Taylor Morris launch collaboration with Morgan Motors
Driving off into the sunset? Slip on a pair of these speedster-inspired sunglasses
Words: Gentleman's Journal
For over 100 years, Morgan Motors have created stylish drop-top racing cars. But, when the roof comes off, the goggles tend to come out – iconically designed eye protection that has fallen by the wayside in recent years.
Which is where luxury British eyewear brand Taylor Morris have come to the rescue. Fully aware that many men no longer reach for leather-padded flying goggles when driving their modern convertibles, luxury eyewear team Hugo Taylor and Charlie Morris were determined to partner with Morgan and create a range of sunglasses to bring driving goggles into the 21st century.
The resulting collaboration, a unique bend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance, sees innovative design paired with traditional lines.
Working closely with Morgan Motors head of design, Jonathan Wells, the shape of the new three-strong collection was based on the traditional 1930s racing goggles, combined with current trends within the eyewear industry.
Amelia Allen Photography
To celebrate this exciting collaboration, Taylor Morris and Morgan Motors invited Gentleman’s Journal along for an evening of indulgence with Royal Salute and Nyetimber at 100 Wardour Street, where guests included co-founders Hugo Taylor & Charlie Morris, Dougie Poynter, Millie Mackintosh, Rob Knighton, Oliver Proudlock, Emma Connolly, Struan Moore, Juliet Angus, Sarah Ann Macklin & Will Stevens.
Host Nicholas Dellaportas kept the evening ‘flowing’ with a ceremonious rendition of the Royal Salute toast, ending with each guest standing on their chair and drinking out of a Quaich. An earlier 3-course dinner was accompanied by a live jazz-swing band: Salmon ceviche, followed by Sirloin with celeriac and truffle mash and to finish a perfectly executed chocolate fondant.
Amelia Allen Photography
But, before the festivities began, Taylor Morris explained the design process behind this exclusive collaboration – which you can check out at the brand’s latest pop-up along the King’s Road at the Bluebird Cafe.
The designers used the original 3-wheeler Morgan, launched in 1909, as an inspiration for the frames, using the forward mounted engine positioning and perforated tailpipes to created a unique look for the glasses.
Available in 3 different colours, the frames are differentiated by the varying acetates, and inspired by wood finishes – including walnut, oak and mahogany. The lenses take their inspiration from the three most popular paint finishes, and other distinct features include the leather-covered brow bar – which borrows material from Morgan’s bespoke interiors.
Each frame retails at £240 and is available from taylor-morris.com
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