Kirk Originals

Kirk Originals Kirk Originals is a British eyewear brand specialising in premium sunglasses for men.

Tastefully bridging past and present, London-based Kirk Originals combines authentic, generational craftsmanship and refreshingly modern design. The re-discovery of a vintage frame collection was the catalyst that inspired the launch of Kirk Originals. A cult British eyewear brand with a rich heritage as one of London’s coolest brands, Kirk Originals rose to fame in the early 1990’s worn by bands

like Oasis, The Brand New Heavies, and The Young Disciples, and in Hollywood where movie stars Julia Roberts, Liv Tyler, Antony Hopkins and Gary Oldman all wore Kirk Originals. Under the ownership of International Retail Architecture and Design Consultants, IDL, the brand continues to evolve and innovate while maintaining its individuality through modern design and use of the finest materials. Returning to its position as the optical brand that re-invented vintage shapes for a modern audience we have now combined this with a strong architectural view and graphic eye. Retaining our London style with an injection of European expertise, Kirk Originals frames are designed in London and handcrafted in France and Italy. Now under the new ownership of International Retail Architecture and Design Consultants IDL, the brand continues to evolve and innovate while maintaining its individuality through contemporary design and use of only the finest materials. Returning to its original position as the fashion optical brand that re-invented vintage shapes for a contemporary audience we have now married this with a strong minimalist architectural and graphic eye. Retaining our Britishness with an injection of European craftsmanship, Kirk Originals frames are designed in England and handcrafted in France and Italy.

There won't go a day where we don't post Sir Michael Caine and his glorious frames.
08/08/2022

There won't go a day where we don't post Sir Michael Caine and his glorious frames.

It takes a grand total of 72 hours to create a pair of Handcrafted frames; our premium collection is made in micro-batch...
04/08/2022

It takes a grand total of 72 hours to create a pair of Handcrafted frames; our premium collection is made in micro-batches of around 15 pieces per style. The process closely mimics bespoke-making and takes place in our small workshop in England. ⁠
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From the frame design to sculpting and polishing the front and temples, our small team is full of skilled artisans that create a product with incomparable quality, made entirely by hand in a one-by-one process.

Not for the shy or retiring, Bridewell is an angular statement frame that takes a British “spy” classic and streamlines ...
03/08/2022

Not for the shy or retiring, Bridewell is an angular statement frame that takes a British “spy” classic and streamlines it for contemporary wear. With swept round lugs and deep temples embellished with three pins, each part of this frame has been shaped to create a nonchalant softness.

Inspired by the rapidly shifting styles and energies of London in the 1960’s the Aftermath model is a bold and arrogant ...
02/08/2022

Inspired by the rapidly shifting styles and energies of London in the 1960’s the Aftermath model is a bold and arrogant rectangular shape with sharply angled details across the browline and temple lugs. With silver pins to the front and temple and a subtle silver raised tongue icon on the ear tip we have added a decorative swagger to an already bold frame silhouette.

The Burton. A classic rectangular frame from our Handcrafted range. With a subtle arch to the brow line and a substantia...
01/08/2022

The Burton. A classic rectangular frame from our Handcrafted range. With a subtle arch to the brow line and a substantial heft to the temple depth this style deftly balances effortless summer style with bold impact.

The Anthony is undeniably a statement frame with its sharp tear-drop lenses that connect with a triangular double-bridge...
31/07/2022

The Anthony is undeniably a statement frame with its sharp tear-drop lenses that connect with a triangular double-bridge. The raised top brow adds more definition, resulting in a pair of sunglasses that scream confidence. ⁠
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Here's what our Creative Director Mark Brown had to say about the Anthony style he created:⁠
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"It’s a navigator, not an aviator! The double bridge and rectangular lens say so. This one came about after seeing an old press cutting of David Bowie attending Marc Bolan’s funeral – The Thin White Duke hiding behind oversized navigators and sporting a fedora."

Here’s to the weekend, with slow mornings and busy nights!
29/07/2022

Here’s to the weekend, with slow mornings and busy nights!

Our optical frames have been designed using the time-honoured method of sketching with pen and paper. Stamped in gold fo...
28/07/2022

Our optical frames have been designed using the time-honoured method of sketching with pen and paper. Stamped in gold foil, each frame bears the name of a location outside our studio’s front door on Blackfriars Lane – a little reminder that Kirk Originals is a London brand through and through.⁠
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All of our frames are built for a lifetime of wear, and with our optical range, we want to ensure that you are more than content with how they look, feel and perform on you. We’ll happily glaze your lenses according to your prescription. If you have any questions or queries please don't hesitate to contact us.

A look inside Antony Gormley’s High House studio, Norfolk.Photo by François Halard.
27/07/2022

A look inside Antony Gormley’s High House studio, Norfolk.

Photo by François Halard.

The production process of our Handcrafted collection is time-consuming and intricate, which is why we only produce each ...
26/07/2022

The production process of our Handcrafted collection is time-consuming and intricate, which is why we only produce each style in limited numbers. Cut by hand, our frame front goes through several steps of filing, sanding, and polishing, both with a file and machine. With no guidelines to follow, these steps can only be executed by experienced craftspeople.

Inspired by classic aviator frames that were worn in the driving seat, the Reed model has subtle motoring features and a...
25/07/2022

Inspired by classic aviator frames that were worn in the driving seat, the Reed model has subtle motoring features and a design that’s reminiscent of the heyday of automotive design, the 1960s. With its filled-in bridge and curvaceous lines, there are equal amounts of boldness and nonchalance that come with wearing this frame.

Design notes on our Black and Blue silhouette from Creative Director, Mark Brown. "Black and Blue is an aviator represen...
22/07/2022

Design notes on our Black and Blue silhouette from Creative Director, Mark Brown.

"Black and Blue is an aviator representing the band in all of their 1970s glory. I wanted to capture the perfect aviator but give it something unusual, something truly eye-catching and so the yellow lens came into play.

The iconic lips sit on the ear tip in a raised silver and there's a slimline silhouette used to offset the oversized lens. Pure Rock’n’Roll style!"

Address

17 Blackfriars Lane
London
EC4V6ER

Telephone

+442072481238

Website

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