At Oliver Spencer Studio too, one factor we consider when curating our roster of like-minded brands is where they are manufactured. When it comes to manufacturing, localism might not be the cheapest way to make products, but very often it's the best way, helping to evolve micro-industries that grow deep roots in a place by incorporating engendering local artisans.
Shopping local is a great step. Shopping brands that manufacture their products close to home is even better.
We're extremely proud of our on-going collaboration with the Northamptonshire-based shoemaker Solovair for example. Having visited their factory on a number of occasions, we've seen firsthand just how much passion and dedication they put into making each and every shoe. Our collective manufacturing principles are perfectly aligned, and we think that shows in the quality of the shoes that we have released with them.
Our most recent project with the modern eyewear maker Cubitts puts this concept front and centre. Together we've created a limited run of a new sunglasses frame (in three colourways) that are handmade right here in Cubitts' London atelier. Inspired by the classic S9 military-issue silhouette, the frame is proportionally balanced; featuring bold 52mm wide rectangle lenses, tempered by the saddle bridge and wide temples. Each frame features a hand chamfered browline, angular lugs, and hockey end temples engraved with the Oliver Spencer coordinates.
