Just a few days to go until the doors open on 100% Optical – and we’re excited that on Sunday we’ll be welcoming Dame Prue Leith to the main stage.
In lieu of interview opportunities on the day, Prue has completed the attached Q&A for us, which makes for interesting reading – hope you can use it!
Chef, restaurateur and TV presenter, Dame Prue Leith, has been announced as a special celebrity guest at next month’s 100% Optical show at ExCeL London.
She and her stylist/producer Jane Galpin will be at the show to help promote Specs by Prue, the eyewear range which she launched in July 2022 with independent eyewear supplier MAC Eyewear.
https://www.maceyewear.co.uk/collections/specs-by-prue/
Your glasses are now a key part of your look/personality – but have you always liked wearing them?
Only since I could get bright coloured stylish ones.
How many pairs of glasses do you own – and how do you decide which ones to wear each day?
About 20, although my range has 75 variations of colour and style. I start each day by choosing my specs and necklace, and then add the clothes to match.
Can you describe your favourite pair?
Turquoise, lime green and white. Very spring-like. But the most useful, because I wear red a lot, are red with small white and blue flashes.
Who would you pick as your style icon of glasses wearers and why?
Well, Elton John did more for glasses-wearers than anyone. But of course, I think my own range is the best.
What are your top tips for choosing the right pair of frames?
Just try a pair a touch bolder than you feel comfortable with at first. Just a bit brighter, bigger, bolder, and you’ll be surprised how good they look. Don’t be timid.
Tell us about your collection with MAC Eyewear – how did it come about? I’ve had my own range of specs for a while and MAC used to distribute them. Then last year we decided to go into business together. I’m very involved with the design, especially the colours, and so far, so very good.
Where do you think eyewear ranks in terms of the elements of a fashion wardrobe?
I can never understand why women spend so much money on shoes and handbags when they spend most of their time in the cupboard or under the table. Specs are, literally, “in your face”, right where people are looking. They are your most important accessory.
As a cook, is wearing glasses a hindrance? Have you ever had any glasses-related mishaps in the kitchen?
No, but they have to be well designed so they don’t slip down your nose when you get hot and sweaty. I’ve never dropped them in the soup, but on stage the other night, flinging my arms about while telling a funny story, I hooked them off my face and sent them flying.
