Simon Goodfellow

How many pairs of spectacles and sunglasses do you own?

What a tough question. I think I’d say that I currently have about 15 pairs of sunglasses and four to five optical frames – but that may be a conservative estimate.

Can you describe your first pair of spectacles?

I purchased my first pair of spectacles when I was 18. They were a pair of gold-wire, John Lennon-inspired round reading glasses. 

Do you have a favourite pair?

The pair that I’m wearing right now are my current favourite. They are a new style for Hook LDN this season and are called Colson. They are a classic keyhole optical frame with sharp bold edges, It is a 100% handmade acetate frame and we have it available in four colours. 

Who would you pick as your style icon and why? 

Handsdown, Bill Nighy has to be my favourite, simply for how he looks in glasses. He is also the epitome of cool. 

How long have you worn spectacles for and what prompted you to go for your first eye test? 

I’ve worn glasses since I was 18 – I wear them mainly for reading. At the time when I was studying at university, I was reading a lot, and I think it was putting a lot of strain on my eyes, so I went for my first eye test and I did indeed need glasses for reading. 

"I purchased my first pair of spectacles when I was 18. They were a pair of gold-wire, John Lennon-inspired round reading glasses"

How do you think eyewear trends have changed over the years? 

I’m relatively new to the eyewear industry, so looking at it from a consumer point of view, it’s been very ‘geek chic’ and lightweight for a while. However, recently it has gotten quite heavy, with very thick-rimmed tortoiseshell glasses. 

Currently, I think there is a lot of inspiration from the 40s and 50s coming through in this season’s trends.