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“Perfection is subjective”: Meet Linda Farrow Eyewear Designer Simon Jablon
Simon Jablon was in his twenties when he re-relaunched Linda Farrow, the eyewear business started by his mother in 1970. “Although I’ve always admired and respected what my mother did, I didn’t have my heart set on the eyewear industry at all,” he admits. “I did know I always wanted to work in fashion and design, so it was a mixture of fate and the inevitable, as both my parents were prominent in the eyewear industry. Our success today is partly thanks to their extensive experience.”
That was back in 2003, and Linda Farrow has since grown to fill a niche for fashion-forward luxury eyewear. Often seen on celebrities – Kendal Jenner and her momager Kris are fans – the brand is also known for setting trends via cutting-edge style collaborations that have become a part of its identity. “Subconsciously, I was probably attending a metaphorical university of eyewear just growing up around them as a child,” says Simon, “so I absorbed the skills that both my mother had on the design side, and my father’s skills on the business side.”
-Interviewed by Kate Matthams-
Describe Linda Farrow as a brand, in three words.
Timeless, sophistication, craftsmanship
What can you tell me about the design process at Linda Farrow?
We have a three-step approach; the first is always design-first, always making sure to incorporate the Linda Farrow aesthetic in modern ways to ensure we are following trends while staying true to the brand heritage. The second step is to make sure the craftsmanship and technicality of the design is the best it can be.
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We pride ourselves on offering a true luxury product that lasts, and is sustainable. The third, is storytelling and seasonal concepts. We are a fashion brand at heart, so we need to make sure each collection’s inspiration is conveyed to our customers.
As a designer, what is so special about eyewear?
As we’re a single category brand we can ensure that we produce the best of the best. I would liken a pair of Linda Farrow glasses to a Patek Phillippe in the watch industry
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we produce the highest quality items possible in our industry, because we focus on one product. The same can be said of Christian Louboutin in the shoe world – they make the best shoes because they focus on shoes.
How would you describe the Linda Farrow customer?
The Linda Farrow women is a sophisticated opinion leader, she’s confident and unapologetic.
Linda Farrow is known for collaboration with the fashion industry, which have included Dries van Noten, Raf Simons and Philip Lim over the years. Which have been your favourites and why?
Our ongoing collaboration with Dries Van Noten will always be one of my favorites because he is a personal hero of mine! Dries is a master of design and creativity and it’s an honour to work with him.
The Jeremy Scott collection was also a career highlight, as we made some iconic pieces with him that people will remember as a real fashion moment. We also have a great collaboration ongoing at the moment with The Attico, a luxury Italian brand that is headed up by a very cool design duo – Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini.
What makes the perfect Linda Farrow frames?
I don’t really believe in the perfect frame. Fashion and design is an evolution, and I like the idea of everyone having their own perfect frame for different occasions. Also, our range is huge to suit different face shapes ,with multiple colorways to suit skin tones or an outfit change! Perfection is subjective, a perfect frame for one person might not be perfect on someone else.
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