Walk down almost any road in Taipei and you will pass by a considerable number of optical stores. Whether it's frames, prescription lenses or a new pair of sunglasses, Taiwan offers an array of innovative eyewear, but has almost no locally designed or crafted options -- unless you are in Taichung County.
Situated among clothing and jewelry shops on the appropriately named Art Street near Donghai University (東海大學) is Hsu Shi-fu's (黃世興) studio-cum-optical shop. Hsu has been designing and making customized frames for a decade. Recently his business has expanded to include consumers from all over Taiwan.
"Only a short time ago my clientele increased [from less than 10] to 30 customers a month and I started to receive media attention," said Hsu, who claims to be the only custom-made eyewear craftsman in the country.
"Most people choose machine-made glasses because they're less expensive, and those with no price budget invest in renowned brands," he said. But a recent consumer trend to purchase handcrafted frames has resulted in a preference for handmade glasses from Japan in place of European labels and has likewise helped to boost Hsu's sales. His advantage over Japanese brands, however, is that he customizes each pair.
A soldier for 16 years, Hsu had no formal training in optometry before he changed careers. His interest in eyewear design stems from a personal hobby and from wearing glasses since he was a child. "I've always had problems with them not fitting properly. The bands were too wide and the frames too big so they would end up sliding down my nose."
By molding stainless steal, Hsu fashioned his own pair of glasses and, as he described it, "It was a perfect fit."
At first he tried to market a model of his own glasses but soon realized his plan to make the "perfect pair" would only work if he custom made each pair of frames.
What Hsu and those who wear glasses understand is how inflexible the arms that hold the glasses around the ear can be. Bend the arm and it will likely snap off. To allow for greater flexibility he designed a small spring that fastens the arm and frame together. He patented the small part and it has become a major selling feature of his glasses.
But it's not the only one.
The hand-molded stainless steal frame enhances strength but is also exceptionally lightweight for greater ease.
"These are the most comfortable glasses I've ever owned," said Zhong Zheng-xun (鍾政勳), a customer who had me try on his glasses to illustrate his point.
In addition to style and comfort, Hsu's spectacles are uniquely designed for the wearer who wants what no one else has.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HSU SHI-FUNHSU SHI-FU WORKS ON ONE OF THE MANY
"The best thing about my glasses is that there is only pair out there, mine," Zhong said.
Hsu's well-crafted efforts and the lack of any competition is reflected in his prices. The starting price is NT$15,000 but can cost upward of NT$50,000.
The first step to owning a pair of Hsu's glasses is a consultation where he determines what style of frame to make based on an individual's profession and appearance. Next he takes several measurements of a client's face and sketches a draft to be used as a prototype.
At this point customers are free to make any alterations or requests, such as having their names molded into the band. The entire process takes one day, but due to growing demand customers must now wait a minimum of two months.
The future of Hsu eyewear depends on his interns -- his son and another young man eager to learn the trade. He also has plans to expand the business to include outlets in Taipei and Kaohsiung, but until then potential clients must make a trip to Taichung for a pair of spectacles.
A quick survey of those in the store last week found curious observers and return patrons from all over Taiwan. After talking with a few customers it appeared that those who want to express their individual style or show off their artistic side find Hsu's eyewear a worthwhile addition to their wardrobes.
"At first I thought, `NT$15,000, that's way too much for one pair of glasses.' But after wearing them for just one day I realized it was worth it," Zhong said. Five years later, he owns three pairs and his wife, who doesn't wear prescription lenses, has invested in a pair of sunglasses.
Hsu Shi-fu's optical studio (黃師傅手工眼鏡) is at 6, Ln 61, Art Street, Taichung County (台中縣藝術街61巷6號). Telephone number: (04) 2632 9579.
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