Specs That Pop: Hayley Elsaesser On Eyewear As Spring’s Ultimate Statement Accessory

Nothing says spring like a fresh style moment—and this season, Canadian designer Hayley Elsaesser is bringing her signature bold aesthetic to your eyewear. Teaming up with Specsavers, Hayley’s new collection is all about transforming your everyday look with colour, print, and personality. From pastels that pack a punch to vibrant frames that double as fashion statements, her latest collab proves that glasses aren’t just a necessity—they’re your outfit’s MVP. In this Q&A, Hayley shares her top styling tips, trend predictions, and how to rock standout specs with confidence this season. —Noa Nichol

What inspired your collaboration with Specsavers, and how does it reflect your signature bold style?

My collaboration with Specsavers was all about bringing vibrant and bold looks to eyewear. I’ve always believed that fashion should be fun, fearless, and personal, eyewear is no exception! The collection reflects my signature aesthetic with playful patterns, bold colours, and unexpected details. Frames like Rosie and Dolly showcase this philosophy, allowing people to add a statement-making touch to their everyday look while still being wearable and versatile.

Spring fashion is all about renewal—why do you think eyewear is such a great way to refresh a look?

Eyewear is the ultimate accessory for a seasonal refresh! A new pair of frames can instantly transform your style, whether you want to inject more colour, add an edgy touch, or embrace a fresh silhouette. Just like updating your wardrobe, switching up your eyewear—whether with a bold shape like Collsie or a fun print like In Bloom Sun Rx—can breathe new life into your everyday outfits

For someone new to colourful or patterned eyewear, what’s an easy way to start incorporating bold frames into their wardrobe?

If you are just dipping into bold eyewear, start small! A subtle pop of colour with understated details can ease you in. Alternatively, a classic shape in a playful colour, like Clover, is a great way to add a touch of colour and prints to an outfit. A fresh pair of frames can bring new energy to your outfits and make you feel ready to embrace the season, especially if they’re as colourful as spring flowers.

Are there any specific colours or patterns that you think will be huge for eyewear this season?

Spring always brings a wave of fresh, fun colours. This season, I’m loving pastels with a punch, like soft lilacs, sky blues and punchy corals, as well as retro-inspired tortoiseshell patterns with a modern twist. Dolly and Rosie are perfect examples—they blend trend-forward colours with statement designs, making them fresh yet timeless.

Mixing and matching prints can be intimidating—what are your top tips for pulling off a bold eyewear look with confidence?

Confidence is key! Start by finding a colour in your frames that complements another element in your outfit. For example, if you are wearing patterned frames like In Bloom Sun Rx, pair them with a solid colour that matches one of the hues in the design. Another tip? Treat eyewear as a statement piece—let it shine by keeping the rest of your outfit simple or go all in and fully embrace the mix-and-match aesthetic!

Corpcore and minimalism are trending—how can someone with a more neutral wardrobe use eyewear to add personality?

Eyewear is the perfect way to inject personality into a neutral wardrobe without overwhelming your overall look. If you gravitate toward minimalist style, try introducing colour and patterns in a subtle or bold way, depending on your comfort level.

Your designs often celebrate self-expression—how do you hope your eyewear collection empowers people to have fun with fashion?

I’ve always designed with self-expression in mind, fashion should be joyful and personal. My collection with Specsavers is about giving people the confidence to experiment with eyewear in a way that feels authentic to them. I created my collection to be fun and vibrant yet versatile—just like my approach to fashion. I think they show that you can be bold and fearless while staying true to yourself.

What do you look for in the perfect pair of statement frames? Shape, colour, or something else?

A great statement frame is all about balance—it needs a bold element, whether that’s shape, colour, or print but it should also feel effortless to wear. I love frames that combine eye-catching design with everyday versatility. Pieces like Rosie or In Bloom Sun Rx strike that perfect mix of playful and practical, making them easy to style but still standout.

What’s your personal go-to eyewear look for spring? Any favourite frames from the collection?

Spring is all about embracing colour, so I’m currently obsessed with In Bloom Sun Rx! The floral-inspired pattern reflects my love of bold prints, and they instantly brighten up any look. They reflect my love for individuality, playfulness, and breaking the rules of traditional style.

What’s next for you in fashion and design—can we expect more exciting accessories or eyewear collaborations in the future?

I’m always looking for new ways to push creative boundaries, so there’s definitely more to come! My focus is on continuing to bring bold, expressive designs to different fashion and accessory spaces. Eyewear is such a great medium for self-expression, and I’d love to keep exploring innovative and playful ways to bring more personality to everyday style.