The World’s First Handmade Acrylic Sunglasses

The Kirk family have been shaping optics for over a century.

Since Sidney and Percy Kirk converted a dilapidated sewing machine into a lens cutter in 1919, they have pushed the boundaries of eyewear.

Today this British family business is run by Jason and Karen Kirk who will be exhibiting for the first time at Pitti Uomo to introduce the first and only, hand-made acrylic sunglass collection in the world. It has taken five years to develop this unique material which is incredibly light and allows for a bold, chunky frame to be worn comfortably all day.

Creative Director Karen Kirk has a fascination with color analysis; where colors correspond to seasons, based upon variations of warm and cool tones. Enter Iris Lavender, Crimson Red, Cool Lilac, Cheeky Raspberry, Classic Tortoiseshell and warmer tones including Corn Yellow, Tiger Orange, Earthly Walnut and Zen Sage.

Complementing the distinct palette are its retro-inspired iconic shapes, each of which give the collection its contemporary edge culminating with design innovation through a unique sandblasting technique that has enabled Kirk & Kirk to re-shape their very own grade of Italian acrylic.

“Throughout the creative design process I was focused on standout colors that are flattering to the wearer and their skin tone, rather than finding the right accessory to match an outfit.” - Kirk & Kirk designer, Karen Kirk.

In her quest to flex the design process, Karen Kirk also opted to incorporate the use of metal for the temples, juxtaposing the fronts and spring joints in matted acrylic with Alpaca Silver temples, an alloy of Copper, Nickel and Zinc, often used in jewelry because of its flexibility and durability. Offset by a myriad of gradient lenses, this unique collection echoes a bold wave of sculptural inspiration.

For Pitti Uomo we are show-casing eight shapes, each available in eight colors plus a series of limited-edition colors for Spring/Summer ‘24.

All frames are hand-crafted in Italy, finished to the highest optical standards and fitted with fully protective high grade lenses. Launching at Pitti Uomo January and available in store from February 2024.

kirkandkirk.com