Inside Specsavers and FASHION’s Launch Party For the Brand’s New Colourful Collab With Hayley Elsaesser

Bubblegum pink cat eyes, floral-print shades, cherry-red round frames—these aren’t your grandmother’s glasses. They’re those of Hayley Elsaesser, the Canadian designer known for her bold pop-art aesthetic and playful patterns. After conquering loungewear, graphic tees and swimwear, Elsaesser is now making her mark in the eyewear world with a new exclusive collaboration with Specsavers.

The Specsavers x Hayley Elsaesser collection celebrates authenticity, inclusivity and self-expression. Drawing on vintage pop culture and Elsaesser’s signature prints, the 19-piece collection features candy-coloured hues, playful designs and impeccable details.

“This collection is all about expressing your unique style,” shares Elsaesser in a sit-down with FASHION, adding that it is available to shoppers at over 130 Specsavers locations across Canada. “There is a societal expectation that we must dress conservatively to be taken seriously. It takes confidence to move through life expressing joy and having fun with your style. Those who do create joy for others. You become a billboard for happiness.”

“Collaborating with Hayley was an obvious choice for Specsavers,” said Sarah West, the head of product at Specsavers Canada. “Hayley’s approach to style, which celebrates inclusion and individuality, aligns perfectly with the Specsavers brand and our desire to empower our customers to have access to the right style for them.”

And on November 12, Toronto’s most fashionable glitterati got to see how that translates to real life. The Specsavers event, hosted in partnership with FASHION and The Drop—our shopping destination for exciting product launches—celebrated the power of joyful dressing and self-expression.

Gathering at SPACE on King, guests were treated to a pop-art fantasy akin to Andy Warhol’s Factory. DJ Sophie Jones set the tone, immersing everyone in a colourful, playful atmosphere. Iridescent pillars adorned with Elsaesser’s eye motif provided the perfect photo op. And to top it all off, a portrait studio featuring a swirling backdrop invited attendees to snap Instagram-worthy pics while trying on frames from the new Specsavers x Hayley Elsaesser collection.

After hitting the bar for signature cucumber and basil cocktails, guests were drawn to the floral garden installation, the soirée’s centrepiece. Adorned with oversized flowers and bold wallpaper, inspired by the colours of the eyewear collection, it was the perfect place to try on the eyewear and soak in the evening’s effervescent energy.

See the gallery below for the most memorable looks from the Specsavers x Hayley Elsaesser X FASHION event—plus other delightful highlights.

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