Fabulous Face-Framers

Prescription glasses have come a long way, from library to catwalk – these fabulous face-framers can be a true reflection of personality.

Being short-sighted has been a big bonus for celebrity cook Jax Hamilton. She has a designated drawer for her 36 pairs of spectacular spectacles and eight pairs of prescription sunglasses. “No one bats an eye-lid that I have 60 pairs of shoes,” she says. “So why not have loads of glasses – and they don’t have to break the bank.”

Jax even has her own name for signature eyewear. “I don’t call them glasses, I call them face furniture. I see them as an integral part of my face, just like a couch is integral to the living room. They are a part of who I am – it’s my dreads, glasses, and Cockney accent!”

Preferring her accessories large and loud, she wears big square or hexagonal shapes when she’s out and about. However, at home in Christchurch, Jax will be relaxing in her PJs with a smaller, comfortable, round Harry Potter-esque pair. The colourful character is attracted to bright, bold colours like reds and blues, and her newest pair is always her fave – her latest being black bat-winged prescription sunnies with wide tortoiseshell arms.

“I feel like a diva,” she laughs. “I love them.”

Jax always has four pairs with her when she goes out, and at least six when travelling. “As for me, it’s always how I feel at the time. I buy my glasses locally from Bailey Nelson, and it literally takes about 40 seconds to choose a pair.”

The trends to try on next year for 2020 vision are bejewelled, oversized, funky cat-eye, brow bar, and big, bold geometric shapes – so Jax will be in her element.

“It’s not if they suit me, it’s more about having the confidence to wear them. Most of mine are out-there – I just put them on and rock it.’