Sarah Palin’s Glasses Become the New Fall Fashion Accessory

Posted by Gill Hart Sep 9, 2008

Little did I know when I purchased a pair of titanium, rimless frames in Dubai nearly 10 years ago that they would become such a hot fashion item this fall.

Indeed, Governor Palin's rimless frames appear to have sparked a new fashion trend, with even a mention at the current New York Fashion Week Spring 09.

Opticians all around the U.S. are receiving inquiries regarding Palin’s glasses, with the ones she wore at her Republican convention speech in St Paul, Minnesota, being the most in demand. The sudden interested in rimless frames has given opticians a shot in the arm in terms of new business.

According to the Los Angeles Times’ online blog of September 4, 2008, these sought-after specs are designed by Kazuo Kawasaki and are from the 704 series. Palin’s particular style is 34 gray. Her local optician, Home Optics presented her with around 300 frames to choose from, which Palin then narrowed down to 5. The LA Times cites USA Today as quoting Home Optics owner, Joy Leedham saying Palin’s family “helped her pick-out the final style.”

Titanium frames are extremely lightweight and easy to wear. The fact that mine have lasted me since 1999 is a testament to their durability. In fact, I liked them so much, compared to my previous heavy granny-like frames, that shortly after, I bought a similar pair to be made into sunglasses, which I still continue to wear.

Another advantage is that, as there is no frame to focus on, rimless frames tend to accentuate the eyes, rather than draw attention away from them. They are also compact and easy to carry. The only down-side I have found personally is that my lenses are prone to knocks and chips, as there is no outer frame to protect them — but maybe I'm just clumsy!