Monocles Poised for Comeback Thanks to British Eyewear Chain
One singular Sensation. Photo: Getty Images
You're in luck. British opticians chain Vision Express is bringing back the monocle by popular demand, the Telegraph reports.
That's right -- we said "popular demand."
The eyewear boutique decided to restock the one-eyed lens -- typically seen on Mr. Peanut, The Penguin, and rich old men a hundred years ago -- after receiving several requests, according to the paper.
"To our surprise we've had dozens of requests from customers in the last few months, so we thought we'd bring back the monocle on a trial basis," Vision Express CEO Bryan Magrath explained to the source.
"We're as puzzled as anyone by the interest, but we're a responsive retailer and we are delivering.
"I guess it's one of those inexplicable fashion things.
"I'm not convinced that a monocle is going to clinch the deal at a job interview, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't a conversation starter."
Yeah -- a conversation that starts with "Why the hell are you wearing a monocle?!"
For those who aren't up to speed on obsolete eyewear, the monocle is a circular corrective lens attached to the wearer's clothing by a string and was popular with upper-class men as well as German military officers during World War I.
Now there's a ringing endorsement.
The monocles will retail for £50 (about $81) and will be available in London shops, though they may eventually be stocked across Britain if they prove to be a hit.
Dare we dream?
Meanwhile, for what's hot in modern eyewear, check out Gucci's new ski goggles.
Tyler Brule Describes the Value of Retail to Media
Jeff Jarvis on the Evolution of News Dissemination
The Survival of Print Media
Tyler Brule Predicts the Future of Media
Mike, 12-12-2009, 9:29PM
As someone who always forgets his reading glasses a monacle on a rope around my neck seems like a logical solution to reading a label in the drug store or a menu at a restaurant. I want one but $80 is gonna hard to justify. For $30 or $40 I'd get one today.
Reply »