UV Protection

Most people take precautions in the sun to protect their skin but many may not realise how harmful UV radiation is to the eyes. There are 3 types of UV radiation, we are mainly concerned with UV-A and UV-B as UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer. The other problem is exposure to UV radiation in environments where we do not expect it such as sunbed use or strong ground reflection from snow, water and sand.

Short bursts of high intensity UV ration can cause acute anterior eye problems, welders will complain of “arc eye” after suffering a flash. This results in acute photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis which is essentially sunburn to the very sensitive tissues of the eyes and lids. Symptoms of intense pain, redness and inflammation follow after a few hours. But it’s not just welders that are at risk of acute problems, snowblindess is an extreme form of photokeratitis, t sometimes occurs in skiers and climbers who experience extreme UV levels due to high altitude conditions and very strong ground reflection – fresh snow can reflect up to 80 per cent of incident UV radiation.

For the rest of us, chronic UV exposure is more of a problem. Complications such as pterigium, cataract and age related macular degeneration are all linked to prolonged UV exposure. Furthermore, melanoma is the most common malignant tumour of the eyeball itself and the lids are a very common location for basal cell carcinomas.

It’s not clear how much UV exposure will cause damage, so when you spend time outside wear a quality pair of sun glasses and a wide brimmed hat.

Good quality sunglasses should:

  • block out 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation;
  • screen out 75% to 90% of visible light;
  • have lenses that are perfectly matched in colour and free of distortion and imperfection;
  • have lenses that are grey for proper colour recognition.

Finally, don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.

At Jones & Murphy we have a wide range of high quality sunglasses from well known names that will not only give you the UV protection you need but also give you that great look for the summer! Why no pop in and try a few on.

 

 

Sources: American Optometric Association, World Health Organisation, RNIB

Velothon-Wales

velothon_wales

This year sees the inaugural Velothon-Wales which is part of the UCI Majors.  It takes place on 14th June over 14oKm (87miles) of closed roads in South Wales and encompasses the infamous Tumble climb.

Dr Adrian Jones along with  two close friends are riding in Velothon-Wales to raise money for the International Glaucoma Association (IGA).  The IGA is a fantastic UK based organisation that provided funding for glaucoma research as well as providing help and support to sufferers of the disease.

If you are able to support his effort please donate at: www.justgiving.com/jonesandjones

You can follow the training rides on out twitter feed: www.twitter.com/jonesandjones10

Ted Baker Sunglasses 2014

Just arrived!  Great styles, great price and most can be glazed with prescription lenses.

Ted baker Sun: THE ESSENTIAL TRAVEL COMPANION.

Whether you’re jetting off to Jamaica, strutting the streets of San Francisco or casting your rod into yonder pond, the Ted Sun collection has the perfect pair of shades to catch that summer sun. Hand crafted acetates in luxury finishes, folding sunglasses and leather wrapped aviators all congregate here.

 

Tom Ford

TomFord

Arrived today, these exquisite frames ooze quality and style as you would expect form one of the worlds leading designers.  As sported by Daniel Craig in the latest Bond file, Skyfall, these fabulous frames are exclusively available at Jones & Jones.

TomFord_007

Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Tom Ford is among the most highly respected and successful designers today. The winner of numerous design awards, his rise in fashion began in 1994, when he became creative director of Gucci. Not only did he dramatically change the image of the legendary fashion house, he also led the company to unprecedented success with his visionary insight into what the modern consumer desires. His innovative and provocative designs set the tone for an entirely new direction in the world of luxury goods. In 2000, Ford also took creative control of Yves Saint Laurent, a Gucci Group brand, reviving it with his trademark combination of sensuality and mystique.TomFord2

In April 2005, one year after leaving Gucci Group, he announced the creation of the TOM FORD brand. A beauty and eyewear collection launched in 2005 and 2006. In April 2007, his first directly operated retail store opened in New York at 845 Madison Avenue to coincide with the debut of the signature TOM FORD Menswear and Accessory Collection. Several landmark fragrances were launched in succession, including TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID and TOM FORD GREY VETIVER, as well as a scent collection for perfume connoisseurs called PRIVATE BLEND.

In 2009, Ford directed, produced and co-wrote his first feature film entitled “A SINGLE MAN” through his film production company, FADE TO BLACK. The Oscar nominated film has received multiple awards including the 2009 Best Actor award for Colin Firth at the Venice Film Festival.

In February 2011, the TOM FORD Womenswear Collection was introduced to clients worldwide. A potent vision of modern, feminine glamour, its exquisitely constructed and beautifully finished suiting, daywear, and eveningwear allow women of all ages to amplify their individuality and present their most glamorous selves to the world.

In September 2011, TOM FORD introduced his first Cosmetics Collection, a complete range of Color and Skin Treatments.

Presently, there are 64 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops in locations such as Beverly Hills, London, Milan, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Sydney, Dubai, Beirut, Zurich and Russia.

Ford currently lives in London, Santa Fe and Los Angeles.

Dr Jones leads specialist training for Specialist UK Optometrists

Like other health care professionals, all optometrists are required to do ongoing professional training.  Specialist optometrists are also required to additional training in order to maintain their specialist registration, unfortunately the number of specialist optometrists in the UK is still relatively small and so getting the required amount of training at this level is proving difficult.  In response, Dr Jones and a colleague from Bristol, Dr Johnson, set up a training day specifically for specialist optometrists in the south of the UK.  Initially it was to be based at Dr Johnson’s practice in Thornbury but due to unexpected demand it was moved to a larger venue.
For an independent review see: http://www.optometry.co.uk/news-and-features/features/?article=4895

Diesel

diesel3

Back by popular demand, this iconic brand is well known for their innovative eyewear designs and high quality materials.  As with most luxury designer goods, the eyewear is mainly crafted by hand.   It can take up to 14 weeks to produce just one designer frame.   This is why luxury goods are so valuable.  From the process of inception to production can take up to 12 months.   There is much thought, care and detail that goes into producing designer eyewear which is usually reflected in the price and quality.   People can be guaranteed that when buying Diesel eyewear they are receiving high quality goods that are quality tested before distributed.

diesel1

Diesel is a fashion industry legend. A pioneer in the world of denim and casual wear, it has always remained both outside and ahead of trends.  Never forsaking its original DNA, it has evolved into an iconic global lifestyle brand.

Despite Diesel’s extraordinary growth, its philosophy is the same as when Renzo Rosso created it in 1978.  He envisaged a brand that would stand for passion, individuality and self-expression.  Today, Diesel continues to blaze its own trail.  It is on a continuing mission to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ideas, innovate and provoke.

There’s a STORM coming

stormIn fact they have arrived! Only unveiled at the recent Optrafair trade show last month, we are pleased to announce the arrival of the first STORM eyewear collection for 2013.

Originally known for their watches, STORM are now expanding into other areas off fashion with their own unique style.  Here’s what they have to say about themselves:

STORM is a statement of the future. Worldwide, the STORM brand continues to challenge expectations of inventive design.

STORM’s unique creative ethos began in London in 1989, specialising in innovative watch design. As STORM approached the new millenium the range expanded to include jewellery, eyewear and clothing. Today the collection also includes bags, wallets, umbrellas and recently STORM launched perfumes for him and her. More accessories are planned for the future

STORM believes in the cult of individualism. From stylish sports to bold fashion statements, the STORM range combines unique features and gadgets with a wide range of colours and shapes.

STORM continually seeks stimulation for new challenges in design. STORM’s team of dedicated designers take inspiration from the world around them, combining unconventional materials together with precision instrumentation.

The distinctive STORM range evolves continuously with the creation of designs to challenge consumer expectations and provide individuality. Each design is unique, it is given protection by intellectual copyright and design right. Only genuine STORM products carry the official product seal.

STORM timepieces are highly sculptural and almost architectural in shape and form. STORM continues to be a pioneer in the quest for individual style and is now coveted around the world.

Elle Eyewear 2013

Elle

Newly arrived this week is the new ELLE eyewear 2013 collection.  With 44 editions in the world and 21 million readers worldwide, ELLE is the reference in fashion, trends and news throughout the world.

elle_op_2013That special relationship with independent, young and openminded women around the globe has been developed into a collection of licensed products distilling the unique ELLE style, made of femininity and modernity, in clothes and fashion accessories sold in more than 80 countries:  Women and kids apparel, sportswear, beachwear, underwear, handbags, home decoration, jewelry, watches, shoes and eyewear.

Style, creativity, intelligence and individuality are the hallmarks of the ELLE woman.  She is a busy professional who likes to look attractive but not overstated.  She is trendy – but not showy, sexy – but not gaudy.  She is a fashion passionate and highly adventurous, but cleverly chooses what suits and fits her best ensuring that she always stands out from the crowd.

The ELLE eyewear is inspired by the chic French heritage, urbane philosophy and style finesse of this illustrious fashion brand.

Givenchy 2013 Frames

Givenchy

The new season 2013 Givenchy frames have just arrived, and WOW, their fabulous! 

The new frames, most of which are acetates, give a contemporary twist to popular shapes of the past. Temples are decorated in a particularly rich fashion, featuring treatments and printed patterns that recall the typical themes of the brand’s fashion collection, such as leather, animal-print patterns and textures of metal chains. The must-have detail of the season is velvet, which fully covers the front pieces of some of the most refined styles. The stars of the color palette are classic and timeless nuances such as black, havana and ivory, and also brighter shades such as green and deep purple.  All produced to top quality standards as expected form this leading design house.

Why not pop in and try a few for yourself?

 

New Roberto Cavalli 2013 Collection

Roberto-Cavalli-V2We have just taken stock of the new Roberto Cavalli and Just Cavalli  2013 collections.

The Roberto Cavalli Eyewear’s collection for Spring/Summer 2013-14 celebrates the brand’s well-known icons and sophisticated details. The new sunglasses frames are said to blend clever craftsmanship and distinctive design.

 

While the new Just Cavalli Eyewear collection this year celebrates the contemporary spirit of the brand with new sunglasses that have a “feisty attitude”, the company said. The fun details and sparkling shapes of the new models reflect the brand’s signature appeal.

 

cavalliRoberto Cavalli was born in Florence on the 15th November, 1940. He was raised in a surrounding with strong artistic traditions: his grandfather was a Florentine painter from the “Macchiaiolo” movement, whose works can still be seen at the Uffizi Museum. Following in this tradition, Roberto attended the Academy of Art. Capricious, eclectic and original from the beginning, he began his career when he was very young, while still a student, inventing the first of his revolutionary creations: a process of printing on light-weight leather which he was able to do thanks to his meticulous research of fabrics and continual experimenting with new technologies.

In his printing-house – something half way between a craftsman’s workshop and an artist’s studio – he concentrated his studies on the links between art, fashion and painting, eventually patenting the revolutionary process of printing on leather that he had evolved.

Over the next ten years he created, almost by chance, what was to become a “must” for the beat generation: for fun, sewing together odd pieces of leather, he invented the first of his patchworks which were a huge success and can honestly be considered true classics. With the Seventies came international recognition and the beginning of a brilliant career. His fashion was unrivalled on the Cote d’Azur. From St. Tropez – where a young Brigitte Bardot walked barefoot in one of his creations – to the catwalks, was just a short step.

cavalli_sunglassIn 1972 Roberto Cavalli showed his first collection in the historic White Room of Palazzo Pitti, in Florence. At the beginning of the Nineties, the designer re-launched his challenge to the fashion system, assisted by his beautiful wife, Eva Duringer – an ex Miss Universe – who works alongside him. His enormous success, both publicly and with the press, convinced him to take his catwalk extravaganza to Milano Collezioni. In this way he has become part of the Italian fashion system without ever forsaking his own inimitable eccentricity.

Over the years Roberto Cavalli has expanded and, as well as his Womenswear collection, new lines have been launched: Menswear, Just Cavalli, Underwear, Class Roberto Cavalli, Eyewear, Timewear, Roberto Cavalli Angeles and Devils ( for children), and Roberto Cavalli perfume. An inspiration to the international jetset, Roberto Cavalli is taken for granted by stars all over the world. Eclectic, social and ironic by nature, as a designer he sets himself apart through his natural vivaciousness and extreme manners – as well as his renowned hospitality which makes him the perfect host for parties and dinners.

As well as his brilliant career as a designer he is equally well-known for his spectacular parties, which are always attended by Italian and international celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Paolina Rubio, Cindy Crawford, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, Bono from U2, Anthony Hopkins and Sting are among the artists who appreciate his work and never miss one of his parties. An undisputed phenomenon, nowadays Roberto Cavalli is a mainstay in the Olympus of the most famous international designers. A success for which he prepared, meditated and wholeheartedly deserves.