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Catching up with Finlay & Co

Jodie Kharas
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British sunglasses brand, Finlay & Co, produce forward-thinking handmade eyewear to die for. Since the brand was founded in 2012 by David Lochhead, Dane Butler & Tom Stannard, the innovative designs have garnered an impressive following – David Gandy is said to be one of their biggest fans. Intrigued, we caught up with founder Tom Stannard to talk laminated wood frames and James Bond.

What inspired you to start Finlay & Co?

We couldn’t relate to existing eyewear brands, in terms of shape, design or lifestyle. We wanted to create a brand that pushed the boundaries, challenged what’s currently accepted to get people excited.

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Can you tell me about the inspiration behind the current collection?

The wonder of working with wood is that every pair has its own unique grain and natural finish. This means we offer one of-a-kind products to every customer. The inspiration for the collection was not to feel inhibited by the material, but rather empowered to innovate to what wears and looks best. We’ve introduced laminated wooden frames with colour at the entry level and a combination of metal and hardwood frames at the premium end of the collection.

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Do you have a favourite design from the collection?

The Beaumont is a fantastic piece, it has been our most popular frame. It suits many face types and embodies a contemporary expression of a classic design in a remarkable Ebony or Walnut finish.

Who do you design for?

We design for people who look for independent brands in fashion to stand out. People who appreciate a luxury experience at an accessible pricepoint.

What’s the most iconic sunglasses moment in film?

It has to be James Bond, Sean Connery wearing the classic wayfarers in Thunderball.

Any exciting plans for the future?

The collection is in its infancy. We have new designs in development, introducing new materials, new lens colours and we have just launched prescription sunglasses on our website.

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