Morgenthal Frederics

Profile

Think of Morgenthal Frederics as spectacles for the fashion-obsessed. Optician-cum-optical impresario Richard Morgenthal bought the store—a freestanding Madison Avenue shop then called Frederics–precisely because of his own serious regard for eyewear. After making the purchase back in 1986, he’s turned the brand into a small empire. Under the optician’s domain: four Manhattan shops (a large store at the Time Warner Center, as well as two Madison Avenue shops and another in Soho), one on Long Island (at Americana Manhasset) and a Beantown location (at LouisBoston). The looks of his frames vary from minimalist oval rimless shapes to more conspicuous circular styles, all of which bear names like “Eros,” “Nymph” and “Astaire.” Each of the David Rockwell-designed boutiques are equally high concept, with lampshades made from the same materials as the glasses. Those looking for an actual eye exam, however, will have to rely on one of the staff referrals or hit the Soho location on Saturdays and Sundays. — Caroline Callahan