Our latest window display!
Our Iconic ’nose and glasses’ display has been dressed with a new Autumnal look!
Featuring Sir Roderick Stewart and his gravelly-voiced words of educational wisdom and the iconic legend Prince with
delights of laughing in the Purple Rain - Both ideal as summer slips in to autumn
Are you due an eye test?
When people call up to book their eye test, they say things like, "I've been getting headaches for months" or "I'm finding that I can't see the tv". Both are definitely good reasons for getting an eye test but what we'd really love to see, is more people calling up to simply say, "I'm due an eye test". Being on top of your tests can save so much stress and strain on your eyes!
So when should you be booking in your eye tests?
- EVERY TWO YEARS!
You need to be calling up and booking in an eye test at least every two years. Even if you don't feel a difference with your eyes, or notice any straining. - UNLESS YOUR OPTICIAN HAS SAID OTHERWISE!
Sometimes we need eye tests more frequently than every two years. This is especially common in people over 40, diabetics and people who have a history of Glaucoma in the family. - IF YOU'RE GETTING HEADACHES.
If you find that you're getting headaches frequently, definitely get your eyes checked. It could be that
100% Winners!
I am delighted to announce that BE only went and won at the 100% Optical awards
The UK’s Most Engaging Practice Window
Our Iconic ’nose and glasses’ display with its multi-faceted looks was the clinching factor in winning this prestigious award
We had an amazing time with the team down in London at The Excel for The Love Eyewear Awards, the largest optical show in the UK.
If these walls could talk...
Here I am, sitting at the desk browsing through the shop photos from our photographer when I come across some shots that I know were taken here, but I can't immediately put my finger on where exactly in the shop...
It got me thinking, we so often busy our minds thinking about lots of different things, that we don't notice the things right around us! We are so lucky to be based here, so today we are taking a moment to really appreciate our beautiful shop and its history.
The Harrogate district has a rich history full of colourful characters, sensational stories, religious rebellions, proud uprisings, infamous intrigues and the great rivalries of the wars of the roses. Perhaps the most famous of Harrogate's history is its rise in popularity as the leading spa in Europe during the late 1800's. Offering 'the cure' from the spring waters of the naturally occurring artesian wells, Harrogate became renowned as a second home for visiting royalty.
Royal Parade was built in the 1840's, just after the construction of the Royal Pump Room. Royal Parade was named because it was indeed where the Crowned Heads of Europe promenaded and was known as 'the place to be'. It became the 'place to stay' as it directly overlooked Harrogate's most prominent spa, The Royal Pump Room, where literally thousands of people came to take the waters each day. And there also lies our beautiful little shop, steeped in a history all of its own.
Bespoke eyewear resides in what was originally the Royal Parade chemist, once owned by the Windermer family. Our shop front and interior is Grade II listed and dates back to 1845. The shop is full of stunning, original mirror backed mahogany with original gold leaf draw labels for medicines and medical supplies.
The Victorian Society from London come and visit our premises every year, and share with us the little golden nuggets of history that they have discovered, like the fact that during the Victorian times, our shop was visited by the Tsar of Russia!
In the 70's and 80's, an episode of 'Heartbeat' was filmed here, also, 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is', and 'The French Collection'.
The shop is a real attraction with tourists who often come in to take a look and delve into the history of this beautiful place. It really is something to behold!
We tell them what we know, but if these walls could talk, what stories would they tell? What secrets do they hold?
Sourcing the best eyewear
Stepping off the plane, and leaving the airport to the sound of buskers and the chattering tourists. We were finally in Paris. The city of love…and fashion, was going to be the backdrop for a weekend of curating. We’re on the lookout for some stylish new frames to add to our collection at Bespoke Eyewear.
Our destination was Silmo 2023. A huge expo, showcasing eyewear designers from across the world. Imagine an absolute cornucopia of every colour, material, size, and shape of frames that you can imagine. We venture here every year to meet new designers, check out the newest styles and make sure that Bespoke Eyewear is always one step ahead of the game. And this year, we were specifically looking for two new designers to bring back to the store.
Every year, this event is great…but 2023 blew us away. Huge exhibitions, with some truly fascinating designers.
You may remember that earlier in the year, we predicted the next big thing would feature a lot of metal? Hence us introducing NINE to the in store collection. Well…we were right. The new collections feature metal frames, which are strong but most importantly, light and comfortable. In fact, the new pieces are very much reminiscent of the 60’s and 70’s. Remember those huge aviator style glasses? They’re back!
You might think this is typical of fashion. But actually, what we’re seeing is the optical industry dictating the path that the fashion houses should follow. The industry needed stronger frames that could be more durable and easier to mould. And the fashion designers delivered!
The Japanese designers in particular, have really embraced the trend and have created some absolutely stunning pieces that truly blew us away. Amazing materials including metal and even leather, with intricate Japanese influences.
Images courtesy of Silmo Paris
Danny Mills new glasses time!
Back in March we were thrilled to welcome the fantastic, Danny Mills. An ex-pro footballer, who played for Leeds and England, and played every minute of England's five matches in the 2002 World Cup, and just a genuine all round nice guy, who has done some incredible work for the charity, Shine.
It was the perfect chance to introduce him to our latest brand at the time, Beautiful wooden frames, that can be completely tailored to your favourite colours and your wardrobe.
He tried on a lot...including some that didn't quite work...
And he took the chance to meet the Ian Wright 3D head!
But after all of that, we managed to find an incredible pair of frames for Danny. A strong shape that Danny wanted in a deep green wood, with red accents - to complement his dapper wardrobe!
And so the process began. Feb31st carved these glasses especially for Danny. The perfect shape, out of the perfect colours, and then even carved his name into the side - so there was no mistaking who they belong to! They personalised the glasses case, with a sample of the wood that they used and again, intricately carved his name into it.
Danny's reaction when he came in to collect them was fantastic, and it really highlighted how incredible this process really is. It's a wonderful journey from when the client first walks through our door, to when they come back to collect this precious parcel.
And that was that! Danny Mills could now run free with his bespoke glasses, and he were smitten when we saw on Sky Sports!!
