Photo Courtesy of Terry Richardson
Linda Farrow’s idea was simple: to look beyond the purely functional properties of sunglasses and treat them as a fashion accessory. As one of the first designers to take this approach back in 1970, Farrow’s pioneering collections were aimed at the super stylish and jetsetters of London. Today, the brand lives on through a family re-launch and remains a favourite amongst stylish celebrities, models and artists.
Don’t miss our dedicated Linda Farrow Blitz set up in store at Lane Crawford Canton Road, Shanghai Times Square and Beijing Seasons Place.
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Jeremy Scott and Minzy from 2NE1
Xiao Bai
Jimmy Q
Lindsey Wixon
(Photo Courtesy of Self Service Magazine)
Michelle Harper
Linda Farrow closed her business in the mid-80s and it wasn’t until a chance discovery in 2003, when her son Simon Jablon and then-girlfriend - now business partner and wife - Tracy Sedino stumbled across some old stock in a London warehouse that the brand was reignited. Taking this stash of pristine condition vintage glasses, the duo continue the legend of Linda Farrow, innovating each collection while working with hot labels including Alexander Wang and 3.1 Phillip Lim. We talk to Sedino about recreating the Linda Farrow DNA and what it means today.
LC : Could you describe how you felt when you stumbled across the stash of vintage sunglasses that eventually became the backbone of re-establishing the Linda Farrow brand?
TS : As soon as we saw the glasses, we realised we wanted to do something with them. I was 22 and doing PR assistant jobs and Simon was 24 working with his family. We realised that Linda Farrow as a brand had been gone for the last 15 years or so and that no one really knew about it, it was perfect for a re-launch.
LC : Did you always envisage yourself as working in this field?
TS : We never thought that this
specifically was what we were going to do. I wanted to go into fashion, and I had just been accepted to go to Central St. Martins to study Fashion Design when we came across the archive. That summer, I had to make the decision: do I continue school, or do I start a business? I obviously went for the latter!
LC : Is there a single sunglass style that works for everyone?
TS : There are frames that suit a lot of face shapes such as the D-frame or the aviator but it is very important to choose a frame that suits your face shape and your personality. Your face is your most prominent feature and sunglasses are a way to express yourself.
LC : What makes a design distinctively Linda Farrow?
TS : The Linda Farrow line is classic and timeless. None of our glasses have big branding on the side, they are quite subtle, so they are not for the outlandish types and there is no bling.
Your face is your most prominent feature and sunglasses are a way to express yourself.LC : What are the advantages and disadvantages to working as a husband-wife duo with your partner Simon Jablon?
TS : Simon and I have two different roles within the company but we have the same vision, so we respect each other. Don’t get me wrong, it is not always easy and even now we have our differences, but we always agree that we will never hold grudges. Now we have our own offices on different floors, so at work we meet each other for lunch and that’s it!
LC : Who do you think are the most iconic sunglass wearers - from the past and today?
TS : Lady Gaga wore the Jeremy Scott ‘Mickey’ style and that particular pair will go down in eyewear history. Other than the list goes on, Jackie Onassis, John Lennon…
LC : You’ve collaborated with many designers - who is on the list that you’d like to work with in the future?
TS : I would absolutely love to work with Alaïa, Fausto Puglisi and Anthony Vaccarello.