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.
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.
Shooting: TEFdoesMADRID
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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