Imagine the future of optics—envision a moment where the full potential of the industry is thoughtfully considered.
In 1919, Sidney and Percy Kirk embarked on this very journey, and now, two generations later, Jason and Karen Kirk continue to uphold their founding principles. A century of innovation and vision has brought us to this pivotal moment, encapsulated in their latest campaign: *Embrace the Light*.
K-Lite™ is an exclusive acrylic material developed by Kirk & Kirk, born from Karen Kirk’s creative vision in a studio filled with vibrant glassware from the 1960s and 70s. It is a world where light transforms objects and shadows inspire imagination. K-Lite™ embodies the translucent essence of Karen’s atelier, with frames that invite light to pass through, while bespoke colorways enhance unique skin tones, creating the signature Kirk & Kirk aesthetic.
Yet, K-Lite™ is not just about its visual appeal—it’s designed for performance. This versatile material is approximately 70% lighter than acetate, offering unparalleled comfort. Our 10mm collections are virtually weightless, resting effortlessly on the bridge of the nose like a whisper.
K-Lite™ represents the future of optics while staying true to the craftsmanship honed over generations by skilled artisans and innovators. No shortcuts are taken, K-Lite™ is meticulously crafted from sheet form and hand-made in our artisanal factories in France and Italy. This blend of advanced technology and time-honored handwork culminates in eyewear that meets the highest optical standards.
As the future approaches rapidly, optics must embrace the inevitable transformation. Our new campaign, Embrace the Light, reflects this future—a fusion of human models and AI enhancements that allow us to embrace the path ahead while honoring our legacy.
Kirk and Kirk invites you to join us in embracing the light of tomorrow.
Launching at Silmo, ‘Falcon’ and ‘Cat’, two new styles in the Kirk and Kirk Centiles Collection .
Handcrafted in France using the bespoke K-Lite™ material, the Falcon and Cat frames are a true representation of Karen Kirk’s design spirit. Every edge and angle is carefully polished by hand to emphasize the material’s remarkable light transmission properties.
The latest Lagoon colorway enhances the strengths of this 10mm collection, with its vivid blues and greens highlighting standout frames like Thor, a previous Silmo D’Or award winner, and Blaze, a celebrity favorite.
About Kirk and Kirk
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.
Handmade from their own special grade of Italian acrylic, their material weighs 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.
Handmade from their own special grade of Italian acrylic, their material weighs 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.
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.
More on Kirk and Kirk
Kirk & Kirk // 10 years anniversary!
Silmo ‘24 marks 10 years since Kirk & Kirk’s first collection. If that feels like a surprise it might be because British designers, Jason and Karen Kirk, have been creating eyewear for more than 30 years.
Frames of the Famous – Part 1/3: Actors
The real rockstars of our world are all about subtlety and authenticity! They don’t need to plaster a massive logo on their face to make a statement.
Instead, they choose quality over pretense and amplify their identity through high-quality, meticulously designed eyewear, becoming true ambassadors of Independent Eyewear Design.
Kirk and Kirk // Get a share of Independence
Ever thought of owning shares in an independent eyewear brand like Kirk & Kirk? Sign up now for access to invest ahead of the public launch.
Kirk and Kirk // New colour addition for Kaleidoscope
Kirk and Kirk Eyewear has spiced things up with a new colour addition to their Kaleidoscope collection. It’s named Melon, but we think it looks more like a zesty orange! It’s easily one of our top picks, with its pairing of vibrant orange and pink creating a warm, spring-like vibe. But hey, if orange isn’t your jam, don’t worry! Kirk and Kirk offer a rainbow of other colours to match your style.
Kirk & Kirk // The World’s First Handmade Acrylic Sunglasses
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...
Silmo Eyewear Exhibition Vlog Part 2 | Exploring #KirkandKirk #SabineBe & More!
In the vibrant world of fashion and innovation, The Optical Gallery’s, Nik continues his journey around Silmo Paris in his Part 2 vlog. He finds himself immersed in a whirlwind of creativity and style, exploring the very essence of cutting-edge eyewear trends....
The Eyes Have It // A brand new podcast by Kirk & Kirk
Kirk & Kirk are releasing a new series of podcasts called “The Eyes Have It”. Co-founder Jason Kirk meets luminaries from the worlds of sport, music, film and fashion in a series of intimate discussions that not only reveal their relationships with...
Kirk and Kirk // Reinforcements Have Arrived
The Kirk & Kirk team is happy to announce that Nick Boys has joined their team. Nick will cover the South of England while Andy Heslop will continue to look after the North and Scotland. [bne_testimonials layout=”slider”...
Kirk and Kirk // Limited Kaleidoscopes
Our friends at Kirk & Kirk Eyewear have launched a limited edition collection of nine, brand-new frame combinations. There are only 30 sets in the world, all based on the most popular styles from their Kaleidoscope Collection, which are only available through the...
Kirk and Kirk // London Design Festival Pop-Up shop
Iconic British eyewear designers KIRK & KIRK has opened a special pop up shop to celebrate London Design Festival. The innovative shop is part of the brand’s major expansion plans after a boom in demand following the pandemic. The award winning UK designers...
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