Kirk & Kirk Centiles Eyewear Collection
Kirk & Kirk Goes Bold and Lucid
2021 was the year when we survived COVID and were getting out of isolation feeling all flimsy, unsure of the future, and attention-hungry. We needed a reminder that, whatever hardships fate has yet to throw our way, we can deal with it and keep delivering. And Kirk & Kirk provided a perfect memo for us - it's Centiles collection. With its incredible vibrancy, strong designs, and some innovative tech solutions, this line of eyeglasses - surely outstanding and immensely empowering - the beloved French brand brought along a breath of truly fresh air, something we all really needed after spending months locked up in our stuffy rooms and getting bits of the outer world only as countless home delivery packages.
Those closely following Kirk & Kirk's eyewear-making path will definitely notice at once that the 2021 bunch takes quite a lot of cues from its predecessor, the Centena collection. But it's also new and different in many respects. Each of the models showcases a distinctive shape in line with the latest eyewear trends (somehow they didn't curl up and die quietly in our glasses cases but kept evolving underground, waiting for everyone to get out and show what they'd been up to all this time). And each of them tells us: hey, this year has been rough, but let's take the best we've got and try to do even better. So, shall we?
Signature Strokes and Wow Effects
- Crisp and Bold Acrylic Frames: Unlike the usual acetate, the Centiles collection switches to the use of acrylic, a material much sturdier (due to its high melting point), much lighter (around just a third of what your regular acetate frame weighs), and allowing to work miracles with color. This crucial change is precisely what accounts for the amazingly vibrant and sharp palettes we see in this line of Kirk & Kirk glasses. Plus, it's beautiful transparency gives these frames some truly mesmerizing depth and volume.
- Chunky Design with 10mm Thickness: The Centiles collection has the same substantial presence as the Centena line. People quite liked the use of a 10mm thickness, and Kirk & Kirk is only happy to continue with the ultramodern double-frame design. All six of their new glasses have that bold, robust feel that not only provides a considerable visual impact but also prolongs the life of the frame. So, if you're not one of those who would pick up their glasses with two fingers and put them down with perfect gentility, this collection is your sure choice.
- Iconic Two-Toned Color Patterns: The Kaleidoscope range had provided a success, so Kirk & Kirk decided to expand it into the Centiles line. The new glasses come in our favorite two-toned palettes, five of them to choose from. The uncompromising red Passion with soft pink accents, the fresh orange Citrus with crisp touches of yellow, the soft green Meadow with just a shadow of blue, the enigmatic violet tints of Midnight, and finally, the monochrome lucidity of Secret - these are the shades of new, post-isolation excellence, equally dynamic and captivating.
- Handcrafted Uniqueness with No Two Frames Alike: Every frame in the Centiles collection is crafted by hand, a process where slight alterations in color are inevitable - and that's a great thing. Because that makes each pair of glasses truly one-of-a-kind and unique to you exclusively. Even if you meet another person wearing just the same model and color of Kirk & Kirk's Centile glasses (which is an unlikely prospect on its own), that other pair won't have an exactly identical tint of red or that peculiar oversaturated patch of green there, in the upper right corner. These glasses you're wearing are yours and yours only.
Creme de la Creme: Centile Models You Can't Miss
Now, it's time to take a detailed look at the models the Centile line has in store for us. Opening the collection is the assertive Thor, with its massive square rims, notable end pieces accentuated just right for a slightly irregular shape, and impressive browline bridge. The end pieces and the bridge are also highlighted with a color that is a bit different from the rest of the frame - the two lines in the bridge are actually somewhat suggestive of a signature pilot design. So, when you say 'Centile' and 'square' in the same sentence, you mean anything but that run-of-the-mill geometry they teach at school.
Next up is the bold butterfly-shaped Storm. Crafted in a way that makes it look like the frame consists of two layers, it provides an enchanting depth, further enhanced by the use of two tones, playing beautifully off each other. The vibrantly hued outer contour builds up the model's body mass, while the lighter, almost entirely see-through inner rims add a sense of enigma and lightness to the whole thing. The result is a paradoxical and striking combo of chunkiness and grace, all tied together in one sleek silhouette.
The same goes for two cat-eye models, the Lotus and the Elektra. Both offer a design that is streamlined to the point where it seems to actually wrap around your face rather than sit on it, every line smoothed and polished to flow like some ethereal translucent substance that is held together only by the magnetism of your gaze. The Lotus is characterized by a softer shape, while the Elektra ascends into a full upsweep at the corners, very distinctive and very sharp, an intriguing framing for a pair of eyes that's here to see and conquer.
FAQ
I never heard of acrylic frames in eyeglasses before. Are they better than acetate frames?
Both acetate and acrylic offer their benefits for the wearer. They are both sturdy, lightweight, and resilient. But acrylic is even lighter, about three times so, allowing for keeping the weight down to the point where you can't even feel having the glasses on. Plus, acrylic is really easy to clean, so eyewear made of it is also more maintainable.
Glasses from the Kirk & Kirk Centile collection look rather thick. Are they comfortable to wear, won't they weigh down on my nose?
Despite often having quite a bulky appearance, all glasses from the Centile collection are very light due to the use of acrylic frames. So don't worry, you can go for a design as chunky as tickling your fancy - the weight won't be felt at all. By the way, the brand's iconic flexible nose pads are here as well to ensure maximum comfort and a fit that feels as natural as it gets.