The Lucretia: A Story of Modern Elegance
The morning sun was streaming through our windows at Shades Optical when the Barton Perreira shipment arrived. I remember that day distinctly because of how the light played through the translucent acetate of the Lucretia frames as I carefully unpacked them. Each colorway seemed to tell its own story - the Clover, with its bold green transparency catching the morning light; the Sulcata Tortoise, with its intricate patterns revealing new depths with every turn; the Cabernet Tortoise, rich and complex like the wine it's named after.
There's something special about receiving new frames, but the Lucretia collection felt different. Perhaps it was the way each piece demonstrated Barton Perreira's mastery of Japanese acetate, or how the classical cat-eye shape had been so thoughtfully reimagined for modern sensibilities.
The Art of Craft
As I arranged the collection in our display, I couldn't help but appreciate the weeks of meticulous handwork that went into each frame. The Japanese artisans who craft Barton Perreira frames are masters of their material. The acetate they work with isn't just plastic; it's a canvas that allows them to create depth, texture, and character that mass-produced frames simply can't match.
Each Lucretia frame showcases this expertise beautifully. The 51mm eye size is bold without being overwhelming, the 20mm bridge is engineered for perfect balance, and the 145mm temples ensure a fit that feels custom-made. But these are just numbers - what matters is how they come together to create something extraordinary.
An Afternoon with Anna
It was later that same day when Anna walked in. As a curator for a contemporary art gallery, she understood the importance of presentation. She'd been wearing the same conservative frames for years, but was ready for something that better reflected her professional evolution.
"I need something that commands respect in board meetings but shows creativity during gallery openings," she explained. As she spoke, I noticed how the afternoon light caught her existing frames - flat, uninspiring. I knew exactly which frame to reach for.
The Lucretia in Desert Sky was my first choice for her. The way the acetate transformed in different lights - warm and professional under gallery spotlights, artistic and intriguing in natural light - seemed perfect for her dual requirements. When she put them on, there was that moment we live for at Shades Optical - the slight intake of breath, the straightening of shoulders, the slow smile of recognition in the mirror.
"The color..." she started, turning to catch different angles. "It's like it changes with the light." She was right. The premium Japanese acetate has that quality - revealing different aspects of itself as light shifts throughout the day. We tried other colors - the classic black for its professional authority, the Clover for its artistic boldness - but kept coming back to the Desert Sky.
The Technical Artistry
As Anna explored the collection, we discussed the craftsmanship that sets Barton Perreira apart. Each Lucretia frame spends weeks in production in Japan, where skilled artisans shape and polish the acetate to achieve that perfect balance of structure and elegance. The cat-eye design, while rooted in vintage aesthetics, has been refined and modernized. The curves are more subtle, the proportions more considered, making it a thoroughly contemporary take on a classic style.
I explained how the frame's construction showcases Barton Perreira's attention to detail - from the precise contouring of the acetate to create comfortable wear, to the thoughtful engineering of the temples for perfect balance. These aren't just design choices; they're the result of years of expertise in working with premium materials.
A Perfect Match
Anna spent nearly an hour with us, trying different colors, discussing how each would work in different lighting situations. She appreciated the technical details - the quality of the Japanese acetate, the precision of the craftsmanship - but what sold her was how the frames made her feel.
"These don't feel like I'm wearing someone else's idea of style," she said, as she made her final decision. "They feel like they were made for me." She chose the Desert Sky, but also ordered the Clover for more creative days. "One for the board room, one for the gallery," she smiled.
Beyond Fashion
In the weeks that followed, Anna would stop by occasionally to share how her new frames had been received. The Desert Sky had indeed proved perfect for board meetings, lending her an air of creative authority that her old frames never achieved. The Clover had become her signature piece at gallery openings, often sparking conversations about design and artistry.
This is what makes the Lucretia more than just another frame. It's not simply about looking good - though it certainly achieves that. It's about how thoughtful design, premium materials, and masterful craftsmanship come together to create something that enhances not just how you look, but how you feel and how you're perceived.
At Shades Optical, we believe that choosing the right frames is an investment in yourself. The Barton Perreira Lucretia, with its perfect balance of classic inspiration and modern execution, represents this philosophy beautifully. Whether in the professional sophistication of black, the artistic flair of Clover, or the versatile elegance of Desert Sky, each frame is a testament to the enduring power of exceptional design.
Visit us at Shades Optical to experience the Barton Perreira Lucretia collection for yourself. Some classics never go out of style; they just get reinvented in more beautiful ways.