5 minutes with Mr. Culter

Graham Cutler has good vision. As one half of the UK-based eyewear brand Cutler & Gross (his partner-in-design is Tony Gross), he always keeps his eyes on the prize. “We have never compromised our original idea of making functional, high-quality eyewear that appeals to sophisticated tastes,” he says. Toronto fans can (finally!) snap up these retro-cool pieces at the company’s debut Canadian flagship store in Yorkville (84 Yorkville Ave., 416-966-5149, cutlerandgross.com). Here, Mr. Cutler talks new shapes and old favourites.

Why did you decide to open a boutique in Toronto?
“We have an enormous fan base in North America, particularly in Toronto. We’ve worked with Erdem and Thomas Tait—both Canadian-born designers—on glasses for their shows for a while. Canada, being part of the Commonwealth, has a certain appeal too. I am rather old-fashioned like that.”

What are the latest trends?
“For sunglasses, it’s the round shape. For prescription, it’s [everything from] soft kitten shapes to very upswept cats.”

Why have prescription glasses become more of a fashion statement?
“I always thought one day people would find a way of wearing sunglasses frames indoors!”

What eyewear should every woman have in her wardrobe?
“A perfect cat’s eye, Jackie O sunglasses with dark lenses, a classic round eye, and a 1970s aviator.”

What’s the most adventurous pair of sunglasses in the collection?
“Model 1005. It has Lurex encased in acetate to create a bold shoulder-pad effect. It looks fantastic on the face, but it takes a real personality to wear them.”

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