How did you go from filmmaking to eyewear? “I’ve always been nearsighted and have worn glasses since fourth grade. I am absent-minded, so for years I would always misplace my glasses. It’s hard to find them when I’m not wearing them! “About 10 years ago, I visited a flea market in Paris where I found a vintage eyewear chain that was falling apart, but which I loved. Every time someone saw me wearing it they would comment on how cool it was. It got me thinking about why there was a lack of creative and fun eyewear chains. The timing was right – I’d recently finished a movie and didn’t want to jump straight into another one. I wanted to switch gears and eyewear chains sounded fun.” Why do you think eyewear chains are having a moment? “I have noticed over the past six months people have been discovering them. Even brands such as Chanel and Chloé have their own versions, but the chains are designed specifically for the eyewear that comes with it. For many people, like myself, the demand has come out of practicality and a desire for more modern renditions. I felt it was time to make one for this century.” Tell us about your first collection. “Having worn all kinds of chains over the years, I knew what works physically, what looks good, and what doesn’t last. Sometimes if the chains are too heavy or ornate, they make your glasses heavy and are not practical. There was also a lack of high-quality products. I wanted to go for a demi-fine jewellery quality, so we used 18-carat plated gold and freshwater pearls. “There are three styles. Each model is named after a woman creator who inspired me: Coco [Chanel], Faye [Wong] and Marguerite [Duras, the writer]. I was obsessed with pearls during my last film and that mood continued with this collection. Every style has some kind of pearl, while the sleek, minimalist lines are inspired by Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. I like that the pearls pay tribute to Hong Kong, the ‘Pearl of the East’.” What’s the plan? “Because I don’t come from a fashion design or jewellery background, the way I approach this is like any other project. I’m thinking of sticking to a basic collection but also experimenting with more styles. I also want to create a gender-neutral collection. The eyewear chain is not just a female thing, men wear them, too – and those are even uglier. Right now, we are new, so we just want to spread the message and see where the road takes us.”