Nerissa 007

These Minerva glasses were among the very first pairs bought at the "Waterlooplein" flea market in my native Amsterdam. The perfect hunting ground for a student with only coppers and brass in his pocket. This frame was immensely popular during the early 1960's. Nowadays people believe that the classic cat eye era was all about extravagant Dame Edna glasses. False memories.... In reality, money was scarce and glasses were more expensive than they are nowadays. Very few women could afford more than one pair and they kept wearing it as long as possible.

Nerissa 006

Glasses: Minerva, early 1960's
[L: -4.75; c-0.50 v / R: -5.00]

Nerissa 005

One of the attractions for models is that they can assess their looks in styles that span many decades. This Viennaline pair was made 55 years ago and the frame was seen everywhere in the streets when the model's grandmothers were young women. Posing as a "Lady behind crystal veil" is a journey through time, covering all the changes in fashion. Nerissa in 1963.... and looking drop dead gorgeous in 2018.

Nerissa 004

Every photo shoot has a standard procedure, starting with the selection of glasses on display. Each model is offered a tailor made selection and it's always interesting to observe the reaction when they discover the table full of glasses. My traveling "optician's shop" has one major advantage over what real opticians have in store for their clients. It's so much easier to assess your looks in glasses fitted with lenses near one's own prescription. Another advantage is the huge variety in frames. Nerissa was immediately fascinated by the selection of glasses. All she had to do was take out her contacts and off you go....

Nerissa 003

The Viennaline glasses have been a favorite among models since the very start of "Ladies behind crystal veil". Aside from the attractive frame, the glasses have a straightforward, quite common prescription. Any model in need of glasses or contact lenses between minus four and minus six can pose in them if her PD is fairly average. 

Nerissa 002

A buy at the once inexhaustible "Waterlooplein" flea market, these classic Viennaline glasses have been a part of my collection for many decades. Made in 1963, they represent the brief transition phase between the cat eye era and the compact frame style of the mid 1960's.

Nerissa 001

Photo shoot: September 30th, 2018

Location: Prague, Czechia

Rx model: L=R: -4.00

Glasses: Viennaline, made in 1963
[L: -4.50 / R: -5.25]