“Here is how I envision this new collection. Settle into your sitting room after you’ve put your day behind you. Pour yourself a glass of whiskey, neat, two fingers. Tap into your music listening device and select Chris Stapleton, play the track “Tennessee Whiskey”. Sit there and reflect. Once you’re good and deep on your feelings, and your relationship with this brand after a decade of GLCO and all the good memories, select the track “Death Row”, also by Chris Stapleton. Now stand up and strut around your living room. That’s the energy. Do with it what you may”
That’s what brand founder Garrett Leight has to say about the new collection from GLCO.
Want to know more? Read on…
Sherwood
The Sherwood is a compact, tailored square frame taking design notes from classic 50’s eyewear. This frame features a thicker acetate, a custom Braid filigree core wire, and our custom Skyline plaque.
Manzanita
A classic P3 with an uplifted endpiece for a soft, easy wear. Featuring a custom Braid filigree core wire, 5-barrel hinge and a keyhole nose bridge.
Wilshire
The Wilshire is a sophisticated, soft square frame composed of a thin and light weight Cured Cellulose Acetate. Featuring a custom Braid filigree core wire, 5-barrel hinge and a keyhole nose bridge. If you’re fan of our classic Kinney this is a nice addition to your eyewear collection.
Alder
A larger frame for a refined, scholarly look. The Alder features a custom Palm print filagree core wire, Zenith plaques on the temple, and dual-plated real rivet hinges with external pins.
Monarch
Modern meets classic. This elegant, square cat eye frame features a saddle nose bridge, custom Braid filigree core wire and dual-plated real rivet hinges with external pins.
To view this collection for yourself, arrange your frame consultation here
It’s just under three weeks until the big day and Newcastle is busier than ever with the mad dash of Christmas shoppers. If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved one, then allow us to take the pressure off with our Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Whether your loved one is a GSO regular or new to the world of eyewear, we have something for everyone.
Surprise them with something from their Christmas wishlist
Did you know that we keep records of our frame fanatics’ wish lists throughout the year? If you love someone who loves GSO, chances are we know what they want for Christmas! Come in for a chat with our eyewear experts and we’ll help you find the perfect gift.
Need a little bit more inspiration? Read on to find out our recommendations in our Holiday Gift Guide
For The Fashionista
Ahlem sunglass frames
For a fashion-lover seeking the celebrity look, we have just the thing! How about a beautiful pair of Ahlem sunspecs? Adored by Natalie Portman to LeBron James.
GLCO frames
For a more laidback vibe, look no further than Garrett Leight. Worn by Brad Pitt, Kendall Jenner and pretty much anyone else you can think of!
For The Art Lover
Theo POP ART
If art’s your thing, why not adorn yourself with a beautiful piece of wearable art?
Theo’s Pop Art series is inspired by the artists of the pop art era and their iconic subjects: Think Debby Harry as portraited by Andy Warhol. With the bold contours, colours and geometry of Roy Lichtenstein.
For the Outdoors-obsessed
Perfect for the great outdoors
For those who love nothing more than spending time in the great outdoors, some colour changing lenses are a must-have. Either ready-to-wear or fully-customisable, we have a huge range of colours to choose from. Our lenses are complete with a hydrophobic layer for those drizzly days too.
custom tints
For the Sports-fanatic
Whether it’s golf, skiing, swimming, or something more niche, we have eyewear to suit every sporting endeavour. Book a frame consulation with one of our experts and we’ll help find the solution for you!
Ask us about our sports eyewear options
For the Aspiring Eyewear Aficionado
Junior frame options
Know a youngster who’s looking to expand their eyewear collection? We have a great range of stylish junior optical and frames! For under 16s, all eyewear needs to be dispensed by a registered optician. Why not book your teen in for a frame consultation with one of our experts and treat them to the full GSO experience?
For Winter Sun Seekers
Our sunglass collection
There’s no better time to treat yourself or a loved one to a new pair of sunglasses. We have hundreds of incredible sunglass frames in our collection! Either ready-to-wear or with fully-customised prescription lenses.
*please allow up to 3 weeks depending on custom lens type
Gift Voucher
Christmas Voucher
If your loved one prefers to choose their own, why not request a custom gift voucher? We can provide a voucher for any amount and with a personalised message
*2 days notice required
To make it extra special, our gift vouchers will include a personal Frame Consultation appointment with one of our eyewear experts. Allow us to give your loved one the VIP treatment!
Stocking Fillers
For the person who has everything, we have a great selection of care kits and accessory items, priced from £10 – £40
Our eyewear accessories and care kits
Large cloth
Slim case
Care kit
Collectors Case
To make an appointment for a frame consultation for yourself or a loved one, get in touch
Join us 2nd and 3rd November for a very special event: Ahlem Atelier
All about Ahlem
AHLEM is a luxury eyewear brand Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless designs, and commitment to sustainable production.
Founder Ahlem Manai Platt has a remarkable background in the fashion industry.
Ahlem Manai Platt
After studying art history, she gained experience at prestigious fashion houses such as Acne Studios and Prada. She founded her eponymous brand after a series of chance encounters…
“We were with friends at a cafe in Paris, discussing goals, and I showed the group a sketch from my notebook,” she says. “The excitement they expressed gave me the guts; the loss of a beloved pair of vintage sunnies shortly thereafter gave me the final push.”
Ahlem went on to become a finalist in Vogue’s CFDA Fashion Fund and she founded AHLEM in 2014.
We added Ahlem to the Grey St. collection in 2017 as a capsule range of their metal styles. We quickly fell in love with their stunning acetate designs too, as well as the ethos of the brand. The rest is history.
Team GSO with Ahlem
Since then AHLEM has catapulted into worldwide success. Not only is AHLEM a favourite of Grey St. followers, but they are also admired by famous faces and fashion icons:
Tom Holland in Ahlem
Seth Rogan in Ahlem
And our personal favourite: Will Young in AHLEM, styled by Grey St. Optician
AHLEM have recently collaborated with VOGUE to create a custom sunglass frame. They have also been featured in GQ, Elle, Financial Times, Mens Health, Monocole and many many more
The Process
AHLEM may be famous for their exquisite designs, but this attention to detail is also extended to their craftsmanship. AHLEM source materials from the most reputable and sustainable suppliers available to market. From plant-based acetate and naturally non-toxic titanium to recyclable, eco-friendly lenses, they firmly believe that honest, Earth-friendly ingredients make the best and longest-lasting products.
Each piece is handmade in France in small batches to achieve an unparalleled standard of quality. Their acetate temples are raw cut by hand, with a matte finish. They celebrate the imperfections that come from raw cuts of one-of-a-kind slabs and unique colourways.
“We are committed to delivering exceptional eyewear created with pure concepts, honest materials and heritage techniques. Our award-winning frames are handcrafted in France and Japan with uncompromising attention to detail and quality.”
The Paris Line
“The Paris Line” FW23 sees Ahlem return to her roots. It is the first collection entirely conceived and produced in France following the designer’s transatlantic move back to Paris. The lines running throughout the collection symbolise continuity and the certainty of being established in one place.
AHLEM’s organic shapes surpass trend. She believes that objects of timeless design and superior quality are always relevant. There truly is something for every face within this superb collection.
Ahlem FW23
GSO becomes AHLEM ATELIER
On 2nd and 3rd of November, we are honoured to host AHLEM ATELIER: A showcase of Ahlem’s FW2023 collection. For just two days we will be in possession of the ENTIRE collection from AHLEM. Every exquisite optical and sunglass, in every stunning colourway will be right here on Grey St. for guests to explore.
This will be our first Ahlem event on Grey Street so we are very excited! The champagne will be flowing and we’ll have some delicious treats lined up from local French bakery Le Mini Macaron!
Our in-store events are a great opportunity to discover ideas for your next frame. If you see something you love there will be special discounts available on the day.
This event is strictly by appointment only, so please click the link for more information, or to RSVP.
What a blast we had in Antwerp last week on our Theo training trip! We visited Theo headquarters in Belgium to explore inside the minds behind the weird, wonderful and beautiful things they do and create.
Theo Training
It was lovely to learn more about the history of Theo and how it all began. From the wild, creative eyewear force of father Wim, to the organisation and attention to detail instilled by his sons to turn this family business into a global force.
Feeling the love
There was time to explore the city of Antwerp and sample the Belgian beer, chocolate and food!
We LOVE having a close connection to the people behind the frames and sharing their stories with you.
Garrett Leight is going green! Look out for the green BIO label on the arm. This means your frame is made with an innovative, sustainable material – a bio-acetate that is bio-based and biodegradable.
BIO-Acetate
Bio-acetate is made from renewable resources present in nature, it is derived from partial plant matter and is recyclable, biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Biodegradable and Compostable
Being classed as biodegradable means the material has to exceed 90% bio-degradation in 6months (it reaches this figure in under 115days). It is considered compostable which means it has no negative impact on the plants.
Extra’s
It’s not just the frames which are going green! The cleaning cloth is made from 80% recycled plastic bottles, the case uses animal free suade and the case wrapper is made from FSC-certified recycled paper.
Founded in 2019 by eyewear guru’s Salma Rachid and Rosario Toscano, AKONI are the new “must have” luxury eyewear brand. The name derives from the Latin word meaning Inestimable, priceless, worthy of admiration. This forms the ethos of the brand, it’s people and of course the frames themselves, which do not disappoint!
Akoni collection was created for those who appreciate timeless design, exceptional materials, and uncompromising craftsmanship – real differences that you can see and feel. We love that they are environmentally responsible, using planet-friendly materials and processes whenever possible. For example, their cellulose acetate is made from renewable woods and cotton. The packaging relies on recyled cardboard and is complete with a recycled microfibre cloth.
Japanese Craftsmanship
As founder and former designers at DITA eyewear, Salma and Rosario know a thing or two about high quality eyewear. They have a close partnership with the most respected artisans and producers in the Fukui region of Japan. Fukui has long been the home of the world’s finest eyewear creators, celebrated for their unmatched precision and skills. The regions craftsmen are very selective, choosing only to collaborate with those who closely align with their values and high standards.
The Japanese materials are unmatched in their quality. Akoni use the world’s finest lightweight titanium, built for a lifetime of use. They are hypoallergenic, and they will not tarnish or corrode. The Zyl acetate frames have unmatched density, strength, beauty, luster, and an incredible ability to always maintain its shape and resist shrinkage. Special attention was given to designing lightweight hypoallergenic ceramic nose pads, always cool to touch with ribbed lines to ensure a comfortable, non-slip fit. Akoni is intent on offering higher quality, longer lasting frames which will look new after years of use.
Zoom in
A closer look at an Akoni frame reveals an array of distinctive and intricate details. Tactile knurlings on temple fronts, rounded acetate temple tips and a threaded screw system to avoid the frustrating lost screw! We particularly like the adjustable temple, altering the side length allows us to perfectly tailor the frame fit.
No Need to Shout
At Grey Street we believe that good design doesn’t need to clamor for attention. Akoni embraces this ethos by avoiding large logos, allowing the eye to focus on sleek design and finely crafted details.
Out of this World
The Akoni eyewear collections are named after the wonders of astronomy and human explorations of the cosmos. Where our sense of curiosity was born, and our drive to reach the boundary of human capability was discovered to be infinite…
Etere
Inspired by the mysterious fifth element the ancient’s believed held our galaxy in place, Etere styles are crafted from eco-friendly cellulose acetate and named for the constellations.
Sagitta
LeoHercules
Altitude
Altitude styles are modern interpretations of flight-inspired classics that take their names from the remarkable celestial objects comprising our galaxy.
Europa
Eris
Horizon
Horizon artfully combines the thin profile and lightweight strength of titanium with the beauty and substance of eco-friendly cellulose acetate.
GalileoCamera
Delta
With each of Delta’s wire-frame styles named for a legendary spaceflight program, we’re reminded that our dreams of the stars begin on terra firma.
GenesisPioneer
Optima
Borrowing its name from the Latin word for “best,” Optima styles are extraordinarily challenging to produce and often available in extremely limited supply.
All new to Grey Street, Newcastle, the North-East, England, and in fact the whole of the UK! We are delighted to be the first UK stockist of HUG Spectacles!!!
We had heard a rumour that one of our favourite people in the global eyewear industry had something new and exciting up his sleeve. Having worked with Jochen for many years with Reiz (a longstanding GREY ST. favourite) we know his eyewear ideals are well aligned with those of our Grey St. clientelle. We met up with Jochen in a Paris hotel for our first glimpse of HUG spectacles…
He was joined by Thomas, another familiar face from Reiz, and master-craftsman and designer Frederic. The name HUG is made from the initials of the three surnames Hobmaier, Utz and Gotbrod. Very simple, but with a literal meaning: an embrace is both beautiful and fitting, reflecting a way of working and conveying an attitude.
The glasses have a simplicity too. Nothing fancy, just timeless and unique frames, beautiful shapes, great materials, master craftsmanship, and a lot of love for every detail. There is a luxurious feel to the acetate and the hinges, and temple inlays are of the highest quality. HUG have made stunning glasses with some of the highest production standards we have seen. We knew we were bringing them back to Grey Street!
While designing, Fred listens to old blues classics, which first became working titles for the frames and then eventually developed into the model names..
HOOKER
In homage to John Lee… Could you find a cooler pair of shades?!
PEEBLES
Tribute to Mrs Ann Peebles. We love this shadowrose colour!
BESSIE
Her majesty Bessie Smith, empress of the blues! Also comes in a larger size, big Bessie!
JOHNSON
Tribute to the late, great Robert Johnson. Available as sunglass or optical. Has a smaller brother, little Johnson.
PATTON
Shadow colourway with gold details. Blues musician Charley Patton.
MCTELL
Your everyday companion!
There are many more styles and colours available. The best way to see the full collection is to let us know when you are coming, by booking a frame consultation here: https://www.greyst.co.uk/appointments/
It’s no secret that we’re proud of our prime position in Newcastle’s iconic Central Arcade!
Designed by Oswald and Son in 1905, and featuring a glass barrel-vaulted roof and stunning tile work, Central Arcade was and is still celebrated for its architecture and craftsmanship.
The arcade was opened in 1906 as an elegant shopping destination. Today it is home to some of the best local and independent businesses in the region.
Central Arcade remains a Newcastle institution, but our beautiful location is not the only legacy here at Grey St. Optician…
Introducing Masunaga 1905
Masunaga Optical was founded in Fukui, Japan in 1905.
97% of Japanese-made optical frames are manufactured in Fukui, making it one of the three largest production regions for optical frames in the world.
The company founder Gozaemon Masunaga brought in skilled Japanese craftsmen from Osaka and Tokyo, with the ambition of establishing the optical industry in Fukui.
Gozaemon created a guild-like system where fully-fledged craftsmen could set up their own businesses. Owing to this system, the number of eyeglass craftsmen increased gradually, and the optical industry spread all over Fukui.
Masunaga are the only Eyewear Manufacturer in Japan that handles each step in a 200 step production process, from raw materials to the finished product. This integrated production system guarantees the highest level of detail and quality.
Masunaga’s collection has something for everyone. From delicate colours and intricate details, to powerful acetates and seven-barrel hinges. The defining characteristic of Masunaga Optical is in the quality itself. The frames are expertly engineered to achieve the highest level of comfort, and enduring style.
We’re honoured to have been trusted to bring this iconic brand to Newcastle upon Tyne. We think they look perfectly at home against the stunning backdrop of the Central Arcade!
The latest collection from Masunaga has just landed. To get your hands on a piece of eyewear history, get in touch now.
