Every business has a story. Ours begins with an unexpected encounter involving a giant seagull in Amsterdam.
Back in 2016, my husband and I were enjoying a glorious day exploring the city. The sun was shining, the canals were bustling and everything was perfect - until a particularly ambitious seagull decided to leave its mark all down my left side.
A few hours later, as we laughed about the incident, the idea for a vintage eyewear business suddenly came to mind. When my husband asked what I would call it, the name "Retro Spectacle" simply appeared out of nowhere. It felt right immediately, and it stuck.
At the time, I had always been fascinated by vintage fashion, design and craftsmanship. There was something special about the quality of older frames and the stories they carried. The shapes were more adventurous, the materials felt more substantial and the attention to detail was often remarkable.
What started as an idea soon became a passion.
Discovering the World of Optics
In 2017, I began working in optics and quickly realised that my appreciation for vintage frames extended far beyond their appearance.
The more I learned about eyewear, the more I admired the craftsmanship behind many vintage designs. Frames from decades past were often built to last, using manufacturing techniques and materials that are increasingly uncommon today. From handmade acetates to intricate metalwork, these frames represented a level of care and individuality that is difficult to replicate.
As my knowledge grew, so did my desire to help people discover the unique character of vintage eyewear.
Over the following years, I completed my professional qualifications and became a qualified Dispensing Optician. This allowed me to combine my passion for vintage frames with expert knowledge of lenses, prescriptions and eyewear fitting.
Today, every frame we sell benefits from both perspectives: a love of vintage design and a professional understanding of how eyewear should perform.
Why Vintage Eyewear?
For us, vintage eyewear is about much more than nostalgia.
Vintage glasses and sunglasses offer something increasingly rare in today's world, individuality.
Many modern frames are designed around current trends and mass production. Vintage frames were often produced in smaller quantities, with distinctive shapes, bold styling and exceptional attention to detail. Whether it's an oversized 1970s designer frame a sharp Mod-inspired silhouette from the 1960s or a luxury piece from one of the great fashion houses, vintage eyewear allows people to express their personality in a way that feels genuinely unique.
We also love the sustainability aspect. By giving original vintage frames a second life, we help preserve beautifully made eyewear while reducing waste and encourage a more thoughtful approach to fashion.
Curating the Retro Spectacle Collection
Since launching Retro Spectacle, we have spent years sourcing original vintage glasses and sunglasses from around the world.
Every frame is carefully selected for it's quality, design and authenticity. Our collection includes iconic designer brands, rare new old stock pieces, classic British-made frames and unusual finds that simply cannot be replicated.
Many of our customers come to us looking for something they cannot find on the high street. Others are searching for a frame that reminds them of a favourite era, a family member or a style icon they admire.
Whatever the reason, we believe that eyewear should be personal.
Vintage Style, Modern Vision
One of the things that makes Retro Spectacle different is our ability to combine authentic vintage frames with modern prescription lenses.
As a qualified Dispensing Optician, I understand that great eyewear should not only look exceptional but also provide excellent visual performance. Whether you need single vision lenses, varifocals, prescription sunglasses or specialist lens options, we can help pair vintage style with modern optical technology.
This combination allows our customers to enjoy the best of both worlds: original vintage design and contemporary visual comfort.
Looking Ahead
What began as an unexpected idea on a sunny day in Amsterdam has grown into a business built on passion, expertise and a genuine love for vintage eyewear.
We are incredibly grateful to every customer who has trusted us to help them find their perfect frame.
Whether you are searching for a rare designer treasure, a pair of vintage prescription glasses or simply something different from the ordinary, we hope you enjoy exploring our collection as much as we enjoy curating it.
After all, some of the best ideas arrive when you least expect them, even after an encounter with a seagull.