My New Glasses from Markus T

For the first time in my life I decided, last month, to get some "hip" new eyeglass frames. As my friends can tell you, I have never been one who was very concerned about fashion statements, but I decided that if I don't start looking cool pretty soon, I will have lost all ability to be, and look, cool. I ran into someone at a reception last month who said she would be able to help me out. I went into her shop, tried on several kinds of frames, and we (along with the sales rep, a guy from San Francisco who was standing there commenting on how cool I looked in "Markus T" frames) decided that "Markus T" was the frame for me.

A Word on Markus T

Here is what one Internet reviewer of current eyeglass fashion has to say about Markus T:

"Markus T. designs utterly unique frames from a practical perspective. They proclaim their design statement in measured tones. Markus T. says, "Yes as a matter of fact, I am incredibly hip. But I'm not all stuck-up about it." They're also among the lightest, most comfortable frames made. Every piece is crafted by hand in Germany using titanium wire and an ingenious screw-less design. The 'life' line features polycarbonate fronts in a variety of colors and all the frames come with the coolest case ever. We love these glasses."

Well, I am sure there is much more to be said about Markus T. I do know, however, that his new line is barely sold in America--only in some of the more progressive fashion centers. That, of course, is why I was able to get them in Salem, Oregon, when the sales rep, John, just happened to be there in Glance Eyewear.

Photos

Well, here is the first picture. My daughter, Sydney, took it when she was visiting me from Seattle over Thanksgiving break. The frames are light green in color, with incredibly light, almost delicate, translucent arms that extend of course from the frame to my ears. There is no hinge; rather there are two metallic hooks on the frame. These frames cost me a bunch; so what do you think of them?

My super-helpful eyeglass "consultant," Lisa, spoke of the way that the green color gave a hint of an "organic" feel as well as an "artsy, architectural" type of vision. She was convinced that one needed not just this one pair, but probably four or five more but, in a pinch, one could get by with these like green Markus T in all situations--from the "Board Room" to the "Beach." Of course, I spend all my time hanging out either in boardrooms or on beaches, so it was comforting to know that my frames would be an attraction there. Ok, let's try another picture.

As you can see, I have deftly changed both my shirt and my background for this shot. I wanted to see how they appeared with a different colored shirt. Since red and green often clash, I wanted to see if they would clash in this instance. I don't think so. I think actually that the earth tone of the green works nicely with the shirt, don't you? Lisa, my consultant, says that the frames give me an "intriguingly enticing look." Well, she gets paid to say that.

Let's find one final picture.

Here I am, looking friendlier than I have in a long time. Lisa says that in our day and age glasses are increasingly seen as "accessories." In other words, just as you have to have several purses for various occasions (I should know this, right?), so you need several pairs of glasses. I think, however, I will stick with this one pair for now. After all, it set me back quite a chunk of change. But Markus T will, I hope, be proud.

Conclusion

When I left her shop on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I felt a peculiar surge of power, as if my life would be strangely different now that I had moved right to the top of the fashion world in eyeglasses. She assured me that people would be lining up at my door, wondering not only who made the frames but how they could get a pair like them.

I went back to the office, fully expecting to fight back a surge of secretaries and students as they saw me in my new eye attire. No comment. Well, after all, I thought, it was the last day of classes and people were concerned about papers and tests. So, I waited until Thursday, when I went to a Thanksgiving party with a few friends. Surely they would be floored. Whoops. No comment. My kids? No comment.

I think I am confused. But that is no different than the way I spend most of my life, I suppose. At least I have the inner sense of coolness now which, after I lose a few pounds and get a new wardrobe, will really put an exclamation point on my life. I hope it isn't too late.

Well, do you have any comments? Thanks.

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