Asad Hamir

How many pairs of spectacles and sunglasses do you own?

It has to be about 100 – at least. It’s not an obsession, it’s a way of life. 

Do you have a favourite pair?

'Kite Bowie,' without a doubt. It’s an iconic aviator shape, reinvented for now with progressive materials and a statement top bar. They’re practically uniform for me.

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

I’ve worn glasses for a long time – since I was 13, in fact. At the time, I was a tad short-sighted but now my glasses are a part of who I am.

Can you describe your first pair of spectacles? 

My first frame was a Ray-Ban aviator in optical. It was originally a sunglass frame, but I loved them so much I got them made up in optical lenses. They're a beaut’!

Do you wear contact lenses? 

"We want to push the limits of our factories, our processes and our unique designs in order to stand apart from the crowd"

Occasionally I wear daily disposables if I'm playing sports, but not if I can help it. Glasses are truly a part of my style.

Who would you pick as your style icon and why? 

I’m a big supporter of British brands, and British streetwear in particular. I’m a huge fan of the work of design duo Nicholas Biela and James Waller – the guys behind Blood Brother. They are pushing the boundaries of modern streetwear and making a name for themselves thanks to their seriously confident styling.

What are your three top tips for helping someone pick a new pair of spectacles? 

• Make sure your eyes are perfectly in the centre of your chosen frame. It seems silly, but you’d be surprised how many people get it wrong
• Find a contour that follows the natural flow of your eyebrow. It’s subtle details like this that result in the most flattering look
• Make sure your girlfriend or boyfriend like them. It’ll save you the trip back for something safer. This one can be the real deal-breaker.

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

Things have changed significantly over the past couple of years. Whereas before it was all about the bigger the better, now everything is going small. Traditional wrap-around fits are now moving to flat too.

What’s important to consider when you design Kite’s eyewear? 

For me, it’s all about the team and uniting in our vision to see differently. Working with some of the best designers in the industry, it’s important not to chase other traditional brands or fall in line with the catwalk. We want to push the limits of our factories, our processes and our unique designs in order to stand apart from the crowd.