Our Twickenham practice has once again been spotlighted, this time in Optician Magazine, in a feature titled: "The Optical Gallery Dominate as Eyewear Connoisseurs."
The interview dives into our award-winning approach to fashion optics, our use of bespoke Dinamica and Marma lenses, and how our curated collections from Theo Eyewear to Kuboraum and the latest addition Mad In Italy continue to turn heads across London and beyond.
Whether it’s colour-matching tints, creating one-of-a-kind custom lens combinations, or building eyewear wardrobes for our global clientele, we’re proud to be recognised for setting a new standard in optical styling.
👉 Click Here to Read the full interview on Optician Magazine (If it displays to log in to read, I have pasted the full interview below)
Optician Awards: The Optical Gallery dominate as eyewear connoisseurs
16 July
Emma Spencer discusses the art of eyewear with The Optical Gallery co-founder Nicos Antoniades
The Fashion Practice of the Year Award sponsored
by Marcolin
Winner: The Optical Gallery
Finalists:
• Dickens Eye Clinic
• Norma Davies Opticians
• Rae & Rae Opticians
Fashion Practice of the Year winner at the 2024 Optician Awards, The Optical Gallery in Twickenham could be mistaken for an art gallery at first glance with its curated selection of eyewear displayed within expansive portrait frames atop glimmering plinths. The practice interior is entirely movable, transforming into an event space that hosts at least four exhibitions a year, showcasing complete collections. Eyewear enthusiasts come to view the frames and to enjoy cocktails, themed displays and music, after which the displays open to the public. June saw the Theo Eyewear London takeover, attracting more than 70 clients from far and wide.
Only select styles are displayed in store, with the remainder tucked away within drawers to ensure customers are not overwhelmed with an abundance of choice. A trained colour-analyst helps clients to select compatible shades, with each style stocked in three to four colourways to demonstrate how a simple colour change can transform a look.
Curated collection
‘We scour the globe for unique, independent eyewear that aligns with The Optical Gallery’s identity,’ says dispensing optician (DO) Nicos Antoniades, who owns and runs the family-business with his brothers, Antonios and Marios. The trio inherited the flagship Twickenham practice and another store in Chessington in 2015 from their parents, Marios and Julia, opening a third branch in Cheam Village in 2022.
‘We believe that to hold the title of optician, one must excel medically. However, what is often overlooked, is being a connoisseur of eyewear in its entirety. Each frame is a work of art to us and for a brand to be housed within our gallery, it must have a unique story and identity, distinct from any other brand in our curated collections,’ says Antoniades.
Esteemed brands stocked at the practice include Sabine Be, Kirk & Kirk, Kuboraum, Cazal, Götti Switzerland and the personally designed Ashton Riley collection, which is stocked at 700 further independent UK practices.
The practice also houses a vintage collection, featuring Jean Paul Gaultier, Hilton, Chanel and more – a spin-off that has attracted celebrity clientele, eager to source unique individual pieces.
Most recently, the brand Made in Italy joined the collection after wowing the brothers with its artistic expression, distinct design language and strong identity – at an accessible price point.
‘Much of our current lineup is niche, which often comes with a premium, but we don’t believe bold, creative eyewear should be out of reach,’ says Antoniades.
Since 2023, The Optical Gallery has also provided a curated collection of eyewear for model agency Sway Models’ campaigns and portfolios. ‘We love supporting emerging talent, especially when it’s tied to fashion and creativity. It’s a natural fit for us to be involved in projects that spotlight up-and-coming models through eyewear that makes a statement,’ he adds.
Under the lens
Antoniades observes current trends for bold colours, playful metalwork and a return of upswept, wraparound sports styles in sunglasses, but says one of the most exciting shifts is in lenses. In 2023, the brothers took a leap of faith and moved the lens business to the independent, Marma London!, which he says has revolutionised the customer experience.
‘Customisation is finally having its moment. Lenses used to be the dull part of the conversation, but now we’re offering clients everything from pre-tints to Dinamica photochromic colours, flash mirrors, faceting and more,’ he says.
With Marma, Antoniades says he can truly explore fashion, functionality and personalisation. ‘Since reactivating our YouTube channel and leaning further into Instagram and TikTok, we’ve seen clients travel from across the UK, and even overseas, specifically to work with us on bespoke lens projects. While filming content during a recent trip to Mexico, I showcased pieces from my personal collection and explained why we chose Marma,’ he says.
The Optical Gallery strives to showcase ‘how fun eyewear fashion can be’ through social media, from reels of a client’s initial reaction to their new eyewear, to vlogs of trips to trade shows, to interviews with cutting edge designers.
‘We took home the “Best use of social media” at 100% Optical’s Love Eyewear Awards this year, which felt like a huge nod to the creative energy we pour into our online presence,’ says Antoniades.
The independent is no stranger to awards and recognition, scooping an Independent ‘Love Local’ retailer award at the Kingston Borough Business Awards, being voted one of the best opticians globally by Spectr magazine and not to mention its 2023 Optician Awards runner-up.
The judging panel was impressed by the ‘individuality and authenticity’ in the practice’s submission, noting the ‘avant-garde brands, well thought-out lens offering and artistic flare’ in the flagship store.
‘We always pour so much thought, energy, and creativity into what we do, but to have that recognised on such a stage was a real moment of validation. The Optician Award is more than a trophy, it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come and the journey we’re still on,’ he says.
Beyond fashion
Fashion aside, the brothers have found time to launch an audiology service; campaign for children’s eye health, including sponsoring and speaking at three schools; advertise for a second optometrist and write a self-published guide to eyewear, with a second in the pipeline.
