Forget the Lasik. Frames are now highly desirable fashion accessories and way too much fun to give up just so you can actually see things . . . all the time. Frankly, a low rez start to the day is not such a bad thing.
Stylish myopics, tired of the mass-produced Luxottica labels, can head down to Providence Optical on Westminster Street and let licensed, board certified optician Lee Kuczewski hook you up with unique, often vintage-inspired, eyewear (check out the flocked (!) shades after the jump) from independent eyewear companies from around the world.
Or really step it up with some custom, bespoke frames; Kuczewski also happens to be creative director of Lee Allen Eyewear, founded 10 years ago with business partner Declan Halpin. For the interesting origin story of this local custom design and manufacturing firm check out Jenna Pellatier’s piece last October in the ProJo — more proof of Malcolm Gladwell’s “Success is a function of persistence” hypothesis. The frames are made mostly out of vintage acetate.
While Kuczewski, 31, and Halpin, 37, consider Lee Allen Eyewear Providence-based, they design and manufacture frames — custom work as well as two collections each year — in a Fall River mill space.
. . . Their frames are sold at Providence Optical as well as at Labrabbit Optics in Chicago and Silver Lining Opticians in New York. They have also worked on collaborations with other brands, including New York shoe designer Oliver Clark.
This is not an inexpensive shop but these frames are good value. Plus, good sunglasses protect your eyes.
Providence Optical, closed Sunday, 210 Westminster Street, 401.351.4994
