When it comes to selecting the eyewear we stock, every frame has a story - and a reason it made the cut. We sat down with Index co-founder and eyewear expert Lynne Parker to talk about how she curates the collection, what trends she’s seeing, and why it’s always a balance of style, functionality and personality.
With over 30 years in the business, Lynne knows a thing or two about eyewear. As former co-owner of Parker & Co Eyewear in Auckland, she’s styled thousands of clients and built close relationships with some of the world’s leading brands. Her buying trips have taken her everywhere from Milan to Paris, where she meets directly with designers and previews the latest collections. Now based in Hawke’s Bay, she brings that global perspective and sharp eye for style to her boutique store - always with the goal of helping every client find their perfect frame.
Q: What guides your decision-making when choosing new eyewear brands to bring into store?
A: It’s a very considered approach. We only stock around 12-15 brands, so everything we carry has to bring something different to the mix. I look for complementary styles across the board - from heritage brands like Moscot and Cutler and Gross, to the bold colours of Anne et Valentin, or the directional fashion edge of Loewe and Miu Miu. Celine and Dior offer that understated luxury, while Kuboraum and Thierry Lasry push the boundaries a bit more.
We’ve recently added Ray-Ban, Oakley and Prada Sport for those with a more active lifestyle. So when I consider a new brand, it needs to offer something we don’t already have. We also look closely at the quality of materials, where and how the frames are made, and the reputation and vision of the brand itself.
Q: How much influence does customer feedback have in shaping the collection?
A: It’s hugely important. We listen carefully to what our clients are asking for - styles they’re drawn to, colours they love, what fits and feels good. That feedback helps shape future buying decisions. We want to stay ahead and bring in eyewear people will get excited about, but also ensure it fits real needs and real faces.
Q: How often do you introduce new collections?
A: Constantly. Most of the brands we stock release four collections a year, and we make sure to view them early - often before they land anywhere else in New Zealand. We usually travel to at least one major international buying fair each year. This year it’s Paris, which is the absolute highlight. Four days surrounded by acres of eyewear, it’s heaven.
It’s why the store might occasionally be closed, we’re off discovering what’s next.
Q: What trends are influencing your buying choices right now?
A: We take inspiration from so many places - runway shows, film, architecture, even travel. Right now there’s a strong return to classic shapes, like aviators and cat-eyes, but always with a modern twist.
We’re also keeping an eye on global leaders like Loewe and Miu Miu, where the sunglasses are as influential as the fashion. If a brand’s eyewear collection is strong and there’s demand in our market, we’ll explore how to bring it in.
At the same time, some pieces are timeless, Moscot has frames in its collection that haven’t changed since the 1930s. Anne et Valentin and Cutler and Gross also do this well, blending core classics with more fashion-forward releases. That balance is something we always aim to maintain.
Q: How do you balance fashion and function when selecting frames?
A: Style is a big part of what we do, but eyewear also has to work for your lifestyle. We consider wearability, comfort, weight, and how the frame fits a range of face shapes.
That said, there’s always room for a little theatre. At the shows, we often see pieces that are more conceptual - like the sculptural styles from Kuboraum or the oversized ‘bubble’ sunglasses from Loewe. We love bringing in a few of these statement styles too. They might not be for everyday wear, but for a special event or the right personality, they’re unforgettable.
Q: What makes a collection stand out at a buying show or trade fair?
A: A few things. We’re always thinking about gaps in the current mix - does this range bring something new? Is the quality there? Does the designer specialise in eyewear, or have a strong design team behind them? Some frames might look great on display, but don’t sit comfortably or feel balanced when worn, so we check all of that.
And then there’s that instinct, you know when you come across a brand you love and think, “Yes, our clients will want this.” That feeling never gets old. We’re constantly curating what we offer, and we take pride in bringing something fresh, stylish and beautifully made to our community.
Got a question for Lynne? Pop into the store and she’ll be more than happy to guide you through the styles and stories on our shelves.