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Me and my glasses

“I need a quiet room, a piano, a tape recorder and my glasses”

Lead singer of Take That and the face of Osiris Eyewear at Specsavers, Gary Barlow, tells OT  about his first sight test and how reading became a pleasure again

Gary Barlow

How many pairs of spectacles and sunglasses do you own?

Well I’ve got a few reading glasses now thanks to Osiris. I must have about four pairs. I have so many sunglasses. My wife says I’ve got too many, but I think they can date quite quickly, more so than glasses. 

What frame shapes, colours or styles do you usually go for?

I’m not much of a risk taker when it comes to accessories. But since working with Specsavers I’ve started trying different styles. I’ve always been a fan of round glasses, but recently I’ve been trying some squarer, rectangular styles. They’re really cool and I really enjoyed going for something I don’t usually go for. I also love the lighter coloured frames that seem to be in at the moment.

Who would you pick as your style icon of glasses wearers and why?

Elton John. He’s got so many amazing glasses. And Michael Caine.

I have so many sunglasses. My wife says I’ve got too many, but I think they can date quite quickly, more so than glasses

 

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

I’ve worn glasses for four years now. I was starting to take pictures of things I wanted to read and zoom in on it and I thought this is a slippery slope. So, I eventually, after a few weeks of headaches, went to get my eyes tested and was the proud new owner of a pair of specs. I must say, reading became a pleasure again.

How important are glasses to you when song writing?

They are very important as I need them to read. If I’m starting a song on my own, I need a quiet room, a piano, a tape recorder and my glasses.

How would you describe the new Osiris Eyewear collection?

I’ll be honest, there’s pretty much something for everyone. You can be smart, you can be casual. I really enjoy wearing them. It’s like wearing a nice watch, it’s a lovely accessory and I’ve had some great comments. I love it when people go, ‘I like those, where did you get them from?’

Can you describe your favourite pair?

When I saw the Osiris collection for the first time, I really had trouble choosing a favourite because there were so many designs I liked. I haven’t quite decided my favourite, but it could be Osiris ‘Impressive.’ They’re very comfortable, the bend in the sides makes them feel like you’ve not got them on, you’re not really aware you’re wearing them.

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