We are delighted to have our beloved optometrist Ruth back in the eye test room on Wednesdays. You can directly book your New Year EYE EXAM with Ruth, Nic, Hajra or Rene here:
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.
We are delighted to introduce Henau eyewear to the north east of England!
100% Belgian glasses which blend optical functionality with avant-garde design and craftsmanship…
Make an Impression
Glasses are the first thing people notice when they meet someone, why not make most of this opportunity?
The GREY ST. team wanted something fun and interesting to challenge our discerning clients. We love that Henau glasses are hand drawn so they are unique and full of character. They don’t just look good but feel good too, and are renowned for expert craftsmanship.
The GREY ST. team descended on Paris last week for our annual trade show visit. It sounds romantic drinking champagne and trying on amazing eyewear all day but we promise you it’s tougher than it looks!
With our good friend Johann from MYKITA
What’s new from the show?
We couldn’t go all the way to Paris and not find something brand new. We have something really special on the way and can’t wait to show you! Be first to hear about it by following us on http://www.instagram/greyst_optician
Team effort!
Choosing glasses is a team effort at GREY ST. We are passionate about what we do and all like to be involved in the frame selection process. This helps us have an encyloplegic knowledge of our eyewear and enables us to find perfect frames for every face!
Frame Consultation
It does not matter who you speak to when you come in to our store. Everyone is fully versed in the latest eyewear trends in the UK, Europe and across the world. We are all invested in what we do and the frames we stock. Let an expert help you choose your next pair of glasses by booking a GREY ST. frame consultation today! https://www.greyst.co.uk/book-an-appointment/
The endless summer of 2018 continues with our California Dreaming late summer spectacular! Get a taste of the Golden State with up to 50% off California’s finest eye-wear brands!
Always wanted that preppy Oliver Peoples frame? How about Garrett Leight’s effortlessly cool frames, clips and shades?
And it’s not all about laid-back vibes on the West Coast…
The elegant luxury of Dita’s eyewear is also designed in the heart of California.
Come along to take a look and you could be California dreaming, too!
GLCO
After launching with just 4 frames in Venice Beach in 2011, Garrett Leight California Optical are on a rapid upward trajectory. Now they rub shoulders with the leading independent eye-wear brands on the planet. Grey St. Optician was one of the first GLCO stockists and it has been a pleasure to share the journey with them.
Each frame is named after a Venice street and embossed with VC/CA90291. They are influenced and inspired by the people, places, and stories of California. With effortless cool, they perfectly encapsulate the West coast vibe… and we love it!
Oliver Peoples:
Each Oliver Peoples frame is inspired and created in the design studio in West Hollywood, California. Remaining true to the sophisticated, intellectual aesthetic made iconic by the brand, tortoiseshell hues feature heavily in the collection.
Oliver Peoples Craftmanship
Each frame is meticulously handcrafted in a dedicated factory following a process that combines both technological advancements and the human touch. A dedicated team of highly trained technicians assembles the individual frame components and hand polishes them in a process similar to fine jewelry. The result is the finely crafted eye-wear with enduring integrity and authenticity of design.
DITA
A category of one. DITA has had the unique pleasure of serving the world’s most discerning clientele. You can’t literally see the teams of designers, research and development, or the number of months it took to make a pair of DITA frames. But you will always feel its presence when you hold it in your hands. Which is why DITA’s design and manufacturing standards are regarded as the benchmark by which all other luxury eyewear brands are judged.
Dita Eyewear
California Dreaming
Whether its effortless West coast cool, classic tortoiseshell, or a little bit of luxury, the California Dreaming – late summer spectacular is sure to have something for you!
March is an exciting month at Grey St. Optician! We have not one, but two amazing new brands to introduce.. the first of these is QUANTUM.
Our good friend Henrik Ørgreen has expanded his Ørgreen Optics portfolio with a completely new concept.
Quantum, the latin word for “amount”, has its roots in physics and refers to the smallest possible discrete entity of any physical property. Ørgreen have devised a spherical component for a new hinge which is hidden in the front of the frame – now that is discrete!
The front of the frame is 3D printed polyamide, the sides are Ørgreen’s signature material, high quality Japanese titanium. The new hinge is the magic that links the two together! Here’s a video showing how:
There is a Quantum frame for everyone; the colours include vivid hues and subtle tones, the styles range from classic to contemporary. All of the frames have the unique Ørgreen quality of being understated but with attitude!
Fun at the Fair
Here’s a little throwback to October 2017 when we were the first to see prototypes of Quantum at an international trade show. As you can see the Ørgreen stand is not only popular for their fantastic eyewear but also their amazing smoking mojito’s, Salud!
Fun at the fair
At Grey St. Optician, we are committed to finding the freshest and finest independent eyewear brands on the planet. There are some AMAZING frames out there and we have so much fun curating a collection to bring back to our boutique in the centre of Newcastle. We want you to share our passion for eyewear and look forward to welcoming you to our store!
Roll up, roll up, new Theos are in town! The most free willed independent eyewear brand on the planet has not let us down with their latest collection. Pictured above is one of the new noodle collection, Ramen.
New potato acetate frames by Theo Eyewear!
We have new potatoes which feature acetate fronts and Theos unique sprung arm – pictured is Kartoffel 14.
Or you can visit the stations of Helsinki, Antwerp and Grand Central!
Find out what all of this madness is about by visiting Grey St. Optician today.
Theo are independent eyewear aficionados! Their inspiration is to move away from mainstream glasses in favour of groundbreaking original designs. Good for them! We are always super excited when a new family of Theos arrive because they are so different from the last… not just for the Belgian chocolates we find in the box.
If you want to have similar frames to everybody else then Theo is NOT the brand for you!
If you love individuality, style and non-conformity then ‘Theo loves you’, and so do Grey St. Optician!
Anne et Valentin are launching their new 2018 collection at an Italian trade show next week, but we have them here first… THIS Sunday.
Please join us for a special preview event and see brand new frames before anyone else!
If you love a frame on the day and
pre-order it, you will receive a complimentary ‘champagne afternoon tea for two’ with our friends at 21 (usual price £37).
PLUS… We have a selection of Anne et Valentin frames from earlier collections which will be 20% off on the day…. and you still get your 21 voucher!
If that wasn’t enough, we will have a MYSTERY BRAND on display too. A collection of rare, collectible handcrafted eyewear will be in store for one day only! We can’t give any more clues, but we can tell you they are beautiful and we can’t wait to show them to you…
Our usual Super Sunday opening hours apply: 11.30am to 4.30pm. Please call or email if you would like to come and take a look!
If you are coming in for your eye-wear fix this Christmas period, we will be OPEN AS USUAL apart from:
Christmas Day – CLOSED
Boxing Day – CLOSED
New Years Day – CLOSED
Take a look at our posh new frame wardrobes:This is the ultimate gift for the eyewear collecting fanatic! You can also get Grey St. Optician vouchers, cleaning kits and tote bags!
