for those who lead with confidence and mean business wherever they go.
Finn
Eye size: 54 - 20 - 143
Finn channels the laid-back spirit of the ‘70s with a modernist twist. With its aviator-inspired silhouette, layered tones, and subtle material stepping, Finn is a masterclass in retro sophistication—crafted to turn heads across generations and genders.
Kit
Eye size: 49 - 17 - 143
Kit is the smallest frame in the collection—smart, uniform, and thoughtfully designed for petite faces. With its precise proportions and refined styling, Kit celebrates delicate features, offering a look that feels both intentional and effortless.
Michelle
Eye size: 57 - 17 - 143
Michelle is a bold, vivacious cat-eye that radiates life, confidence, and unapologetic flair. With its fierce angles and expressive shape, Michelle isn’t just worn—it takes the spotlight, both on your face and in your face.
Cecil
Eye size: 54 - 16 - 143
Cecil is all about bold definition. With its thick edges and sculptural form, this frame naturally emphasises the angles and lines of your face, creating a look that’s both structured and effortlessly cool.
Bert
Eye size: 53 - 17 - 143
Bert is a sleek, retro frame with a gentle soul. Its soft, rounded edges guide the gaze effortlessly back to the eyes, creating a natural focus that feels both inviting and expressive.
Horace
Eye size: 54 - 20 - 143
Horace is a statement piece for the modern mover and shaker—a frame that looks ahead while staying grounded in the now. With its bold lines and purposeful presence, Horace doesn’t just follow trends, it defines them.
The Kirk family have been in optics for over a hundred years.
Inspired by the innovative approach of Sidney and Percy Kirk, Jason and Karen uphold the family legacy, pushing the boundaries of eyewear, exciting and inspiring through their unique use of materials and colour.
Sidney and Percy Kirk took a magnanimous view of the profession. They believed that if the industry was successful, they would be successful, so they worked generously offering other optical folk support in setting up London factories or producing advertising books that opticians were free to use to promote their shops.
They were innovators. They developed the first flexible nose-pads, The Facifit, a game changer in retail optics. They even created a bullet proof glass that Sir Malcolm Campbell used in his goggles to set the world water speed record in the 1930s.
Three generations later, Jason Kirk, Sidney’s grandson and Karen Kirk, the Creative Director, use Kirk Brothers’ principles to guide their ship.
Jason and Karen Kirk started in optics in 1992 and built their company with retail stores and even a UK factory until they sold it twenty years later.
The Vivarium Collection 2015 used under-stated colours to highlight elements of handmade jewellery on the frames. Produced by craftsmen in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, each frame was adorned with a small Sterling Silver or 9 carat gold animal, ranging from intricate flies to noble stallions.
In 2017, the iconic Kaleidoscope Collection was launched. 8mm laminated acrylic with combination of colour that played in the light to give different hues according to the thickness of each element of the frame.
In 2019 Kirk & Kirk went even further emphasising the weight benefits of acrylic. The Centena collection is hand-made from 10mm acrylic, an innovation that allows the presence of a chunky, confident piece but with all the comfort of a super light-weight frame.
In 2020, the mini-collection, Matte Centena was born, a sub-set in sand-blasted matte colours that is the ultimate expression of the bold, presence of Kirk & Kirk eyewear.
The 2021 Centiles collections combines some of the attributes of earlier Kirk & Kirk eyewear, using laminated materials but in 10mm thickness.
Read more about this brand on TEF Magazine or visit their website.
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