Garrett Leight is going green! Look out for the green BIO label on the arm. This means your frame is made with an innovative, sustainable material – a bio-acetate that is bio-based and biodegradable.
BIO-Acetate
Bio-acetate is made from renewable resources present in nature, it is derived from partial plant matter and is recyclable, biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Biodegradable and Compostable
Being classed as biodegradable means the material has to exceed 90% bio-degradation in 6months (it reaches this figure in under 115days). It is considered compostable which means it has no negative impact on the plants.
Extra’s
It’s not just the frames which are going green! The cleaning cloth is made from 80% recycled plastic bottles, the case uses animal free suade and the case wrapper is made from FSC-certified recycled paper.
Fran has passed her final examinations with flying colours. She is now a fellow of British Dispensing Opticians! Well done Fran!
First Class
After achieving a 1st class honours degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from Anglia Ruskin University, Fran gained experience at independent opticians in Cambridge and Darlington before joining the team at Grey Street. Here, she has completed her 5 years of training and taken her final exams to register as a fully qualified Dispensing Optician. We are very proud of her!
Celebrations
What better way to celebrate, than with a new pair of glasses? Fran has chosen this stunning Jacques Marie Mage frame to mark her achievement. How fantastic does she look?!
Founded in 2019 by eyewear guru’s Salma Rachid and Rosario Toscano, AKONI are the new “must have” luxury eyewear brand. The name derives from the Latin word meaning Inestimable, priceless, worthy of admiration. This forms the ethos of the brand, it’s people and of course the frames themselves, which do not disappoint!
Akoni collection was created for those who appreciate timeless design, exceptional materials, and uncompromising craftsmanship – real differences that you can see and feel. We love that they are environmentally responsible, using planet-friendly materials and processes whenever possible. For example, their cellulose acetate is made from renewable woods and cotton. The packaging relies on recyled cardboard and is complete with a recycled microfibre cloth.
Japanese Craftsmanship
As founder and former designers at DITA eyewear, Salma and Rosario know a thing or two about high quality eyewear. They have a close partnership with the most respected artisans and producers in the Fukui region of Japan. Fukui has long been the home of the world’s finest eyewear creators, celebrated for their unmatched precision and skills. The regions craftsmen are very selective, choosing only to collaborate with those who closely align with their values and high standards.
The Japanese materials are unmatched in their quality. Akoni use the world’s finest lightweight titanium, built for a lifetime of use. They are hypoallergenic, and they will not tarnish or corrode. The Zyl acetate frames have unmatched density, strength, beauty, luster, and an incredible ability to always maintain its shape and resist shrinkage. Special attention was given to designing lightweight hypoallergenic ceramic nose pads, always cool to touch with ribbed lines to ensure a comfortable, non-slip fit. Akoni is intent on offering higher quality, longer lasting frames which will look new after years of use.
Zoom in
A closer look at an Akoni frame reveals an array of distinctive and intricate details. Tactile knurlings on temple fronts, rounded acetate temple tips and a threaded screw system to avoid the frustrating lost screw! We particularly like the adjustable temple, altering the side length allows us to perfectly tailor the frame fit.
No Need to Shout
At Grey Street we believe that good design doesn’t need to clamor for attention. Akoni embraces this ethos by avoiding large logos, allowing the eye to focus on sleek design and finely crafted details.
Out of this World
The Akoni eyewear collections are named after the wonders of astronomy and human explorations of the cosmos. Where our sense of curiosity was born, and our drive to reach the boundary of human capability was discovered to be infinite…
Etere
Inspired by the mysterious fifth element the ancient’s believed held our galaxy in place, Etere styles are crafted from eco-friendly cellulose acetate and named for the constellations.
Sagitta
LeoHercules
Altitude
Altitude styles are modern interpretations of flight-inspired classics that take their names from the remarkable celestial objects comprising our galaxy.
Europa
Eris
Horizon
Horizon artfully combines the thin profile and lightweight strength of titanium with the beauty and substance of eco-friendly cellulose acetate.
GalileoCamera
Delta
With each of Delta’s wire-frame styles named for a legendary spaceflight program, we’re reminded that our dreams of the stars begin on terra firma.
GenesisPioneer
Optima
Borrowing its name from the Latin word for “best,” Optima styles are extraordinarily challenging to produce and often available in extremely limited supply.
All new to Grey Street, Newcastle, the North-East, England, and in fact the whole of the UK! We are delighted to be the first UK stockist of HUG Spectacles!!!
We had heard a rumour that one of our favourite people in the global eyewear industry had something new and exciting up his sleeve. Having worked with Jochen for many years with Reiz (a longstanding GREY ST. favourite) we know his eyewear ideals are well aligned with those of our Grey St. clientelle. We met up with Jochen in a Paris hotel for our first glimpse of HUG spectacles…
He was joined by Thomas, another familiar face from Reiz, and master-craftsman and designer Frederic. The name HUG is made from the initials of the three surnames Hobmaier, Utz and Gotbrod. Very simple, but with a literal meaning: an embrace is both beautiful and fitting, reflecting a way of working and conveying an attitude.
The glasses have a simplicity too. Nothing fancy, just timeless and unique frames, beautiful shapes, great materials, master craftsmanship, and a lot of love for every detail. There is a luxurious feel to the acetate and the hinges, and temple inlays are of the highest quality. HUG have made stunning glasses with some of the highest production standards we have seen. We knew we were bringing them back to Grey Street!
While designing, Fred listens to old blues classics, which first became working titles for the frames and then eventually developed into the model names..
HOOKER
In homage to John Lee… Could you find a cooler pair of shades?!
PEEBLES
Tribute to Mrs Ann Peebles. We love this shadowrose colour!
BESSIE
Her majesty Bessie Smith, empress of the blues! Also comes in a larger size, big Bessie!
JOHNSON
Tribute to the late, great Robert Johnson. Available as sunglass or optical. Has a smaller brother, little Johnson.
PATTON
Shadow colourway with gold details. Blues musician Charley Patton.
MCTELL
Your everyday companion!
There are many more styles and colours available. The best way to see the full collection is to let us know when you are coming, by booking a frame consultation here: https://www.greyst.co.uk/appointments/
Last call for glasses, cloths, cases or gift vouchers! We are closing early at 12.30pm on Saturday for Xmas Eve.
We do have some availability for eye tests and frame consultations through Christmas week. These slots are in short supply so if you’re planning a festive visit, please book your appt here:
