Off to the Beach — Recycled, Socially Conscious and Truly Unique

Named after the founders’ grandfather, who taught them their craft in his sawmill, the “Bud” model is a hybrid cross between an aviator and Clark Kent-style hornrims.

Beach season is here and you know that people lounging on the beach will be observing you as you frolic in the sun.  Your sunglasses are an important part of your look, so why not give them something to really stare at?

The Bogus frame is a vintage, round, unisex shaped frame that calls for attention. It comes in Red, Blue and Black Bamboo.

Proof, a company that specializes in handcrafted sunglasses made from wood and eco-friendly plant-based plastic, recently released a new line of sunglasses made from recycled skateboards.  Think about it:  Skateboards are meant to take a lot of punishment, so the wood – 4 or 5-ply Canadian maple, often covered with an additional layer of exotic wood for looks – is really tough.  Skateboards also have their own place in the world of art, so the colors are fun, unique and definitely beach-worthy.

The frames are coated with a sweat/water proof wood seal to help withstand the rigors of the beach environment, and they come with a custom wooden case as well as a microfiber pouch for those times when you need less bulky storage.  Each frame is laser etched with the company’s logo and a quote inside the temple.

What’s even more loveable about these sunglasses is their social impact — not only on the environment, but also on people in need.  For every pair sold, Proof donates a portion of the profit to charity organizations, such as a nonprofit organization in India that provides surgery to restore sight to people with cataracts.

The Bud sunglass is a modern classic shaped frame. The Bud is part of the Skateboard collection which is handcrafted and assembled from 5 ply canadian maple skateboard decks. This unique skateboard construction makes them very durable and one of a kind.

Never heard of Proof as a brand?  Well, it’s a relatively new company, founded in 2010 by three brothers who grew up working in their grandfather’s sawmill.  Obviously, they love wood, and they have that kind of personal pride in the product that only can be found a family-owned business that sells handcrafted items.  It’s an all-American success story.  They started the company in a garage in Eagle, Idaho and imbued it with their own morals:  exquisite craftsmanship, sustainability and giving back to help those in need.  It’s heartwarming to see a company with such a moral foundation grow rapidly and reach international renown.

Providence Optical is proud to announce the arrival of Proof’s skateboard line of sunglasses – ready-to-wear or prescription. How can you not love them?

 

Just Dandy — For Summer and the Fall

The dandy look conveys casual sophistication and intellect.

This summer, RISD is celebrating the dandy look – the latest trend in menswear — with an exhibit entitled Artist/ Rebel/ Dandy: Men of Fashion.”  The program traces the development of the Dandy look from its inception in the late 18th Century to today’s modern revival.

You could call George Bryan “Beau” Brummel (1778 – 1840) the Father of the Dandy Movement. The son of a private (male) secretary and grandson of a shopkeeper, Brummel set out to disprove the old adage that “clothes don’t make the man.” Clothes were an indication of status and wealth in his era and Brummel wagered (yes, in fact, he was a gambler) that elaborate dressing and impeccable grooming would gain him status despite his humble origins.  He was right.  The Prince of Wales, who would later become King George IV, befriended Brummel and gave him a commission in his regiment.  Brummel also found patrons (read sources of income) among other members of high society, such as Lord Alvanley and the Marquess of Worcester.

Brummel and his fashion disciples frequented Savile Row in the Mayfair section of London, where “bespoke tailoring”  – clothing made to order – ensured the kind of close fit that Brummel brought into style, in sharp contrast with the loose-fitting pantaloons that those outside the dandy circle wore in the day.

The fashion trend set by Brummel lived on long after his demise – embraced not only by aristocrats, but also by middle class men who wanted to make the point that they were distinguished gentlemen.  Oscar Wilde and Charles Baudelaire can be counted among them, by their own admission.   In time, the dandy fashion also spread to women, who were called ”dandizettes.”

By the 19th Century, the term “dandy” took on a negative connotation for men.  The idea was that the guy tried just a little too hard to look impeccable.  Perfection somehow meant the man was a sissy and a snob who regarded himself as a little too high-brow to do real work.

Perhaps influenced by the Sherlock Holmes revival, the dandy look for men has made a strong comeback, and the modern interpretation has no negative undertones.  It is a statement of casual elegance and old world refinement that says “Gentleman” with a capital G — the epitome of looking elegant without trying too hard.  It also conveys an interest in intellectual and cultural pursuits.

Want this look?  Here are some pointers:

  • Start with muted tones.  Dark tones like black, gray and earthy brown work well, and white is a classic, especially for summer.  After all, Brummel himself was big on white linen. You can add a splash of contrasting color, like yellow or bright blue for added emphasis.
  • Choose jackets and slacks that are well-tailored and fitted, not baggy or skin-tight.
  • Mix patterns with solids.  Tweeds and plaids – particularly the complicated patterns like window pane or glen plaid – lend an air of intellectual sophistication.
  • Make the blend of tones and textures smooth and symmetrical.  Don’t create shockwaves with patterns or colors.
  • Choose classic shoes like oxfords or wingtips."BonVivant" sunglasses by Lunettes Kollections add the perfect finishing touch to this well-tailored dandy ensemble.
  • Add old-world accessories like suspenders or an old-style felt hat, such as a derby, bowler or fedora.  You can also swap felt for a summer look with a classic Panama hat.
  • Finish the look with retro or genuine vintage eyewear, such as Savile Row’s sophisticated round “Warwick,” Lunettes Kollektions’ “Ca Plane pour Moi” in tortoise or classic black, or classic Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.

Savile Row’s “Warwick” gives a look of friendly intellectualism that’s perfect for the modern interpretation of the dandy.

RISD’s ongoing Dandy exhibit runs through Sunday, August 18, 2013