Model name: phi
The following specs
Size: 44□22-144
・Height: 40.2
Lens curve: 3C
The round shape was first introduced in TAYLOR WITH RESPECT.
Simply put, this category of glasses is known as round glasses, and many people have a negative image of them being too characterful or giving off a somewhat serious vibe, so they tend to be avoided.
However, phi is amazing in that the overwhelming majority of people say they can wear it, and some users have even said that they will wear these for the rest of their lives.The designer himself even wears a pair of these glasses as his personal item, and it is recognized by both himself and others as one of the most highly refined models.
Of particular note is the slit on the front, from which the model name is derived.
This intentionally divided slit is the "golden ratio Φ," a representative of beautiful proportions, and by placing it on the front, it does not give the viewer any unnecessary sense of incongruity.
Not feeling strange means removing any barriers for the wearer and achieving "easy to wear design."
We also pay special attention to the lens size, making them just the right size so that there is no extra space around the eyes.
Speaking of round lenses, if the lenses are too small they can look a little scary, but if they are too big they can look comical, making them particularly difficult to choose the right size.
However, phi not only has a 44mm lens size that fits well around the eyes, but is slightly distorted rather than being a perfect circle, and this exquisite nuance enhances the way the lenses fit comfortably on the face.
In this way, phi exists in the collection as a new-generation round that dispels the negative image it has had up until now.
(I may be exaggerating a bit, but the fact is that the Phi is one of the top five most popular models in Taylor's collection.)
--- Special techniques used in phi
MSI - Special Masking Staining
A technique for heat dyeing resin films that allows multiple colors to be produced through partial dyeing.
Craftsmen hand-paint each piece using a bamboo comb, resulting in a thin, transparent color.
At phi, the front of the garment is dyed by drawing lines that follow the edges of the round shapes.
The following three colors of phi use MSI.
・Col.01 Black Wine & Gold
・Col.06 Black Navy & Silver
・Col.07 Black Green & Gold
MSI is a very difficult and time-consuming dyeing method, but phi asks skilled craftsmen in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture to do it for us, using two colors on the top and bottom.
Since the work needs to be done again after changing colors, it takes twice as much time and effort as using one color, but the coloring created by combining the base color with three colors creates a beautiful appearance that captivates anyone who sees it.
Furthermore, the color scheme is based on the golden ratio Φ, making the product a truly first-class product.
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I've announced it a little late, but the long-awaited new colors will be added to phi for the upcoming 24AW season. (Images will be released at a later date)
Col.07 Black Green & Gold
(The base is gold, the top of the MSI is black, and the bottom is deep green)
It is a time-consuming process using three colors.
Since it does not have the shirring design of col.01, the luster of the gold is more apparent and I think it is the most elegant looking of phi's color variations.
The color scheme is also nice, with the classic black combined with green this time.
It's a fairly deep green, and since there's little difference in brightness between it and the black at the top, it gives the entire front a more unified look and a more sophisticated impression.
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It will be unveiled for the first time in Japan at an exhibition in October 2024.
As it has already been produced, delivery is immediate.
This is not a limited edition color, but once the stock is sold out, it will be delivered with the next Phi production run.
Reference price for all colors: ¥56,100 (tax included)
This brings the total color variations of phi to seven.
A wide range of colors is available, so I think it's a really great model that allows you to have fun choosing.
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TAYLOR WITH RESPECT
Sowell Co., Ltd.
Taniguchi