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Discover the design hotlist: Guy Buchan
By Mark O'Flaherty | 6 July 2018 | Lifestyle, Style
Mark O’Flaherty shares why eyewear designer Guy Buchan is making a bold statement in the style work
From architecture and interiors to art and engineering, Tempus has teamed up with a board of leading experts to unveil the eight innovators set to shake up the design world in Britain in 2018. Each day, Tempus Online puts the spotlight of one of these great eight pioneers to celebrate the launch of our new print issue.
Guy Buchan
The foundations of made-to-order and bespoke eyewear company Bold London mix art with finance. Founder Guy Buchan studied sculpture, and then went on to run his own boutique design and innovation consultancy. His clients included numerous big brands from Puma to UBS Investment Bank, advising them on communications and strategy as well as honing their digital products and trading applications.
Working as a creative consultant in the frequently conservative world of high finance opened doors, forged connections and switched on a lightbulb for him. While men may not deviate too much from suits and smart casual in the business universe, eyewear offers an opportunity to be distinctive and individual.
Why not offer an exclusive, mad- to-measure and bespoke service, with a wide range of materials (water buffalo can be used instead of acetate), options and finishings (including gold and platinum)? Something that the high-end customer is already used to from their tailor?
Buchan could also bring his eye for shape and sculpture to the project. The result was Bold London, which launched in 2016 and currently offers made-to-order frames in six styles (from £660), with a lead-in time of 10 weeks, and a bespoke process (from £3,880), which involves three appointments, a 3D prototype, and a turnaround of up to 24 weeks. The service is offered via a primarily digital platform, but with face to face consultancy at private members clubs in London.
Mark O'Flaherty
Editor and writer Mark pens articles for the Financial Times, Esquire and the Telegraph, among others. e style expert discloses his favourite accessories designer. Read more from our experts and innovators in Tempus Design Issue, out now.
