WOLF retro DESIGN REVIEW. 11th April 2024
Still cool after two decades.
A Retro Review looks at products that are usually at least over ten years old from a present-day WOLF perspective with focus on design and craftmanship. While the technology and fashion of an era influence design, and are taken into consideration, great design ideas will transcend their eras to be timeless.
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight into the eyes and mind of designers.
It’s cool to be cool.
Introduction
Product description
Known as the Troika, the sun glasses in this review are designed by Christian Dior and produced in Austria around the year 2000.
Price and Availability.
They are no longer available new but can often be found second hand between $150 and $350 depending on condition. Occasionally you find new old stock items and they can command over $500.
Additional information
According to our research the Troika sunglasses were popular with celebrities due to their unique design and are available in a variety of lens and frame colour combinations. The glasses in this review have blue lens and silver frames.
Review
First impression/ Delight
These glasses are from the dawn of the new millennium and it seems appropriate that Dior would consider a futuristic concept to celebrate Y2K. Even after two decades they are still quite futuristic.
Exterior Design Review
The lens consists of a single piece of coloured curved Perspex that folds and returns back both sides. The lens is attached to chromed frames expressed on the outside. The Perspex extends beyond the chrome by just one millimetre but it’s enough to create a unique stepped effect with the Perspex edges exposed. It is a like a minimalistic exoskeleton which was rather innovative for the era.
At the bridge intersection is a small rectangular name plate which proudly bears the Dior logo. Logos are also present on the outside of the hinge section in front of the folded Perspex corners.
Craftmanship.
The glasses feel relatively light so it’s easy to assume them to be flimsy but the framework is high-grade and the Perspex lenses are adequately thick. Despite the lens edges being exposed we have yet to see any with significant ware or damage. Naturally some lenses will scratch and the chrome will have pitting with age if not cleaned and cared for, but overall, the used ones we’ve seen have survived well. They were well made and were not cheap in the day.
FUNCTION- Experience.
The cool blue lens and polished chrome combo in this review feels classic and sporty. There are no frame members at the corners to obstruct visibility so unlike many wrap-around glasses these are good for driving. Quality hinges ensure that the temple tips sit firm and comfortably on your head.
The glasses in this review came with a soft cloth case and a semi hard case with zipper. The cloth case also serves as a cleaning cloth.
Desirability / Collectability
Going by the high prices on the second hand market the Troika glasses are clearly still as exciting now as they were when new. Expect to pay a lot for clean examples with nice colour combinations, especially if they still have their original boxes. We can see these becoming classic iconic designer accessories, if they aren’t already?
WORD OF THE WOLF
Sun glasses are a rather personal accessory and often only have value when they look good on your face. Therefore, it’s up to the individual to decide if they are valuable by trying them on. Unfortunately, it could be difficult to test as they are no longer in stores to sample. What we can say is that these are unique and definitely worth considering as a cool accessory, especially in a top down convertible.
The blue lens with chrome frames combo are our favourite but this smoke coloured lens with gold frames are a classy alternative.
WOLF DESIGN EXCELLENCE SCORE = 7.8
Disclaimer
The information in this review is intended for informational or educational purposes to provide readers an understanding of how something may be seen from a certain design perspective. In this case it is from the view point of WOLF DESIGNS. As design is subjective this review should only be considered as an independent opinion. Information further to being of an opinion is provided to the best of our knowledge based on our own research at the time of doing the review. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies and reserve the right to change or update any content as appropriate.
The final responsibility of the design resides with the original manufacturer.