Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll be reviewing a pair of eyewear from the local eyewear label sightonomy.
I’ve previously gotten a pair of glasses from sightonomy, and wrote about my experience here. Since then, I’ve decided to venture into the world of tinted lenses, and returned to sightonomy intending to get a pair (or two). After much browsing around, I settled upon the Aspen with Hoya Sensity photochromic lenses, as well as the Maze with blue gradient lenses. Let’s see if they are any good.
The Aspen is one of sightonomy’s newest frames, with a “subtle polygonal front and generous dimensions”. I like the subtle polygonal design – it’s more interesting than traditional round/square/rectangular frames, but not too angular and ostentatious as well. Its versatile frame should fit a myriad of face shapes, allowing for a comfortable fit.
The frame is interesting, with several faceted edges and Art Deco-inspired lines that separate it from the norm. At $125, the Aspen is considered part of sightonomy’s premium range, and it shows in the subtle design traits that elevate it from the cheaper, $75 frames.
Aside from the design, part of the premium is also due to the Aspen’s titanium construction. With a titanium body, the Aspen is lightweight but durable. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it great for people with sensitive skin (like me).
Of course, the key allure of this frame is the green-tinted Hoya Sensity lenses. Available in Silver Grey, Bronze Brown and Emerald Green, the Hoya Sensity lenses represent the latest generation of photochromic lenses, with quicker darkening and fading. In my experience, I found the lenses to darken to their darkest state within 60 seconds and fade equally quickly as well.
Make no mistake – these aren’t your father’s transition lenses. Not only are the Hoya Sensity lenses technically superior, but they are also eminently more stylish. I decided to opt for the Emerald Green colourway to pair with the rose gold palette of the Aspen, and I think the resulting combination is simply stellar. It’s a look that I imagine Robert Downey Jr (who’s known for his tinted eyewear) would pull off with aplomb, and one that I absolutely would rock.
Despite the deep green hue, my experience of seeing through them was not too different from regular lenses. The world was not washed in green whatsoever, just slightly darker with a warmer tone. It did take me some time to get used to seeing through the lenses, but the adjustment was shorter than expected, with clarity not impacted whatsoever.
All in all, the rose gold titanium Aspen is a sturdy, comfortable and fashion-forward frame, while the Hoya Sensity lenses are enjoyable to both look at and look through. Paired together, the resulting frame is a conversation starter due to its rakish nature and is an astute choice for those who want to level up their style game without sacrificing function.
In a bid to expand his offerings, Shane has since brought in sunglasses frames as well. He mentioned noticing the increasing demand for sunglasses as people resumed travelling overseas (or simply beach parties). Out of the dozens of frames available, the Maze in Crystal caught my eye.
The Maze is made from hand-polished acetate, which feels premium to the touch. It is again also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin like me.
Sunglasses come in a bevvy of signature designs – think Ray-Bans aviators, for example – but I prefer my glasses to be more subtle. The Maze does the trick, with a classic round silhouette and a slightly oversized fit.
For the Maze, I opted for blue-tinted gradient lenses. As its name suggests, the lenses have a gradient from top to bottom. The tint is usually darker at the top, and gradually fades to a lighter shade toward the bottom. While not as effective as polarised lenses, it still protects against glare, with increased clarity and contrast.
Nevertheless, the main selling point of gradient lenses is that they simply look cool. It’s undeniable that the gradient look is aesthetically pleasing, especially when paired with a clear frame. It’s striking and eye-catching, and a different option for those who find the regular black shades boring.
Overall, I love the Maze sunglasses with the blue-tinted gradient lenses. It’s eminently stylish, and surprisingly versatile – I wore it once with a suit, and the shades didn’t feel out of place at all. I adore the gradient lenses, which remind me of fume dials in watches. I was initially worried that the clear frame would look too Gen Z, but it serves as the appropriate canvas for the striking gradient lenses. The sunglasses were also effective at blocking out sunlight, making them a perfect blend of form and function.
Conclusion – so sightonomy’s photochromic eyewear and sunglasses “shiok” or not?
As always, the unique lenses are sightonomy’s strength. My favourite aspect of the Kieran (my previous pair of glasses from sightonomy) was the specialised Hoya Sync III lenses, which relieve digital eye strain. Similarly, I love the tinted lens options from sightonomy. For one, the Hoya Sensity photochromic lenses work like a charm, darkening and fading in an instant. Its emerald green colour is beautiful, especially when paired with the rose gold Aspen frame. Similarly, the blue gradient lenses are aesthetically striking, while still highly effective at cutting glare. In other words, both offer style and substance.
And as the icing on the cake, sightonomy’s prices are wallet-friendly. Those interested in purchasing eyewear from sightonomy can quote “WAHSOSHIOK” in-store or when making your appointment to enjoy $10 off your purchase. After the discount, the Aspen can be had for just $115, while the Maze would cost a mere $75. The top-up on colour tints depends on a variety of factors (solid or gradient, prescription degree, polarized filter, etc), but my lenses (with prescription, gradient tinted lenses) cost an additional $60, bringing the total to only $135.
View the full range of sightonomy’s offerings here.
sightonomy’s location: 60B Smith St, Singapore 058963
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
