CLOTHES LINES: At first glance, Helen Mirren, Colm Tóibín, Frank McCourt and the Rolling Stones may not have anything in common, but watch the eyewear. They’re all fans of clic, innovative glasses on a neckband that pull apart and snap into place over the nose.
The simple front-fastening magnetic connection, which turned its Californian designer Ron Lando into an overnight millionaire, was designed initially for ski goggles and then motorcycle goggles, and later adapted to all kinds of eyewear, including reading and sunglasses. They come in different shapes and frames – there are cute ones in tortoisehell and others in John Lennon or Harry Potter styles – but the basics come in a range of plain colours. This writer is a fan, but though funky and practical, if you have long hair they tend to get tangled and suit shorter hair styles better. They can be bought online from www.clicireland.com (from €60) or contact the Irish distributor Bairbre Lonergan (086-1632881).