Moving away from London Fashion Week, cast your mind way back in June when I told you that Will.i.am will be launching his very own eyewear range ill.i Optics with Australian designer George Gorrow. George Gorrow is renown for his progressive approach to eyewear which has built a cult following in the music and entertainment industries, adorning some of the most daring style icons of recent times. Now as we are approaching winter the collection has finally launched and I was extremely excited to see what he has to offer. Will.i.am always wore some pretty stylish frames on our TV screens so I had extremely high hopes for this range.
ill.i Opti
Judging by all the images I have seen so far I can definitely see they are something Will.i.am himself would wear. They are all statement pieces and to me all the shapes are probably more suited for men rather than the ladies but it is a unisex range. My advice is for us ladies if you have the correct face shape and want to make a statement then go for it!
will.i.am
The range consists of both optical and sunglasses styles with both metal and acetate materials available. All the frames are designed in LA and handmade in Italy so you are not just getting a signature piece from Will.i.am himself but a good quality piece too (well they should be if they are handmade in Italy).
Designer George Gorrow
Ill.i Optics inspiration
The collection was inspired by the evolution of eyewear; drawing inspiration from rare vintage shapes – twisted and reworked to create something new and fresh, progressive and timeless. Key influences include the eponymous frame choices of 1980s hip hop pioneers.
ill.i Optics – Sunglasses for women
ill.i Optics – Optical glasses for men
Further optical shapes will be launched early next year, redefined and modernised with a diverse use of finishes and materials. So stay tuned for more ill.i optics next year. As I mentioned earlier all the frames are designed to be statement pieces so only wear if you dare because they are dope! Sorry… it has to be said ;). I am looking forward to seeing the glasses for real so I can have a play and see what they feel like etc. Until you hold a pair of frames in your hand you don’t quite know what the quality will be like.
In the meantime check out the all new ill.i optics website which was launched today! Frames start from £180 for sunglasses and £170 for optical, can’t wait to see these in person!!