An eyeful of quirk

MANILA, Philippines - Everyone loves a good mascot. And in my opinion, none is more memorable than that cute monkey Julius that happens to be the Paul Frank trademark. Julius embodies the playful and youthful vibe that is the brand’s signature. Paul Frank started as an eccentric Southern Californian brand selling colorful trinkets and purses. With its bright color palette and unique sensibilities, the company has attracted an almost cult-like following of all ages that loves its witty take on everyday objects. I remember as a kid how we used to squeal in delight over their merchandise. Now, they’re bringing a whole new arena of creativity to the Philippines: eyewear.

Paul Frank Optometrics celebrates the trendy and the quirky by coupling quality materials with fresh eye-popping designs. With both sunglasses and prescription lenses available, the eyewear line ranges from thick-rimmed glasses to psychedelic shades. Pops of color are integrated seamlessly into classic designs that allow for the pieces to be unique yet professional at the same time. The eyewear designs are sure to please even the most critical as the brand continues to collaborate with design heavyweights. Case in point: the spring 2011 collection is an engagement of vintage eyewear shapes with a modern design aesthetic. “Other than the shapes, the frames owe nothing to the past,” shares luxury eyewear designer Shane Baum. “And with the orange enamels and angular lines, the frames feel very Paul Frank.”

Travelogue: Channel celebrity jet setters with these sexy cat-eye frames.

The designs are made to last a lifetime. They’re a mixture of multi-level acetate, colored enamel and geometric metal insets. “They’re a bit pricey,” sales representative Con Catimbang, Jr. admits, “but you’re getting quality, and your money’s worth as they’re virtually scratch-proof.”

With pieces such as A Sacrifice To Sophistication (a preppy thin-rimmed frame with an intricate metal bridge) and My Excuse to Travel (a sharp-angled cat-eye frame with etched metal insets accented with colored enamel), one can’t help but become enamored with its air of sophisticated youth. And now that vintage is the new modern, Paul Frank Optometrics offers Filipinos a chance to take old-school geek chic to new heights, taking Julius the monkey along for the ride.

A worthy sacrifice: Be efforlessly luxe in sunnies that are designed to preppy perfection.

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Paul Frank Optometrics is available at Spex, Greenbelt 5.