A Specsavers optometry partner from Western Australia will have her frame design launched in store this year after winning an internal competition.
In 2017, Specsavers Australia & New Zealand held its second Frame Design Competition for stores, offering one talented team member the chance to personally design a frame for the Specsavers Aus/NZ range.
Budding designers in both countries put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to create detailed design briefs, and an overwhelming number of entries were received.
The entries were scored by an expert panel of judges on their customer relevance, design brief and demonstration of design process, and commercial viability.
In July 2017, four finalists were announced:
- Aine Kavanagh, Specsavers Northcote, VIC
- Emma Dowding, Specsavers Busselton, WA
- Katarina Chalwell, Specsavers Eaton, WA
- Lesley Smith, Specsavers Ringwood, VIC.
Emma Dowding
Emma Dowding emerged as the competition winner for her ‘Meryl’ design, which was inspired by actress Meryl Streep.
“As an actress, Meryl is known for her versatility in roles and for transforming into the characters she plays,” Emma said. “My design is versatile, classic and understated. It is targeted at the woman who wants a softer frame, for the mature lady who wants something simple. This frame can be worn every day. It can blend with many skin tones and fabrics. It won’t take over facial features, yet still shows off the wearer’s personality.”
Emma will work alongside the Specsavers Aus/NZ Product team on the development of the Meryl frame, from initial concept all the way through to production, with the frame due to launch in Australian and New Zealand stores later this year.
