“You look cute mommy,” Ben said to me while looking into my eyes last night. I was wearing new glasses—a birthday gift from Michael Concepcion of Ronnie & Joe at SM Aura.
I was wondering how the boys would react to my glasses—if they would think it made me looked old—so Ben’s comment was really sweet.
About two weeks ago I started getting a migraine on top of my left eye. I had my eyes checked with Dr. Alnette Tan of American Eye and got two prescriptions for reading and normal glasses.
A few days ago I started using the glasses—not the whole day but during times I felt like a headache was coming.
The glasses have been a lifesaver.
My eyes aren’t that bad, having had LASIK at American Eye 10 years ago. In fact, Dr. Alnette was quite impressed that my vision had stayed good that long. But this year I felt like the old age was creeping in.
Chic glasses are hard to come by. I get so amazed with people who always have nice frames—like my Uncle Greg Garcia and Jappy Gonzalez of Homme et Femme.
Yesterday I got an email from Jappy inviting me to check out nackymade‘s popup store at Univers this May 23-25 only.
Naoki (Nacky) Nakagawa is an eyewear designer based in Kobe, Japan who has made a name for himself by creating handmade bespoke eyeglasses. He personally customises each piece based on the client’s face shape, personality and lifestyle.
Naoki-san was busy seeing clients when I arrived at Univers around 4 PM.
He was assisted by his cute wife Tomoko-san
On the table are various frames that are available for sale
Plus some that are a little bit strange (Yoko Ono is a client after all)
Then there are many loose frames, hinges and stems to choose from to customise according to your taste.
Naoki-san is very effective in helping you choose a frame that will suit you best. He will also make sure the fit is perfect by measuring the distance between your eyes and ears.
Naoki-san and his wife spend six months in a year in Kobe, and travel the rest of the year to Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and Manila to meet the clients.
Bespoke glasses are typically 25,000 pesos each, but ready-made pieces may be purchased at Univers for 20,000.
Also at Univers this weekend are Takashi and Miki Uokawa who make clothes and accessories under the Tougher and Katano Kaban labels.
L-R: Miki (left) and Takashi Uokawa with their daughter Mizuki
There are many pieces on display at Univers—both for men and women, with prices much more affordable than the nackymade glasses 
Some of the pieces I liked under the Tougher label were these summery tops and dresses
Under Katano Kaban, I liked the circular bags that turned from this
to this. Well, in a different colour, but you get the idea.
Meet the Japanese artisans at Univers, One Rockwell East Tower, Rockwell Drive this May 23-25, 2014 from 10 AM to 7 PM. For inquiries call 533-6811 or 533-6881.
