Bangkok has never been short of good tailors—those who turn a regular dude into a dapper gentleman with beautifully designed jackets and sharply cut pants. Emerging men’s fashion house, Pila Studio, however, is not quite one of them.
One size doesn’t fit all is the inevitable truth, which is why custom-made eyewear may be the answer for those who can’t seem to find frames that perfectly fit their faces. Let us introduce you to Arty&Fern, probably the only made-to- order eyewear maker in Bangkok. Partners in love and business, graphic designer Aniknun "Fern" Eiamong and advertising creative Chanakan "Art" Ukosakul founded their namesake eyewear brand in 2013. "We’ve always been fond of collecting glasses, plus Fern’s family has been in the eyewear business for decades, so we’ve had more chances to experience different types, both vintage and new," Art explains. "It came to the point where we decided to start an eyewear brand."
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After two years of designing, making and selling eyewear as a side job, the two decided to take their venture more seriously, quitting their jobs and going to France to study the traditional way of crafting eyewear at Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Lunetiers in Morez, a historic city that’s been making spectacles since the 16 th century. The couple returned to Thailand and turned Arty&Fern into a customized eyewear brand offering made-to- order glasses. "Customized glasses aren’t always for style," says Art. "They can be the answers to our imperfections.” Arty&Fern can create eyewear for those who can’t find glasses that perfectly fit them because their ears and eyes are positioned differently, or because their heads are slightly bigger or smaller than normal.
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Arty&Fern eyewear uses only the finest materials, from cellulose acetate that’s flexible and durable to high-quality joints and nose pads. "It’s these small details that make a difference," adds Fern. The atelier accepts only advanced reservations so they can focus on each customer and guarantee a certain modicum of privacy. After acquiring the customer’s requirements and measurements, the duo will work on the designs, which will be submitted to the client for approval, before Art starts crafting the glasses by hand, a process that could take from 10 to 15 days. All in all, the whole process will likely take a month and will cost you around B12,000 apiece. If you’d rather not wait but still want a piece from Arty&Fern, the designer duo also has a sunglasses collection inspired by Siamese cats, which now retails at Siam Center.
Shop Arty&Fern at 2nd floor, Lek Optical, Mahatun Plaza. 09 5939 1405.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
