Over recent years, there has been a burgeoning design movement to create new and exciting eyewear. Gone are the days when glasses were just a necessity for some. Today, they are an accessory for many – with the opportunity to have different styles for different seasons and moods. Occhiali Bespoke Eyewear Boutique on Bonnygate has been a trailblazer in the field and, most recently, is showcasing new ranges from independent Scottish designer, Danielle Rattray. We met up to discover more …

Erin McNee, co-owner of Occhiali explains: “Danielle designs her eyewear at her studio, just over 60 miles away in Stonehaven. We visited her there a few weeks ago to discuss her collection and to choose frames we wanted to stock in our Cupar store.”

A graduate of the University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Danielle honed her experience in graphics, fashion design and branding, before building her reputation in international eyewear design. She says: “My collection is a combination of emotion and grit – with a romance-meets-rock aesthetic.” Bold in shape and clean in design is her signature.

Erin adds: “Danielle’s designs are strong with understated colour using the finest quality fabrication and components. It is fantastic to be able to showcase the work of such an innovative Scottish designer at the same time as knowing her eyewear is of the very highest standard – handmade in the Oyonnax region of France, using Italian Mazzucchelli acetate and Visottica hinges.”

Danielle’s trademark design is inspired by the “many strong and independent friends, musicians, artists, colleagues and women” that she knows. Erin (pictured above with a variety of Danielle’s designs) explains them further saying: “They are very cool, edgy, and really on trend. What I really love is that her chunky acetate styles are predominantly made in smaller sizes to give those with petite faces and features the option of a bold statement without the frames overpowering the face.” She adds: “The frames look great with either clear lenses for every day, or tinted as sunglasses – and if you can’t decide between them, do as I have done – opting for transition lenses so they can be both!”

 

Award winning …

Danielle’s ‘Lowe’ design won “Women’s Sunglass of The Year” award at the 100% Optical exhibition in London earlier this year. That is where Erin first met Danielle.

Danielle (pictured below with Erin) explains her work, saying: “All my products are designed from the ground up – right here in Stonehaven. We dedicate ourselves to confident design and work with small and high quality British and European manufacturers to build unique and inspiring products that can be enjoyed for generations.” All DR eyewear can be fitted with prescription lenses and come standard with a protective hard case.

See for yourself …

Pop in to Occhiali on Bonnygate to see Danielle’s ranges in store.

You can discover more on the store’s range of eyewear via their website on this link. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram via these respective link.

 

Thanks for reading.