Tom Davies frames featured in Disney’s Cruella

British eyewear designer, Tom Davies, has created over 100 frames for Disney’s latest film, Cruella.

The film tells the story of the early days and evolution of one of Disney’s most notorious villains, Cruella de Vil (played by Emma Stone).

Originally tasked with creating frames for the film’s Baroness von Hellman (played by Emma Thompson), in researching the film’s setting of 1970s London, Davies noticed “almost everyone at that time was wearing glasses.”

Working with the film’s costume designer, Jenny Beavan, he was asked to provide glasses for nearly every cast member – a total of 120 frames.

A number of frames were created for the title character to help illustrate her transformation from young grifter, Estella, to iconic villain, Cruella.

Davies commented: “I absolutely loved the challenge of working on Cruella, especially as I found myself on a roller coaster eyewear bonanza of making glasses for everyone. I've only myself to blame as I wanted the film to look as authentic as possible – and glasses were ubiquitous in 1970s London.”

To make the 1970s-style frames, Davies created an old-fashioned acetate press to handmake the raw materials. This has now been made a permanent part of Davies’ eyewear design process.

In order to meet the tight film deadlines, Davies handmade the frames and delivered them hours after fitting, with the film studio just 30 minutes away from the eyewear factory.

“It was such an honour to work with the legendary Jenny Beavan and the brilliant production team. I can't wait to see the film – and all my frames – up on screen,” Davies added.

Coinciding with the release of the film on 28 May, the eyewear company has launched a competition for members of the public to design their own pair of sunglasses. Open to US and UK residents, the winning design will be handmade, while 20 pairs of sunglasses, as worn by Cruella, are available for runners-up. The competition is open from 8 May to 19 June 2021.