Summer eyewear is visibly different

Nearly every recognized designer label associated with fashion has found its way into the sunglasses business. From progressive stylist Vivienne Westward to celebrity icon Britney Spears, there is a growing selection of designer eyewear on the market ensuring that consumers in Taiwan never run short of choices.

Once monopolized by European brand names, now most optical outlets and department stores stock a selection of Japanese labels vying to provide the latest innovative eyewear. The Asian brands are often preferred for their original handcrafted designs that are not so easily replicated.

"Like hand bags, 90 percent of the impostors [fake brand-name sunglasses sold illegally] are well made and most people cannot tell the difference," said Yang Ming-zhe (楊明哲), a Taipei optician who owns and operates Mei Gong (美光), a popular eyewear store in Taipei's Zhongxiao East Road shopping district. "Why would someone spend NT$10,000 to NT$20,000 for glasses that look identical to a pair someone else paid NT$2,000 for?"

According to Yang, brand seekers are turning to Japanese labels and finding the Asian-designed vision wear to be more suited to their face shape.

High-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi and Prada are being outsold in Taiwan by Japanese newcomers Yellows Plus, Spivvy, Spec Espace, Christian Roth, and Less Than Human, said Toshimoto Shou (周俊元), a sales representative with Ishii Trading, a company that distributes Japanese eyewear in Taiwan.

"European glasses are manufactured with a Caucasian face shape in mind; Japanese designers make glasses to suit an Asian face shape," he said and explained that the differences include wider, more rectangular eye frames and lenses with a slighter nose bridge.

2005 FASHION EYEWEAR

Japanese brands tend to be more conservative and basic in shape and color than European designs, but their urban and vintage-inspired looks are equally unique and trendy.

Japanese manufactures favor handmade or finished work and the result is detailed craftsmanship and touches that set their work apart form other brands.

Combining a plastic frame around the eyes with titanium arms, Yellows Plus produces glasses that are both light and strong, making it one of the most sought-after labels, Shou explained.

Tortoise shell Ko Doya Jinjiro (匠角矢甚治郎作) glasses with bamboo frames has also gained public attention recently, owing in part to Demos Chiang (蔣友柏) -- famed son of a former president -- who sports the glasses on the cover of this month's GQ Taiwan magazine.

European designs for summer 2005 are more retro, with shield-like lenses inside large square or oval frames. Most styles remain consistent with the designer's brand image; for example, Chanel sticks to chunky, thick frames in glossy or matte black, while Dolce & Gabbana glasses have a more glam-chic look with gem-encrusted frames in a range of colors.

When it comes to athletic eyewear, American and European brands still dominate the market with Oakley, Adidas, Fila and Nike favored by athletes and active types in Taiwan.

WHERE TO BUY

The latest in Japanese and European designer eyewear can be found at department stores and optical outlets island-wide. Popular Japanese brands such as Yellows Plus, Spivvy and Specs Espace average NT$8,500.

European labels have a wider price range starting at under NT$2,000 but reaching as high as NT$25,000. Most designer frames can also be altered to fit prescription lenses for an additional NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 per pair.