Kirk and Kirk, a new company founded by Jason and Karen Kirk, makes its debut with the Vivarium Eyewear collection. The frames are handmade in France from acrylic to create a unique color palette in such autumnal hues as anthracite, blue, brown, bordeaux, green and silver, all with a metallic finish. Frames are accented with pins crafted by British artisans in 925 sterling silver and 9-carat gold. What appears at first glance to be a classic trim is actually a three-dimensional animal head—a lion, horse, ram or fly. “Our objective with our new venture is to respond to expectations, but to surprise at the same time. What we are hearing over and over is ‘we want something different.’ Making something different is relatively straightforward. Making something different that people can sell is somewhat more of a challenge. And that’s what we hope to do,” says Jason Kirk.


 

PHILOSOPHY: “Our new collection was influenced by the Victorian fascination with science and their obsessive ‘collecting’ of nature,” says Jason Kirk. “Although it is a beautiful, luxurious collection, there remains an element of tongue-in-cheek about the line—what we hope is a quirky, dandy-esque Britishness, a sort of Oscar Wilde meets James Bond. The animals bring the frames to life, hence the name Vivarium.”

MARKETING: The Kirk and Kirk launch collection merchandising package includes a small book/brochure, logo plaque and window posters. Customized window displays are also available. Each frame comes with a case and cleaning cloth packaged in an elegant presentation box.

PRICE POINT: $$$$$

CONTACT: For additional information, contact Kirk & Kirk, e-mail: [email protected]

INSIGHT
Veterans of the eyewear business, husband and wife Jason and Karen Kirk, who have long worked as a team, most notably at Kirk Originals, decided to make a conscious decision to share the stage with their new company. “Putting our names at the forefront (twice) is a positive affirmation of our belief in our new incarnation,” Jason Kirk says.