Fred Bare: Interview with Wallace, our Optical designer!

With our new Optical range coming in stores soon, we thought it was the perfect time to sit down with our favourite designer Wallace from Wel Eyewear and find out what makes him tick!
FB. How did you get started? Did you study design, and if so, where?
W. I studied textile design then became a buyer for 'Grace Brothers' then become a buyer from 'OPSM' then started my own eyewear company 'Weleyewear' in 1993.
FB. Which is your favourite pair from the current range, and what inspired it?
W. The red pair!! I love the bigger boulder lenses which is a huge trend in adults too, great to bring that to kids-wear!
FB. Trend forecast for sunglasses, what's your pick for this season?
W. I just came back from Paris, they have a big show over there called Silmo. Its a very premier eyewear show, I saw lots of 50's styles coming back in lots of cats eye shapes, especially in the optical. And loads of colours, also saw some velvet and wooden frames!
FB. What was the concept behind the current season collection?
W. Visiting International eyewear shows and seeing the new trends then coming home and interpreting it into the needs to fit our target market - then combining that to fit the Fred Bare trend and being fashionable!

FB. What protection does your eyewear offer from the sun?
W. All our sunglasses meet the strict Australian safety standards and terms of use, including Good UV Protecion and Sunglare Reduction!
FB. Describe your label in a few words...
W. Fun fashionable eyewear distribution for Australia and NZ
FB. How would you describe your own style?
W. I mould my own sort of style each day very comfy and relaxed.
FB. Who are your style muses?
W. Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Dries Von Norton
FB. What is your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
W. Hang out at Bondi beach, summer time and chilling in the cafes!
FB. Favourite city to visit and why?
W. Buenos Aires! It's a melting pot of European and Italian culture, with a slightly Brazilian feel, the architecture is beautiful, fabulous food and very unique. I also have a new favourite place... Stockholm!

FB. What's your favourite childhood memory?
W. Growing up in South Africa, I always loved visiting family in the North and spending endless summer days on the beach for a long summer!
FB. If you were able to have one super power, what would it be?
W. Time travel!!
FB. Alternative career... If you weren't designing our incredible sunglasses, what would you be doing?
W. I would like to run a chain of health retreats around the world!
FB. If you were able to make one wish for next year, what would that be?
W. Peace and global stability, and end to the GFC!
www.weleyewear.com

Wallace's inspirations from this season!