Erkers Fine Eyewear

Tag Heuer at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2012-01-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Introducing TAG Heuer Eyewear at Erker's in St. Louis. TAG Heuer has successfully embraced a number of contrastic elements; heritage and innovation; prestige and and perfomance; sports and glamour. Today TAG Heuer is one of the largest luxury brands, always pushing the boundaries of technology with the creativity of the staff, the range of their expertise, and depth of their experience.

TAG Heuer uses only the highest quality materials selected according to the strictest criteria. This rigorous selection process guarantees the robustness and reliability of each frame. The avante garde materials used in TAG Heuer glasses provide unmatched ergonomics and comfort.

316L + Stainless Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, to which mainly chrome is added to make the alloy oxidation-resistant. Stronger than ordinary steel and almost completely scratchproof, 316L+stainless steel is widely used in haute horlogerie. For these reasons, TAG Heuer Eyewear is using it more and more ofter, especially for screws.

MIM stainless Steel (Metallic Injection Molding) is a manufacturing process that involves using stainless steel powders mixed finely with polymer binders to develop complex shapes. Nowadays, sectors such as medical, aerospace or automotive manufacturing use this process frequently.

PVD Coating (Physical Vapor Deposition) involves condensing a metallic vapor in a partial vacuum. Made primarily from titanium carbide, this layered treatment optimizes the life of a finish by reinforcing its surface hardness and resistance to corrosion and scratches.

B-Titanium is an avante-garde metal with unique qualitie. It is biocompatible and hypoallergenic containing no nickel. It is twice as light as stainless steel and corrosion-resistant. It possesses exceptional mechanical properties: resistance and ductile strength (the capacity of a material to be bent without breaking). It is unrivalled qualities ensure its longevity.

Carbon is a material that is generally used in the aeronautical and Formula 1 industries. Carbon is inalterable and therefore exceptionally resistant to corrosion. This high performance fiber is also extremely light (three times lighter than titanium) making it possible to manufacture frames that weigh only a few grams. Finally, it has excellant mechanical properties: solidity, flexibility and responsiveness that withstand the test of time.

Elastomer offers excellent mechanical resistance to wear and water in addition to offering natural elasticity that ensures optimal comfort. thanks to many tests carried out by its Quality Department, TAG Heuer eyewear has slected an ultra resistant and hypoallergenic elastomer for its frames, which is also pleasant to touch.

Tag Heuer creates the finest materials found in Eyewear and it is no surprise you can find this incredible eyewear at Erker's in St. Louis. Pure Luxury found at Erker's for 132 years.

www.erkers.com
314-997-0002 (ladue)
314-241-9410 (downtown)

Judith Leiber Pure Luxury at Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue

2011-12-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

Judith Leiber creations are a cut above the competition, incomparable in quality and crafsmanship. The artful eyewear is part of the permanent design collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metroplitan Museum of Art in New York, The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

Adding to Hollywood's nearly 50 year love affair with the brand, almost every First Lady dating back to 1963 has carried a custom made bag to the US Presdential Inauguration ceremonies. Judith Leiber is truly an ivonic American brand.

Judith Leiber has redefined the accessories category with products that are on the cutting edge of high fashion, while always remaining timeless classics.

Judith Leiber Eyewear available exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear. Offering the most luxurious eyewear in St. Louis for over 132 years. Find us online at 314-997-0002

New David Yurman Eyewear for the Holidays

2011-12-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

The David Yurman Eyewear Collection is a natural extension of the David Yurman vision and expresses the tiemless artistic sensibility for which the brand is recognized. The collection incorporates the finest optical materials crafted with the utmost detail and combined with the most uniquely iconic David Yurman designs. 18-22 karat gold, signature sterling silver and semi-precious stones have been combined with an exclusive gem-inspired color palette of handmade Italian acetate to create a truly luxurious collection of eyewear.

Collectiions for men and women include both sun and ophthalmic ranges in the exceptional David yurman aesthetic.

Check out the newest David Yurman eyewear and sunwear collection Exclusively in St. Louis at Erkers Fine Eyewear. The most luxurious and special eyewear makes great gifts for the holidays. Stop by Erker's and view the entire collection. Find us online at www.erkers.com

Introducing Monoqool Eyewear

2011-12-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

In 2008, MONOQOOL was established north of Copenhagen by two Danes, whose vision was to bring new technology, design, and fashion to the modern eyewear industry. Their mission is to use the best from both worlds: to combine Danish design and an innovative mindset with Japanese craftsmanship and technology. Both owners have a life time experience doing business in both countries and one of them is still living in Japan with the responsibility for manufacturing. The idea behind MONOQOOL was to create something new. The result was two new concepts: the Helix series with its patented signature hinge and the Twins series with a three dimensional effect provided by its inventive double temples.

Right from the beginning of the design process MONOQOOL has been aware that coming up with a concept never seen before in the eyewear business, would be a demanding task. MONOQOOL has therefore been focusing on developing a new concept and a new way of looking at eyewear – a search for a basic idea so strong that it has the potential to become an icon.

Come see this incredible design exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear. For over 132 years Erker's continues to offer the greatest eyewear on the planet. Find us in Ladue and Downtown. Check us out online at www.erkers.com

Barton Perreira and Giovanni Ribsi Eyewear Collaboration

2011-10-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Barton Perreira has collaborated with actor Giovanni Ribisi on two pairs of sunglasses, aptly named the Giovanni and the Ribisi. Both frames will retail exclusivelyin St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear.

The Giovanni sunglass has a classically timeless feel. The frame’s zyl embodies sophistication with its eloquent contours and bevels, creating a unique texture to the front surface of the frame. The Giovanni will have a 2012 Delivery.

The Ribisi frame is more retro-inspired and made of hand-crafted Japanese zyl with vintage mineral glass lenses. The color palette consists of classic tortoise and Havana colors, as well as black and champagne. These frames ship in November for a Holiday delivery. Both the Giovanni and Ribisi styles are unisex designs.

Ribisi’s bodies of work include Avatar, Contraband, Gangster Squad Boiler Room, and The Rum Diary. He was also Barton Perreira’sad campaign star in 2010 and 2011. While the actor is a novice to design, he said he’s always had an interest in the field.

“When Barton Perreira approached me about designing these frames, it was something I jumped on,” Ribisi said. “Sunglasses are intimate, especially to one’s individual identity because they sit on the face. It was challenging and I learned a lot, but it was an honor to work with the Barton Perreira team and a company that strives to create excellent product.

”Ribisi worked closely with Barton Perreira’s chief designer Patty Perreira in creating the frames.

“Giovanni has a very clear understanding of design and like myself, he is very much into the details,” said Perreira. “I believe it shows in the sunglass designs we collaborated on. He presented full scale 3-D renderings of the frames, which he createdhimself. Working with him was a delight.

The following are images taken from the lookbook supporting the release and a video with behind the scenes footage of the photo shoot and a short interview with Giovanni.

Come Check out the the enitre collection in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue, give us a call at 314-997-0002 or find us online at www.erkers.com

New David Yurman Eyewear is Here!!!!

2011-10-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

David Yurman, America 's premier jewelry and Eyewear designer, is introducing his newest eyewear collection, the collection incorporates signature sterling silver and 18k Gold adornments. Come see the newest styles and colors Found Exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear.

Established in 1879 Erker’s Eyewear offers the greatest and most current eyewear in the world combined with exceptional service to help each customer find a perfect frame. Find us in Ladue 314-997-0002 or Downtown 314-241-9410 or check us out at www.Erkers.com.

New Orgreen at Erker's Eyewear

2011-10-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Sky’s The Limit
MIDO Spring / Summer 2011 Collection

Iconic Danish eyewear designer Ørgreen pushes the boundaries of the possible to bring
you an enticing new selection of styles. Where understated elegance rules over obvious opulence, reflecting an optimistic outlook on life and the world as we know it. Taking the reputation for high tech even higher, watch for sleek sophistication and the chance to signal your supreme sense of aesthetics in carefully crafted materials like Titanium, its high-end sibling Beta Titanium and Acetate, a classic material that makes up the strongest guitar picks and pokers chips. Pushing the envelope even further, introducing a fresh palate of colour schemes,subtleties in finishes and streamlined silhouettes. Seen in a variety of unique looks
destined to last. Heading up our Cut/Airline Series in Titanium is CPH, the acronym of their hometown Copenhagen. The result of their collaboration with the exclusive furniture company Fritz Hansen, CPH features a laser cut of the skyline from Denmark’s capital, echoed in a special edition of Arne Jacobsen Swan chairs. Launched as sunglasses during design week in London last year, the optical version features for the first time two colours on the outside of the frame- a solid coloured front in black and temples in a solid matte silver
colour. Also included are luscious colour combos like neon pink inside dark brown and
powder blue inside white-hot frames. ADMIRAL is all about being in charge. Our largest frame ever, it’s big without being bulky. Ideal for men who are rising up the ranks of corporate relations, enjoy slim lines in muted but bold colours like matte army green inside dark marine blue and matte red inside matt dark blue. Also following the footsteps of CPH, you can find the two toned exterior frame in a solid black front and liquid gunmetal coloured temples. If you’re an Einstein in the making, then BRAINIAC was designed with you in mind. The clever curves on this petite frame altered our own theory of relativity and the result is nothing less than genius. Including a range of unisex duo tones, such as sea green with black, matte black with matte grey and more. Think a bohemian flat in Paris with bookshelves of beatnik poetry. Wearing CREATOR, our chic semi-rimless nylon frames. And voilà - you’re ready to star in your own retro French film noir. Not to be missed are the slightly femme versions with pink on the inside of red frames. Or the version that’s un peu plus homme with petroleum blue inside chestnut brown. Apropos of optimism is AVIATRIX. A tribute to female pilots like Amelia Earhart, who was the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic. A wing formation can be perceived in the laser cut along the sides of these lovely frames. Look for light sky blue inside dark blue frames and fuchsia matte inside petroleum, among others. Designed forwomen who set their career sights high.

As its name implies, FLASH is a look back in time. A flashback to the 80’s, when MTV
made its debut and big hair was, well, big. Watch for a soft, slightly rounded unisex style that fits every face in a frame that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Available in nightclub colours like rose inside black and matt bordeaux inside dark blue. Weighing less than a feather in the ultra light Helium line. This season the focus is on CLAUDETTE, a flirty frame in a slightly butterfly, cats eye shape as a delicious detail. Enjoy high gloss colours, such as neon pink inside dark brown and black inside shiny rose for a chic coquette look. On the opposite end of the gender spectrum is MACKENZIE. A full Titanium frame with an Acetate top, for those having a hard time finding a large sized men’s frame- this is as close as you can get to a custom fit. The effect is strength in sheer size alone. Two killer
colours include dark olive green with streaks of black and transparent Havana brown.
Last but not least is the mid-sized unisex frame OZZY. Sporting a street smart look in a classic style you can wear forever. Acetate over a total Titanium frame adds an urban accent to the grey Havana version, appealing to men. And the purple Havana for women.World-leading company in eyewear design, Ørgreen is famous for their inventive
approach to design and innovative colour combinations, utilising over 400 different hues.Designed and developed in Denmark, each frame is handmade in Japan, known and
respected for its high standards and irrefutable quality. Individually crafted with morethan 100 processes, each frame can take up to six months to achieve their penchant for perfection.

Ørgreen Optics is a 100% Danish-owned firm with headquarters in the heart of
Copenhagen. Orgreen can be found in St. Louis exclusively at Erker's Come check out this incredible line.

See what makes Chrome Hearts so special. Come try them on exclusively in Saint Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2011-09-13T08:42:00.001-07:00

Each pair of Chrome Hearts eyeglasses and sunglasses is meticulously crafted using exotic woods, genuine leather, precious metals and gemstones.

The eyewear is hand-finished and assembled and then put through rigorous quality control inspections to ensure a flawless product. The end result is eyewear that you have to see, touch and feel to truly appreciate.

Wood
Chrome Heart's distinctive wood temples are manufactured using a special process where seven ultra-thin layers of wood are laminated together producing an extremely strong sheet.

The temples are then cut from the sheet-stock and finished by hand. In the final step, the temples are coated with non-allergenic lacquer and once again polished by hand. The finishing process is repeated six times to ensure the highest quality wood temples. This is the most elaborate finishing process available on the market today.

Once the temples have been finished, Chrome Hearts adds their trademark engravings to the sides of the wood temples. The engraving is done using an ultra-sensitive laser that carves the intricate designs one temple at a time.

Sterling Silver

All of the Chrome Hearts motifs (crosses, fleur de lis, daggers, etc.) are made of cast .925 sterling silver.

These amazing pieces require intricate tooling (made by Chrome Hearts' silversmiths) for each individual model.

The individual parts are cast in rough form, then polished by hand and antiqued one piece at a time. This painstaking process is performed on each of the many small motifs you'll find across the different eyeglass and sunglass lines.

This attention to detail and hand-tooling is what makes each pair of Chrome Hearts a unique and stunning piece of "optical jewelry."

Leather

All leather featured on Chrome Hearts eyewear is authentic, hand-stitched Italian leather. Each temple is stitched one piece at a time.

Gemstones

Select Chrome Hearts styles can be customized with diamonds, rubies and other precious stones, creating the ultimate eyewear statement. Based on your specifications, Chrome Hearts master jewelers hand-set each stone into the frame, creating eyewear that is a unique, one-of-a-kind expression of you.
Chrome Hearts Wood Selections

Chrome Hearts uses two types of exotic wood on their eyeglass and sunglass frames: Macassar Ebony and Brazilian Mahogany. Each of these rare and beautiful woods contribute to the distinctive look of Chrome Hearts eyewear.

Macassar Ebony
This deep, rich exotic wood is the rarest and most expensive ebony available. This native African wood is typically used in manufacturing expensive humidors, jewelry and high-end furniture. Ebony is one of the most dense, durable and rare exotic woods available. In fact, Ebony is so dense that it is the only wood that will sink in water. Macassar Ebony is unique in that it's not uniformly black, but rather has beautiful striping. The exceptional qualities of Macassar Ebony make it ideal for eyewear temples.

Brazilian Mahogany
Chrome Hearts uses only Brazilian "Bigleaf" Mahogany -- the highest quality Mahogany available. A rare, tropical hardwood, it takes approximately 60 years for Brazilian Mahogany to mature. Key features of the wood are its beautiful graining and exceptional, golden color. Brazilian Mahogany is also known as "Green Gold" because a single tree can net up to $130,000 in wood.
Chrome Hearts Eyewear Cases

Each pair of Chrome Hearts eyeglasses and sunglasses comes with it's own high-quality Chrome Hearts eyewear case made from hand-tooled Italian leather. The Chrome Hearts eyewear cases are made one-at-a-time in the Chrome Hearts factories by skilled craftspeople who maintain the highest level of quality standards. Depending on the frame, your case will either be black or white leather. All cases come with certificates of authenticity and Chrome Hearts polishing cloths.

Chrome Hearts Eyewear Lenses

Chrome Hearts utilizes only the highest quality CR-39 NXT and polarized lenses (both resin and glass) available. The use of specific lenses is determined based upon careful consideration of your specific optical requirements for the frame in which it's intended. All sun lenses are UV400, providing maximum ocular protection from damaging UV rays. Lenses are available in a wide-range of tints.

Plastics

Chrome Hearts Eyewear utilizes a combination of Japanese and Italian Zyl in making their handmade plastic styles. Some of the the plastic frames also feature laser etched Chrome Hearts motifs on the temples. The process is performed by a highly-sensitive laser that uses a relief cutting process to etch the intricate Chrome Hearts motifs into the temples.

Metals

Chrome Hearts Eyewear is titanium on most metal frames and most trims are in sterling silver.

Erkers in Ladue is Open on Labor Day

2011-09-05T09:14:00.001-07:00

Check out Erker's on Labor Day we are open in Ladue. Call us at 314-997-0002 we are open from 10:00-4:00. Let us know you checked out our blog and get $132.00 off your entire purchase of a complete pair of Eyewear.

Bevel Specs Uniquely Colorful Eyewear

2011-08-25T13:07:00.001-07:00

WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT?

EYEGLASSES.

THINK ABOUT IT: MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WEAR GLASSES AND YET MOST ONLY HAVE ONE PAIR, PERHAPS WITH A SUNGLASS ALTERNATE. AND YET, MOST PEOPLE WEAR THEIR GLASSES DAY IN DAY OUT, IN THE OFFICE, WHILE WORKING OUT, AT A BLACK-TIE AFFAIR, AND WHILE JUST FLOPPED ON THE COUCH WATCHING TELEVISION.

CHECK OUT THE NEWEST STYLES FROM BEVEL. GREAT SHAPES AND UNBELIEVABLE COLORS. THIS COMPANY GETS IT RIGHT EVERY TIME. USING ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS THESE FRAMES ARE NOT ONLY GOING TO LAST FOR AS LONG AS YOU WEAR THEM, BUT YOU WILL GET MORE COMPLIMENTS ON YOUR EYEWEAR THAN EVER BEFORE.

BEVEL IS FOUND ONLY AT THE BEST EYEWEAR STORES IN THE WORLD, AND IT IS NO WONDER YOU CAN FIND THEM EXCLUSIVELY IN ST. LOUIS AT ERKER'S FINE EYEWEAR. COME CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, WE ARE SURE YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT THIS INCREDIBLE EYEWEAR.

Erker's Fine Eyewear and the St. Louis Arch!!

2011-08-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

On February 12, 1963 construction began on the Saint Louis Arch and it was completed on October 28, 1965. Did you know that Erker's Eyewear is the oldest family owned optical company, in the United States that dates back to 1879!!!

When the St. Louis arch was COMPLETED Erker's Fine Eyewear had been in business for 86 Years!! That's pretty amazing.

If you want to know what that would be in months that would be 1,032 months in business.
and in days that would be 31,390.
In hours 753,360
In minutes 45,201,600
and seconds that would be 2,712,096,000

That's all before the arch was completed.

Did you know Erker's Eyewear has been in business a total of 132 years?
I am sure you are dying to know the rest of the numbers so here they are!!!

that would be 1,584 months,
In days that would be 48,180
In hours that would be 1,156,320
In munites that would be 69,379,200
in seconds that would be 4,162,752,000

and ticking........

If you are looking for a new pair of eyewear come to Erker's and see why we have been able to stand the test of time and speak to one of the Erker's still involved in the business today..

True Luxury in Eyewear, Judith Leiber Iconic Designer, Exclusively at Erker's

2011-08-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

New Derapage Eyewear are Exlusively in St. Louis only at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2011-08-15T11:21:00.001-07:00

Technology lets its hair down. DERAPAGE casts off a skin and is born again in color: a Tornado you've not seen before. Tornado TEC is pared down to the bone in its full-loop laminar steel structure and imaginative color schemes. Purple, yellow, orange and two blues definitely "fluo" line the inside of the frame which is still natural steel & brown on the outside.

There are not many frames out there that look this good, and it is only natural that the makers of Derapage pick Erker's Fine Eyewear to exclusively carry Derapage in St. Louis. For Over 131 years Erker's contiues to offer the greatest eyewear in the midwest, with unmatchable customer service and continued support for the life of your eyewear, Erker's offers the most unique eyewear exprience in St. Louis. Come check us out and see the entire collection of Derapage eyewear or try on some of the 5000 different frames we carry in our stores. We are the largest optical store in St. Louis, Find us online at www.erkers.com, call us in Ladue at 314-997-0002 or Downtown at 314-241-9410.

This is Revolutionary

2011-08-05T09:41:00.001-07:00

PURE Eyewear from Midnight Media Group on Vimeo.

Introducing Pure Eyewear Exclusively at Erkers in Saint Louis

2011-08-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Erkers introduces the most revolutionary rimless frame to the St Louis market, called Pure Eyewear

PUre eyewear brings to market a revolutionary rimless eyewear manufacturing process, one that
offers distinct benefits and advantages to the consumer. PUre eyewear is crafted from a single strand of wire that is threaded through holes in the lenses. There are no screws, hinges or compression mounts to come loose or break off. Simplicity is the hallmark of the collection’s design; some styles do not even have nose pads. More than just a new design for rimless eyewear, PUre defines a totally new approach to eyewear: one characterized by pure and honest design. Now supported by Legacie’s infrastructure and industry expertise, PUre is strategically positioned to widely impact the rimless eyewear market in the United States and Canada. Patents are pending worldwide.

PUre eyewear’s innovative technology features a signature wire made of Xanadium™, a proprietary, high-performance alloy. Xanadium™ has a “friendly memory” and is corrosion and acid resistant. Easier to adjust than titanium, Xanadium™ is a ground-breaking material, new to the optical industry. PUre eyewear is extremely lightweight, well-balanced and comfortable. each style is handmade to ensure the highest quality manufacturing standards. Custom colors are ion-plated in a high temperature vacuum chamber ensuring long-term performance. Featuring futuristic styling, PUre seamlessly melds fashion forward shapes and cutting-edge technology.

For over 131 years Erker's continues to be the leader in carrying the best and most current eyewear in Saint Louis. Stop by today and check out this incredible new eyewear. Make an eye appointment today call us at 314-997-0002 in Ladue or 314-21-9410 for the downtown location.
Find us online at www.erkers.com

Barton Perriera exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2011-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

From actor Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Garner, Kelly Osbourne to musical artist, Justin Timberlake, and Snoop Dogg Barton Perriera has created quite the following with a wide range of International stars all wearing their fabulous glasses. This is one of the hottest eyewear companies around and the quality of the frames are surpassed by no one in the industry. Come see why everyone is wearing this line exclusively in St. Louis at Erkers Fine Eyewear. Call today for a private showing. 314-997-0002

Brad Pitt in David Yurman

2011-06-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

It is no surprise Brad Pitt has great taste. Here he is spotted wearing a David Yurman classic Aviator.

Come see the enitre collection of David Yurman Eyewear at Erkers Fine Eyewear in Ladue.

Erkers Eyewear Teams up With Ola Styles In New York City

2011-03-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

check out some preliminary fashion show pics from the Carlton Hotel (Millesime Restaurant) on 92 Madison Avenue. NY

Erker's Fine Eyewear and Studio Optyx teaming up with Ola Styles unveiling new styles from Mainhattan Eyewear and Derapage Eyewear.

What a great show this was!!!

Happy 132nd Birthday Erker's Eyewear

2011-03-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

HE ERKER FAMILY STORY

Erker Brothers Optical Company is a family-owned business with a rich St. Louis history, dating back five generations to the company's inception in 1879. Founded by A.P. Erker, the company later incorporated when brother August Erker joined the business. The first optical laboratory west of the Mississippi River, Erker's won optical machinery and equipment awards at the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition, served as the official photographer for the 1904 World's Fair and custom designed the goggles for Charles Lindbergh, used in his historic flight over the Atlantic.

In the years since, the family business was carried on by the descendants of August Erker, first by his son Eugene, who took over circa 1930, followed by grandson Jack Sr., who took the reins in the 1960s, and most recently by great-grandson, Jack Jr.

Early on, Erker's sold everything with a lens, from eye glasses, sunglasses, presciption lenses to cameras, goggles to microscopes. A key element to the company's success has been the ability of its leaders to predict and identify new trends, not just keeping up with the competition, but leading the eyewear industry. Accordingly, throughout the twentieth century, as businesses have become more specialized, Erker's has narrowed its scope as well. True to form, Jack Erker Jr. recognized the great consumer demand for fine eyewear and has been focusing on this latest trend in the St. Louis market.

"Eyewear" is the marriage of form and function, taking traditional glasses beyond practicality and into the realm of fashion accessories. Erker's carries the Midwest's largest selection of top eyewear collections from around the world and carrying frames in every shape and color. While Erker's has long been known for creating signiture images of such notable stars as Fox’s number one sports broadcaster Joe Buck, as well as hometown native rapper Nelly. John Goodman, Will Smith, and Bob Costas are just a few other notable celebrities who chose Erker’s for their eyewear, not to mention the countless number of athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, Mark McGwire and Grant Winstrom.

In 2006 Jack Erker Jr. and his two sons, Jack lll and Tony, set up a wholesale division called Studio Optyx, a design company that manufactures and distributes it's own visions of eyewear. Recently, we have also had the honor of becoming the US distributor for two collections of incredible European eyewear, one an Italian collection called Derapage, check it out at www.derapage-eyewear.com, and the other a German collection called Mainhattan at www.mainhattan-eyewear.de. Incredible collections from two very talented eyewear design teams.

Over the years, Erker’s has worked tirelessly, ensuring customer satisfaction and superb quality of all of its products, whether its the frames, lenses, contact lenses or professional services offered at Erker's Fine Eyewear. It is our ongoing goal to provide this same level of services as we have done now for five generations, and our dream to do it for many generations to come. What other optical company can say that? None.................... We are the oldest optical company in the United States still owned by the decendents of the founding family, and proud to be.

Thank you St. Louis for your support we love offering the coolest glasses in St. Louis come on by to see what we are all about.

SAMA TRUNK SHOW THIS SATURDAY AT ERKERS EYEWEAR IN LADUE FROM 10:00-5:00

2011-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Erker's Eyewear is showcasing the latest collection of SAMA Eyewear, Badgley Mischka and Loree Rodkin Eyewear. Come see these entire collections excusively at Erkers on Saturday from 10:00-5:00. Come on into Erker's and see what everyone is talking about.

Sama is the confluence of original designs, superlative materials and revolutionary production techniques. Merging East with West in perfect harmony, Sama is manufactured, assembled and finished by hand in Japan for a fit and finish unachievable anywhere else on Earth.

Modern yet classic, stylish yet understated, Sama is the preferred eyewear of such superstars as Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon and Colin Farrell, and has been featured in dozens of blockbuster Hollywood films including Miami Vice, Mission: Impossible III, and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka
In the frenetic and often tumultuous fashion industry, Mark Badgley and James Mischka are a rare breed. Hailed by Vogue as being amongst the “Top 10 American Designers” and the darlings of the young Hollywood set, this design team has made its mark with the most glamorous, stylish and wearable evening wear to come down the runway in years.

Since joining forces in 1988, Mark Badgley and James Mischka have captivated the fashion press and prominent retailers with a sophisticated style that caters to a younger, more modern couture customer, while still appealing to women of all ages. “Our style harks back to the glamorous Hollywood of the Forties” say Mark and James, whose designs are simple, streamlined and thoroughly elegant. Badgley Mischka’s timeless designs are favorites of such celebrities as Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashley Judd.

Badgley Mischka Couture Eyewear

In 2006, Mark and James joined forces with longtime friend Sheila Vance of Sama Eyewear to create an eyewear collection worthy of the Badgley Mischka name. The result was Badgley Mischka Couture Eyewear, a glamorous collection of ophthalmics and sunglasses for women and men that recalls the “Golden Age of Hollywood” and remains true to Badgley Mischka’s design philosophy. The chic women’s styles are highlighted by the elegant and innovative use of laser cut and cast titanium, exotic feathers, Swarovski crystals and pearls. The stunning men’s styles feature modern interpretations of classic designs and incorporate premium metals and plastics to make a bold fashion statement. Badgley Mischka Couture Eyewear puts the couture back into eyewear.

Badgley Mischka Active Eyewear

For 2007, Mark Badgley, James Mischka and legendary eyewear designer Sheila Vance prove that style and elegance can be part of an active lifestyle with the introduction of Badgley Mischka Active Eyewear. This exciting new collection features stylish men’s and women’s eyewear crafted using exclusive, high-performance lenses and a sport-engineered fit. Eschewing sport eyewear’s traditional unisex design philosophy, Badgley Mischka Active Eyewear breaks the rules by offering styles specifically designed for either men or women. Women’s styles are delicate and feature feminine shapes and beautiful colors. Men’s styles exhibit a masculine presence highlighted by accents in wood and titanium. Badgley Mischka Active Eyewear is perfect for fashionistas and athletes, both on and off the playing field.

Loree Rodkin
Loree Rodkin managed the careers of Hollywood superstars Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker and Virginia Madsen before turning her considerable talents to jewelry design. A rebel at heart, Rodkin’s non-conformist style is a fusion of modern, gothic and classical elements. Rodkin’s incomparable jewelry is frequently seen on the red carpet at the Academy Awards®, Golden Globes® and the Grammy Awards®.

Loree Rodkin Eye Couture by Sama

Determined to create an eyewear collection of unrivaled luxury, Rodkin teamed with legendary eyewear designer Sheila Vance of Sama Eyewear. Vance worked with Rodkin to create frame designs and decorative elements that perfectly translate the essence of Rodkin’s jewelry into the eyewear milieu.

The collection incorporates Rodkin’s iconic fleur-de-lys, peace signs, crosses and skulls, with Vance’s innovative eyewear designs, luxurious materials (pure titanium, Japanese zyl, Swarovski crystals, etc.), and ultra-premium lenses (utilizing an exclusive lens layering process that produces a multi-colored effect without a gradient tint).

One of the most breathtaking and exclusive eyewear collections available, Loree Rodkin Eye Couture by Sama is a favorite of superstars Elton John, Cher, and Steven Tyler, and is the ultimate jewelry for the face.

Leisure Society Eyewear Excusively in St. Louis at Erker's

2011-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

Introducing Leisure Society exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue. Designer Shane Baum, a member of the CFDA and known for his work with Louis Vuitton, this ultra luxe collection took over three years to develop. Each frame, an heirloom piece, requires six hours to engrave therefore limiting production to only 4 frames per day. Many of the drawings contain over 3000 carefully placed lines, and the result is triumph from both fahsion and optical manufacturing standpoint.

Leisure Society will have an innagural run of only 75 pcs per style, the collection will retail from $550.00-$50,000. Come to Erker's in Ladue to check out the entire line of Leisure Society. Fine us online at www.erkers.com or give Erker's a call at 314-997-0002 or downtown at 314-241-9410.

Randy Jackson wearing VUE DC on the New American Idol

2011-01-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

The New American Idol Season 10 kicked off today with a new look, new image, and new judges. The reviews are already out and it seems that the judges are nicer, kinder and a little more gentle to the contestants who are brave enough to try out for the auditions in New Jersey. The show was entertaining as usual but what really stood out for me is the VUE DC frames Randy Jackson was wearing for most of the New Jersey auditions. Looking sharp and put together it looks like Randy Jackson is discovering what Erker's already knows, Vue Dc is a great frame line. Using bold frames and unique shapes Vue Dc has created a line that look great while making a bold statement. Come on by to Erker's to check out the entire Vue Dc frame collection and stay tuned to American Idol to see if Randy can keep up with Erker's on the latest and greatest eyewear trends seen this season. Find us online at www.erkers.com

Should you Purchase Presciption Sunglasses or get a Clip for your eyeglasses.

2011-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Many People who wear Glasses have a delima whether to purchase a pair of sunglasses or to get a clip that fits over their glasses. These are both great options and each one has their benefits.
Most clips do not fit correctly on certain frames and that is why at Erker's Eyewear we only make custom clips for each pair of glasses. This is to ensure the best fit, vision and longevity over the life of your frames. Clips are great because they are not bulky like sunglasses and are easy to carry around with you. Clips have a few drawbacks due to the way the fit over the frame, a person wearing a clip typically does not get as much coverage as they could with a pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses are great for this reason. They block out more sunlight. Sunglasses are also better for your active on-the-go life style and should fit perfectly for a second pair of prescription eyewear. The drawbacks to sunglasses are they are much bulkier to carry and you are buying two pair of prescription eyewear. Clips and Sunglasses are both great for different reasons. You just need to choose which would better fit your needs and your lifestyle. Come to Erkers in Ladue or Downtown and our opticians will help you pick the one that works best for you.

See you at Erker's

Matt amon in Bevel Specs Eyewear

2011-01-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Matt Damon, A List Superstar is seen wearing a Beta Titanium burgandy red frame made by Bevel Specs Eyewear. Looking for something unique yet sophisticated this framefits perfectly on Mr. Damon. Color in frames are very much a trend right now and we think this color works extremely well on him. We are excited to offer the entire line of Bevel Specs Eyewear in Saint Louis so come on by to check out the entire line and all of the other cool frames found exclusively in Saint Louis only at Erker's'. Since 1879 Erker's continues to offer the coolest eyewear this planet has to offer. Check us out at the stores or find us online at www.erkers.com for some great coupons!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS FROM ERKER'S

2011-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Everyone at Erker's wants to wish all of our friends and family a Happy New Year. We want to thank our customers for a great 2010 and look forward to 2011. We have many new and exciting things happening this year and look forward to 2011!!! Thanks again to all of our Customers who have made 2010 an exciting year!!!!!!!

Barton Perreira ONLY at Erker's

2010-12-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

Check out the amazing editorials on Barton Perreira. The hottest new frame line around. Come to Erker's and check out the entire collection.

www.erkers.com
http://www.lipsticktracez.com/features/feature/104/1

http://ThePLEAT.com/2010/11/barton-perreira-eyewear/

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2010-12/01/gq-editors-picks-100-best-2010/barton-perreira-sunglasses#ContentTop

10 Day David Yurman Trunk Show at Erker's In Ladue benefiting American Cancer Society

2010-12-03T09:31:00.001-08:00

Come join us for a 10 Day event at Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue, Starting December 10th and Lasting until December 20th. For 10 days Erker's will be previewing exclusively the David Yurman sunwear and eyewear collection. During this 10 day event 5% of all David Yurman Sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society. This event will be the biggest event in optical in Saint Louis for 2010. Come on in to see the entire collection excusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue.

www.erkers.com

New Barton Perriera Exclusively at Erkers in Saint Louis

2010-11-19T10:15:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the Barton Perriera at Erker's at Ladue? Barton Perriera has made quite the splash in the optical world and they have everyone from Kim Kardashian to Snoop Dogg wearing these glasses. There collection is absolute luxury and can only be found at Erker's in St. Louis, come on in and check out the entire collection only at Erker's

Beyonce Wearing Derapage Eyewear

2010-10-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Heres is an excerpt from Vision Monday Magazine

Beyoncé can always be counted on for a sexy look full of fun and interest. Always a trend maker and not a follower here she wears an original vintage sunglass from Derapage. How much you do you want to wager that the minute this picture hit the web the term “Derapage sunglasses” skyrocketed in Google Search? Bold Face would take that bet…

Beyonce Wearing Derapage Eyewear

2010-10-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

On her latest trip to Italy Beyonce picked up a pair of Derapage eyewear. Looking fantastic Beyonce picked out one of the best sellers of derapage eyewear. If you want to see the line come you can find it exclusively at Erker's fine Eyewear in Ladue of find us online at www.erkers.com

ERKERS BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-24T12:53:00.001-07:00

Barton Perreira in the new movie " Wall Street Money Never Sleeps "

2010-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Check out Michael Douglas wearing Barton Perreira Frame Halston in Champagne in the new movie " Wall Street Money Never Sleeps ". Barton Perreira is the hottest new eyewear company in the US and they are making quite the name for themselves. Come in to to check out the entire line of Barton Perreira eyewear Excuslively in St. Louis at Erker's. or find us online at www.erkers.com

When Good Brands Go Bad!!!!

2010-09-08T12:14:00.001-07:00

We have a lot of people come in looking for quality eyewear, they are looking for the newest and the greatest eyewear in St. Louis, after all that is why they are coming to Erker's. While they are looking for frames they ask for brands like, Oliver Peoples, Ray Ban and Oakley. All of these brands at one point made the finest eyewear available on earth, Ray Ban introduced the pilot which was an american classic, Oakley was an innovator and created lenses and frames unsurpassed in quality for clarity, strenght and support, and Oliver Peoples offered high end frames that were created using the highest quality materials with a fashion forward sense of style. Erker's use to carry all of these brands, as the brands grew they would be purchased by Lens Crafters which is owned by Luxottica. Luxottica would pay a premium price for the name but the quality would suffer drastically. At Erker's, our customers expect the best and we offer only the best. When the quality of the frames no longer meet our expectations we no longer carry the brand. Be careful when choosing your eyewear you may only be paying for the name. Check out this link to see this company and the brands they own, be informed when you buy your eyewear.
http://www.luxottica.com/en/brands/license_brands/index.html
http://www.luxottica.com/en/retail/
If you want true quality come to Erker's let us show you the difference.

Another Great Trunk Show at Erker's Eyewear in Ladue

2010-09-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank everyone for coming out to Erker's trunk show. It was a fantastic event. We had a lot of people stopping by to see what was new. We would like to thank Ren for coming out and showing the line. We are so excited to see what they come out with next. Erker's carries the latest and most fashionable eyewear in St. Louis we invite you to come by and take a look at the greatest eyewear St. Louis has to offer come by any of our stores or check us out online at www.erkers.com

Kim Looks Fabulous in her new frames found Exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2010-08-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Kim Found some New Frames at our Trunkshow over the weekend. Not only did she look fantastic but had some really great things to say about Erker's. We really enjoyed working with her and can't wait to see her around St. Louis looking fantastic in her new frames. If you want to look as good as kim then come on by and have one of our amazing opticians find a frame that is perfect for you. For over 131 years Erker's have offered the most unique and exclusive frames in the St. Louis area. Find us online at http://www.erkers.com/

Brandi Just Picked up her Loree Rodkin Frames Exclusively at Erker's

2010-08-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Brandy looks absolutely fantastic in her new frames. She just picked them up and looks like a supermodel. The frame she is wearing is by Loree Rodkin and can be found exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's. This type of frame is very much in style right now and fits Brandy perfecly. Come in to Erker's to find all of the latest fashions in eyewear and find us online also at www.erkers.com

Interesting Article in the Wall Street Journal

2010-08-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Are you in the market for a new pair of designer sunglasses this summer?

It's the season for it, and you can spend hundreds of dollars on your next pair of shades. Some Prada and Bulgari pairs will run you nearly $500, and that's if you don't need prescription lenses. Even more moderate design labels like Ray-Ban or REVO can cost a couple of hundred bucks.

Brett Arends, WSJ's ROI columnist, tells colleague Adam Najberg that those $200 designer shades you're wearing may be just like the $20 ones you buy at a Lens Crafter store.Designer shades are big business, even in this economy. I keep hearing about the new age of frugality, but I'm not seeing much of it at the mall. Sunglass Hut's same-store sales in the U.S. rose 10.8% in the first quarter, pretty much erasing the slump in early 2009.But are these expensive brands worth it? How much better are they, really, than the $25 pairs you can get in your local pharmacy? Before you spend big money on your next pair of designer shades, here are six things you should know.

Most sunglasses are made by the same company. Do you prefer the "quality" of Ray-Ban to Oakley? Do you think Bulgari is better than Dolce & Gabbana, or Salvatore Ferragamo is better than Prada? Wake up. They're all made by one company, Italian manufacturer Luxottica–one of the biggest consumer companies that consumers have never heard of. Luxottica also makes sunglasses branded Burberry, Chanel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, Tiffany, Versace, Vogue, Persol, Miu Miu, Tory Burch and Donna Karan.

"We manufacture about 70% of those brands in our factories in Italy, and the balance in America and China," says Luxottica spokesman Luca Biondolillo. "We do the design, the manufacturing, and the marketing," he adds. The company makes most of those brands under license, working closely with designers at the relevant fashion houses. But it owns several brands itself, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Oliver Peoples and REVO.

2. In many cases, the same company is also selling you the glasses. Luxottica also owns LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sunglass Hut. This is extreme vertical integration. The eye doctor telling you that you need a new pair of glasses, the sales people helping you choose them and the people who design and make the glasses all work for the same company. Make of it what you will. But if your financial advisor was actually employed by the mutual fund company that he recommended for your portfolio, you'd at least want to know.

It is true these brands are all made using the same technology and manufacturing process and made on an industrial scale by machines spitting out glasses as fast as they can. The image and brand is worth more than what you are paying for.

At Erker's We do not carry any items made by Luxottica, we carry true quality frames that are handmade by people not machines. We have offered the latest in eyewear or over 131 years and continue to do so. If you are looking for something different and are trying to set yourself apart from the masses come to Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue and see the difference for yourself.

If you go to Pearl, Lenscrafters, Target, Sears, Sunglass Hut it may look the same because they are all owned by the same company. Come to Erkers and See the difference for yourself.

Derapage Sunwear coming to Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue!!

2010-07-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

Derapage has released another spectacular line of sunwear.

Using the patented Derapage technology with the best zeiss lenses on the planet you get a frame that steps up the game for everyone else in the market.

Already winning awards and receiving rave reviews Derapage Eyewear is a work of art.

This line is moving so fast they are almost impossible to get. Fortunately it has been confirmed Erker's Fine Eyewear will be receiving the first release of Derapage sunwear. We have already sold half of them sight unseen. Call now to reserve your frames or come in and have our knowledgeable opticians fill you in on all things Derapage. Find us at www.erkers.com

Wrapped up in Class, Come See The Chrome Hearts Exclusively at Erker's

2010-07-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Chrome Hearts leaves nothing unfinished and their cases are no exception. Chrome Hearts Leather eywear cases are made one at a time in their factories by skilled craftspeople who maintain the highest material standards.

With meticulous artistry, they carefully create Chrome Hearts exquisite cases using the highest quality Italian leathers and materials available.

The leather used on Chrome Hearts eyewear cases if full grain Italian leather. The most genuine and natural type of leather, full grain is made from the very best raw hides. The hide is not treated considerably, and the thickness is kept fully intact. Since the grain remains in its most natural state, it is tougher and more durable than other types of leathers.

While other vatieties can turn rigid over time, full grain leather develops a patina and actually grows more beautiful over time instead of wearing out.

Come see these works of art excusively at Erkers Fine Eyewear in St. Louis and see what could be so impressive to deserve a home like this. Erker's offers the finest eyewear in St. Louis for over 131 years.

The Chrome Hearts Precious Metals Collection Exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2010-07-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

If you thought Chrome Hearts would shy away from the most precious metals on the planet. THINK AGAIN!!!!!

Both Silver and gold are considered precious metals which are regulated by the guidlines of the Federal Trade Commission. Gold processes must also comply with the rules set forth by the FTC

Pure Silver is too soft for most uses. so it is mixed with alloys for added strength and durability. Most of the Chrome Hearts decors are made of cast .925 sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% base metal. Each piece requires intricate tooling and is made by the Chrome Hearts silversmiths individually using the lost wax casting method.

In this ancient process dating back hundreds of years, each decor or motif is cast in rough form, then polished by hand, and antiqued one piece at a time.

Fronts on Chrome Hearts 12K gold frames are gold filled in a process where high heat and pressure are used to bond a thick layer of solid gold to a base metal. The total gold content for an item classified as gold filled must equal 1/20th of teh total weight of the finished product. It is resistant to tarnishing , like solid gold, and does not flake off, rub off, or change colors. Gold filled products have long term wear durability without the added weight of solid gold.

Just another incredible addition to the Chrome Hearts collection, some of the most luxurious metals in the world and some of the best ideas in the world incorporated on eyewear. Chrome Hearts a cut above the rest found exclusively in St. Louis at Erkers in Ladue. By far one of the most stunning collections ever created.
find us online at www.erkers.com

The Chrome Hearts Premium Metal Collection Exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2010-07-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

When Chrome Hearts created their metal collection, they used only the best materials to create their eyewear. Chrome Hearts uses three of the most expensive and most durable metals when it comes to manufacturing their frames.

Using Titanium, Copper Berylium and Magnesium Chrome Hearts are has found the balance of durability and pure luxury. Titanium is as strong as some steels, and as the highest strength to weight ratio of any metal. Oversize metal styles benefit from the exceptionally strong properties of titanium without the weight. Titanium is valued for its lightweight, durable, hypo-allergenic, and non-corrosive properties.

If titanium wasn't enough Chrome Hearts surpasses all expectations with the use of Copper Beryllium. This incredible metal is used for designs where frame flexibility is required. The metal is very lightweight, which contributes to the overall comfort for the wearer. It is inherently resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, making it suitable for weares with high skin acidity.

Last, but for sure not least, Chrome Hearts uses one of the most unstable metals in the world. Magnesium has historically been used in airplane, aeropsace, missle and ammunition construction. The lightweight property of the metal allows thickness without added weight. Magnesium also has excellent machinability, making it exceptionally versatile.

The reult of a single metal or using a combiniation of all three is something that use to be available only in your dreams. Dreams become reality with Chrome Hearts and Erker's has it exclusively in St. Louis, Come see these works of art at Erker's in Ladue 7 days a week of find us online at www.erkers.com

The Chrome Hearts Acetate Collection Exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2010-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Chrome Hearts is at the top when it comes to eyewear quality and design. Nothing else comes close when it comes to luxury eyewear and their plastics colletions are no exception.

Chrome Hearts uses a combination of Japanese and Italian zyl-the finest in the world-in making their handmade plastic zyles.

Zyl is stable and lightweight, and it's the most common material used in plastic frames.

It is favored for fashion frames because of its unlimited coloration, layering and pattern options. Chrome Hearts zyl components are tumble polished for 72 hours to attain maximum luster enhancing the beautiful color combinations.

In its final stage Chrome Hearts are then assembled, hand polished and adjusted by hand.

Once finished, the frames are sent off all over the world to elite retailers that are lucky enough carry this incredible collection. It is no wonder that this collection has made Erker's Fine Eyewear the excusive retailer in St. Louis to carry this line. Come in to see the full collection at Erker's in Ladue, find us online at www.erkers.com.

New Chrome Hearts Wood Exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2010-07-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

The first Chrome Hearts collection was released in 2002 after 19 months of intensive design and research. No detail or cost was spared in the development of the collection. The acutely detailed tooling required to produce each piece, in addition to luxurious and rare materials, makes the Chrome Hearts collection one of the most expensive eyewear collections ever produced.

Chrome Hearts wood temples are manufactured using a special process where seven ultra thin layers of wood are cross-grain laminated together producing an extremely strong laminated sheet. The temples are then cut from the sheet stock and finished by hand. In the final step the temples are coated with a non-allergenic lacquer and again polished by hand. The finishing process is repeated six times in order to obtain the high quality seen in all Chrome Hearts wood temples. This is the most extensive process in the market today.

Chrome Hearts uses three types of exotic woods on its frames, Macassar Ebony, Brazilian Mahogany and Albino Madrone. Whether it is the densest, most colorful, smoothest, and strongest Chrome Hearts has choosen an elite group of wood products that is sure to outlast any other product on the market.

In the final stages of the wood process Chrome Hearts uses an ultra-sensitive laser that carves the intricate designs one temple at a time. Chrome Hearts was the first eyewear in the world to feature laser engravings on the sides of wood temples.

Finally the select few of Chrome Hearts are laser engraved with Chrome Hearts designs that are inlaid with black or white mother of pearl. In addition to the mother of pearl inlay, Chrome Hearts also uses a process called "intaglio" where an enamel paste made from mother of pearl is deposited into the tiny laser reliefs, and then polished to a brillant luster, creating a very special and unique effect.

With so many man hours involved in each piece of eyewear it is no wonder what the end result becomes. Truly a work of art in any industry.

Chrome Hearts offers a timeless collection that can only be found in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear. To get the best in eyewear you have to go to the best retailer in eyewear; and for 131 years in St. Louis it continues to be Erker's. If you are looking for something unique and exotic, Chrome Hearts is sure to stand out from a crowd. Come in to Erker's to see the largest collection of Chrome Hearts in St. Louis or find us online at www.erkers.com

LARGEST SELECTION OF CHROME HEARTS AVAILABLE IN ST. LOUIS EXCLUSIVELY AT ERKER'S FINE EYEWEAR

2010-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Chrome Hearts is appreciated by those who can recognize and apreciate the exquisite details incorporated in each unique piece. This quality craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed. this eyewear collection is without a doubt one of the most innovative collections in fashion eyewear ever released. Stay tuned for an in depth analysis into the Chrome Hearts manufacturing process. Below, we discuss their unbelievable attention to detail and their unmatched quality in maufacturing Chrome Hearts eyewear and their use of Italian Leather.

All Leather featured in Chrome Hearts eyewear is full Italian grain leather. Full Grain is the most genuine and natural type of leather made from the very best raw hides. The hide is not treated significantly and the thickness is kept fully intact.

Since the grains remain in its most natural state, it is tougher and more durable than other types of leather. The surface of full grain leather also wears better than other types of leather, which does not age well and can become rigid over time.

Instead of wearing out, full grain develops over time, Styles that are made with leather temples are hand stitched with the quality and artistry that is traditionally associated with Italian leather.

The result is a work of art and a thing of beauty. It is an animal in a league of its own. It is no wonder that this line has become so well known in such a short amount of time.

Chrome Hearts can only be found in Saint Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear.

Chrome Hearts is a natural compliment to what Erker's carries today and what has been offered for over 131 years. If you are looking to make a statement, be your own person, and stand out from a crowd, Chrome Hearts is what you need, and Erker's has it!!!!!

Stay tuned for a review on the Chrome Hearts and their exotic wood collection. Can't wait....... come into Erker's to see the largest collection of Chrome Hearts eyewear available in Saint Louis or find us online at www.erkers.com

New Barton And Perreira at Erker's Eyewear come and Check it out!

2010-07-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

As I have reported in earlier blogs this line is incredible. People have been really loving this line and seeing the quality that Barton and Perreira offers. Erker's Fine Eyewear is the exclusive Barton And Perreira retailer in St. Louis. Using high end materials and fashion forward styles there is no wonder that Barton and Perreira has been a huge hit in St. Louis. Come on by to see the full collection of Barton and Perreira Eyewear and have one of our knowledgeable opticians show you a frame that would fit perfectly on you.

For over 131 years Erkers Fine Eyewear continues to offer the finest and most fashionable frames you can find in St. Louis. With over 5,000 frames and many exclusive lines Erkers offers the largest and best selection of eyewear in St. Louis come on by and see what everyone is talking about or find us online at www.erkers.com.

Come Downtown to see the new Erker's Store

2010-07-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

For over 90 years Erker's has been in the same location offering the greatest eyewear downtown Saint Louis. Erker's has been a huge supporter of the downtown partnership as well as maintaining a great location in Saint Louis. As downtown Saint Louis continues to grow and new stores continue to open Erkers has maintained its support for downtown. Come on by to see the new remodeling Erker's has done at its location. With vibrant colors, great style and amazing eyewear you will be sure to be impressed with everything what we have to offer. With a great staff and an impressive selection eyewear you will be sure to find the frame that is perfect for you. Come on by and see what we have or stop in to say hi and check out the new store.

Come See the New Barton Perreira Excusively in St. Louis at Erkers!!!!!!

2010-07-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Barton Perreira yet well you soon will!! This is the hottest line in LA right now and their product is absolutely amazing. Using the best materials and supurb craftsmanship, Barton Perriera eyewear is sure to impress. Only at Erker's Fine Eyewear in St. Louis will you find Barton Perriera, come on in to take a look at this incredible line. Find us online as well at http://www.erkers.com/. Only at Erkers Fine Eyewear will you find the greatest optical lenses, frames and service available in the industry. For over 131 years and for 5 generations Erker's continues to offer the best service from before your purchase your eyewear and while you have them for years to come.

Come On By To See The Largest Selection of Maui Jim Sunglasses in St. Louis

2010-06-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Looking for a great pair of sunglasses, Well come on by Erkers Fine Eyewear

Erkers has the largest selection of Maui Jim sunglasses in Saint Louis, Offering all the latest styles and colors of Maui Jim Sunglasses you will be sure to find the best frame that fits you.

Come on by and get the full Maui Jim Experience, Pure and Simple they are the best sunglass lenses available on the market. Maui Jim lenses offer unmatched clarity in an ultra-wide field of view.

Come on by Erkers to check out all the latest Maui Jim products, Put on a pair or try on all of them, They wont just improve your view they will improve your outlook.
Erkers has always been the leader in eyewear come on by to get the full Erkers and Maui Jim Eyewear experience.

also check us out at www.erkers.com

Find the best Lenses at Erkers

2010-06-14T10:08:00.001-07:00

Thinner and lighter high-index lens materials have impacted eyeglasses in a very significant way. Thin eyeglasses are attractive; thick ones aren't. Light eyeglasses are comfortable; heavy ones aren't. So it's no surprise that most of us want the thinnest, lightest eyeglasses possible.

Most eyeglass wearers are nearsighted, and require the basic physical property of lenses with edges that are thicker than their centers. The stronger the prescription, the thicker the edges (see lens drawings below).

Most of today's fashionable frames are made of plastic or metal with rims thinner than the lens itself. Also, popular rimless mountings mean that the lens edges are completely exposed. In either case, the lens edges are highly visible, and thicker edges can detract from the appearance of your eyewear.

How High-Index Lenses Differ From Regular Lenses
Eyeglass lenses are able to correct vision because they bend light as it passes through the lens. The amount of light-bending (or refraction) that's needed to provide good vision is determined by the eyeglass prescription provided by your eye doctor.

For weaker eyes, the number in the prescription is higher, and the lenses must bend the light more to provide clear vision. Prescriptions for nearsighted people begin with a minus symbol (-). If your prescription is -5.00 diopters, for example, you are very nearsighted and need a stronger lens than someone with a -2.00 prescription.

To bend light more, stronger minus lenses require thicker edges than weaker minus lenses. It's not unusual for a nearsighted prescription to worsen over time, which means the edges of your lenses will grow increasingly thicker with each prescription change.

Fortunately, chemists have created a variety of new plastic lens materials that bend light more efficiently than the conventional plastic lenses used for eyeglasses. This means less material can be used in high-index lenses to correct the same amount of nearsightedness.

Advantages of High-Index Lenses
Thinner. Because of the ability to bend light more efficiently, nearsighted lenses made of high-index materials have thinner edges than the same prescription made from conventional plastic materials of the same prescription power.

Lighter. Thinner edges require less lens material, which reduces the overall weight of the lenses. Lenses made of high-index plastic are lighter than the same lenses made in conventional plastic, so they're more comfortable to wear. High-index glass lenses also have thinner edges, but high-index glass is heavier than conventional glass, so there is not as much weight savings with glass as there is with plastic lenses.

Lightweight lenses are even more of a benefit for farsighted prescriptions, which can make conventional lenses very heavy. And most high-index lenses also have an aspheric design, which makes them flatter and reduces the magnified "bug-eye" look that conventional lenses cause in strong farsighted prescriptions.

Many High-Index Lens Choices
Different varieties of thinner, lighter high-index lenses are classified by how well they bend light. The ability to bend light is controlled by the material's "index of refraction," a ratio that compares the speed of light when it travels through air with the speed of light when it passes through a clear material. If a material bends light more, speed is slowed as well. So the higher the refractive index of a lens material, the thinner the lens.

Left: High-index lenses can be much thinner and lighter, even in a strong prescription. Right: The three basic types of eyeglass lenses: no correction (such as non-prescription sunglasses); farsighted lenses; and nearsighted lenses. (Photo: Vision Consultants, Inc.)For conventional plastic, the ratio (or "index") is 1.50. For glass, it's 1.52. Any lens material with a refractive index that's higher than that of glass or plastic is considered to be high-index. High-index plastic lenses are now available in a wide variety of refractive indices, typically ranging from 1.53 to 1.74.

All other things being equal, a lens made from a 1.66 index material has thinner edges than a lens made from a 1.56 material. Lenses with an index of refraction of 1.70 or higher are typically at least 50 percent thinner than conventional plastic lenses. Also, generally speaking, the higher the index, the higher the cost of the lenses.

Your eyeglass prescription also determines what kind of high-index material you want for your lens. The highest index materials are used primarily for the strongest prescriptions.

If you want high-index lenses, be sure to ask for them. But rely on your eye doctor's or optician's advice regarding which index to use. Your eye care practitioner can explain which index makes the most sense for your exact prescription. Most popular lens designs and features (single vision, bifocal, progressive, photochromic, etc.) are available in high-index material. But there are exceptions, and your eye doctor or optician will know which high-index lens options are available in your prescription.

AR Coating: A Perfect Companion for High-Index Lenses
All lens materials block some light from passing through the lens. This light reflects back from the lens surface, causing distractions and reducing the clarity of night vision.

Conventional glass or plastic lenses reflect about 8 percent of the light that otherwise would reach the eye. High-index lenses reflect up to 50 percent more light than conventional glass or plastic lenses. However, when an anti-reflective lens coating (AR coating) is applied, high-index lenses transmit 99.5 percent of the light. And by allowing more light to enter the eye, AR coatings provide sharper night vision with less glare — a real advantage for night drivers.

Because AR coatings also eliminate lens reflections, they make high-index lenses appear even thinner. This is a big plus if you want to improve your appearance in eyeglasses.

Barton Perriera Exclusively at Erkers in Saint Louis

2010-06-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Newest name in highend eyewear has finally arrived and its Exclusively in St. Louis at Erkers Fine Eyewear. Barton Perriera is dedicated to pure luxury, their approach to fashion redefines style and elegance. Come see this incredible collection Exclusively at Erker's. Not only does Erker's carry the latest and the greatest in eyewear but we offer the clearest, thinnest and lightest lenses on the planet. We guarantee that you will find a frame that fits you and your personality. Come on in and check us out. Find us online at www.erkers.com.

Tornado eyewear by DERAPAGE

2010-06-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

DERAPAGE EYEWEAR TRUNK SHOW IN JUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

There are umpteen ways, materials, techniques of making a pair of glasses. One has but to choose. Derapage has always entailed a choice, an ambitious one, the same today as twenty years ago: to create hi-tech eyewear to an exclusive design. A slice of future glimpsed at a preview.

We are having a Derapage trunk show at the end of June. Stay tuned for some fantastic details. This is going to be one of the coolest trunk shows we have ever d0ne. Derapage Eyewear is by far the coolest and most different eyewear we have seen in 2010. All of these frames are made in Italy using a patented design. Come on in to check it out. The specific dates will be up shortly. We are super excited about this fantastic line. Simply Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erkers Fine Eyewear The Most Trusted Optical Company in St. Louis for over 131 Years!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Do you ever worry about stores that open and close shortly afterward? Do you invest in your eyewear needs with an optical company only to find out the staff has changed or the company has disappeared? Do you feel that poor customer service and poor quality do not justify a cheap pair of prescription eyewear?

If this is happened to you or if you are looking for a a company where you can get all of your optical questions answered and purchase the best eyewear and lenses on earth, then stop by Erker's Fine Eyewear. Located in St. Louis for 131 years Erkers strives to offer the most unique, and fashion forward eyewear on the planet. No one has the optical experience, knowledge or quality that Erkers has continued to offer for over 131 years. Do not trust "snake oil salesmen" here today and gone tomorrow. For 5 generations the Erker family has offered only the best in lenses and eyewear at every price point. Come on by to see what everyone is talking about. Feel comfortable purchasing your eyewear from a family company that has been around for 131 years. Come see us in Ladue or Downtown St. Louis or find us online at http://www.erkers.com/.

Don't wait, come on in to Erkers biggest sale of the Year!!!

2010-05-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

This sale is on a first come first serve basis, do not miss out on some great frames that were originally between $200-$500. This is our biggest sale of the year and each frame is of the greatest quality you know you can find at Erkers. Brands from Gucci, Bevel, Eye DC, Waza, Kame Manen, Oliver Poeples, Martin and Martin, Coach, and Kawasaki all are marked at $99.00 with the purchase of digital lenses!!!! Great frames at an ubelievable discounts!!!! Check us out at www.erkers.com or come on in to any of our locations and any of our fantastic staff are sure to help you choose the frame that is right for you.

ERKERS BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR

2010-05-17T10:46:00.001-07:00

Erker Customers Looking Great In Their JF Rey Eyewear!!!!

2010-05-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

At Erker's Fine Eyewear we believe that eyewear changes the way you look and feel, and that it is a direct representation of who you are as a person. We sell only tbest looking and best quality eyewear in the world and do everything to make sure your eyewear always looks great on you. We would like to thank Mary, Claire, Tony L. , Matt, and Tony T. for sending in this picture of them looking great in their J.F. Rey Eyewear they purchased at Erkers. Everyone looks fantastic, and we are really excited about putting them on our blog.

If you want to be on our blog send a picture of yourself wearing your eyewear you got at Erker's to erkers@prodigy.net and we will be sure to put you on. We love hearing from our customers and everything they have to say about their glasses!! Find us online at http://www.erkers.com/ or give us a call at 314-997-0002, or 314-241-9410.

Introducing Chrome Hearts Eyewear exclusively in St. Louis at Erkers in Ladue!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Established in 1988 Chrome Hearts began by producing leather riding grear for friends and their extended families. The company is an international luxury lifestyle company, integrating classic design with the highest standards for quality and craftsmanship. Products range from distincitive handmade jewelry in sterling silver, gemstones, platinum, and 22k gold; furniture made from exotic woods; and clothing made from the fines leathers and fabrics.

Chrome Hearts is appreciated by those who can recognize and appreciate the exquisite details incorporated in each unique piece. This quality craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed-the company received the prestigious CFDA award to Accessories Designer of the Year in 1992.

In keeping with the Chrome Hearts tradition, the eyewear collection is, without a doubt, one of the most innovative collections in fashion eyewear ever released. Utilizing a diverse range of materials and inspired designs, this luxury eyewear collection-exclusively sold in St. Louis by Erker's Fine Eyewear-has earned the reputation as a leader in offering cutting edge fashion eyewear for over 131 years.

The standard process for developing a new eyewear collection typicaly requires six to seven months. The first Chrome Hearts eyewear collection released in 2002 after 19 months of intensive design and research. No detail or cost was spared in the development of the collection. The acutely detailed tooling required to produce each piece, in addition to the use of luzurious and rare material, makes Chrome Hearts colleciton one of them most expensive eyewear collections ever produced.

Nothing but the greatest care is taken when selecting materials to ensure that the eyewear is a clearly defined extension of Chrome Hearts design/brand philosophy Exotic woods , fine leathers, precious stones, and sterling silver decorations are combined with the latest innovations in optical technoogy, metallurgy and laser engraving to produce a product worthy of Chrome Hearts name.

Combining these exotic elements with the finest optical materials posed a tremendous challenge for the manufacturers. Even Japanese factories, long considered the masters of luxury optical products, were compelled to utilize the worldwide network of specialty sub-contractors to achieve desired results. Parts are made in countries around the world including, France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Not only is Chrome Hearts eyewear noted for its exceptional materials; the cutting edge design behind the collection is critically acclaimed. In 2004, OSI was honored with the IOFT "frame of the year award" for the Chrome Hearts "Red Riot" frame, ad in 2007 the "Hot Tool" opthalmic style was nominated for a Silmo d'Or award. For eyewear of this caliber, it is only appropriate that each case is constructed of the same high quality leather used in all Chrome Hearts leather products. Optical Shop International as well as Erkers Fine Eyewear remain independently owned and operated which enables the companies to maintain this type of dedication to true luxury and innovation.

Chrome Hearts eyewear is available exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear in Ladue at 9717 Clayton Rd. Find us Erkers online at http://www.erkers.com/, or call us at 314-997-0002.

Exclusively in St. Louis, Derapage Eyewear in Color

2010-05-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Introducing Derapage Colors excusively at Erker's!!!!!!!!!!!!

Derapage Eyewear continues to be at the forefront of the optical industry. Introducing Derapage Eyewear in Color, with six new styles and 4 color combinations, derapage has created one of the most beautiful eyewear collections the world has ever seen. With the trademarked architectural design and italian workmanship these are sure to be talked about all over the world. Come on in and check out these incredible frames. Excusively in St. Louis at Erkers Fine Eyewear. Check us out at www.erkers.com.

Erkers opens for Business in the Golden Age of St. Louis 131 years ago!!

2010-05-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

THE GOLDEN AGE OF ST. LOUIS: 1865-1900

With such a backlog, it was obvious that the end of hostilities would see the City's progress resume at an accelerated pace. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the downtown district, where the decrease in steamboat traffic following the War caused the levee to decline in importance.

POST WAR GROWTH
As a result, there was a westward thrust of the principal axis of the business area. This reached Fourth Street about 1870, and during the period immediately preceding and following the War, this street contained the City's principal hotels, office buildings, banks, and stores. The chief hotels of this period were: the Southern at Fourth and Walnut Streets, which opened in 1865; the Planter's House at Fourth and Chestnut; the Everett House on Fourth near Locust; and the Lindell at Sixth and Washington. The office buildings were concentrated near the old Courthouse, which was the focal point of the City's life at that time. The shopping center was at the upper end of Fourth Street near Washington Avenue, where such stores as Scruggs and and the Barr Drygoods Company were located. The banking houses of the period were on Olive and Locust Streets near Fourth. During the 1870's a large area on the western fringe of the present downtown district was still residential in character. The Mississippi was finally spanned at St. Louis in 1874 when Eads Bridge was dedicated. Its completion achieved unification of rail facilities on both sides of the river, thereby eliminating dependence on ferries.

SUBDIVISION ACTIVITY
The period of prosperity following the Civil War saw the City rapidly extended in all directions, but along already established lines. New additions and subdivisions were platted and sold, but new streets were naturally adapted to the existing highways. The number of subdivisions platted reached a new high of 58 in 1870, exceeding the pre-war peak of 46 recorded in 1860. At this time, the area west of Grand Avenue began to develop, and Vandeventer Place became the most fashionable address in the City.

In 1870 another expansion of the City occurred, which brought the City of Carondelet and the intervening area between its northern limits and Keokuk Street within the limits of St. Louis. The City's population then reached 310,869 with an area of 17.98 square miles, making it the nation's fourth largest city. This annexation was following a trend in growth to the south, for the City spread in that direction before it began its later expansion to the west in the seventies.

PARK SYSTEM EXPANSION
During the 1870's a major expansion occurred in the City's public park system. Tower Grove Park was first proposed in 1868 by Henry Shaw, who agreed to donate it to the City on the condition that St. Louis would expend $360,000 for its improvement and reserve a 200 foot wide strip around it for leasing, the proceeds of which were to be used for the maintenance of Shaw's Garden. This proposal was accepted with some modifications, and the park was finally opened in 1870. It was named for Shaw's nearby country estate and is administered by a special Board of Commissioners who expend an annual City appropriation for its maintenance. In 1871 Lyon Park was transferred to the City by the War Department, and in 1874-75 the three larger parks, Forest, O'Fallon, and Carondelet, were purchased under acts of the State Legislature. O'Fallon Park was formerly the estate of Col. John O'Fallon covering 159 acres; its cost was $259,000. The 180 acre Carondelet Park cost $165,000 plus $35,000 for its improvement.

The history of Forest Park had its beginning in 1872 when Hiram W. Leffingwell and others secured passage of a legislative act authorizing the purchase of 1,000 acres or more for a public park. It aroused much opposition and was declared invalid by the State Supreme Court. Two years later the idea was revived and another act was passed which was later sustained by the court. At the direction of the County Court, an appraiser was appointed, and 1,372 acres west of Kingshighway were purchased for about $800,000. It contained over 1,100 acres of virgin forest and was appropriately named Forest Park. Its formal opening occurred in 1876 after extensive landscaping work in its eastern portion. Forest Park was considered as an outer park at this time because the City was not built up much beyond Grand Avenue. It was reached by local transit facilities during the 1880's and gradually became the City's principal recreational area.

SEPARATION FROM ST. LOUIS COUNTY
The last extension of the boundaries of St. Louis occurred in 1876, when the City was separated from St. Louis County. (See page 37) The first home rule city charter in the nation was adopted by St. Louis at the same time under the State Constitution of 1875. The new city limits on the west were 600 feet west of Skinker Road and on the south and southwest they paralleled the general direction of the River Des Peres. The total area covered was 61.37 square miles, and most of the new portion of the City west of Grand Avenue was open farm land with few buildings except for country homes of the landed gentry. It was apparently assumed that this vast area would suffice for the City's physical growth for an indefinite period. However, as is well known, the City has occupied all of it and development has expanded into the county. Already established thoroughfares were projected westward into the unbuilt district, but the time had passed when a well-directed plan of street arrangement could be adopted.

An important event of the late seventies was the introduction of the telephone in St. Louis. This occurred in 1878 with twelve subscribers, and by 1880 over 600 telephones were in use here.

The City's population growth rate slumped during the seventies, so that the 1880 census showed 350, 318 inhabitants, an increase of only about 40,000 in ten years compared with 150,000 in the wartime decade.

An ordinance enacted in 1884 authorized the use of the streets for the sale of electricity on payment of a five percent gross receipts tax to the City. Before the end of the decade, electric lights became commonplace in St. Louis.

PUBLIC TRANSIT CHANGES
A new type of power for transit appeared locally in 1886, when the St. Louis Cable and Western cable car line began operations. It ran from Sixth and Locust Streets to Vandeventer Avenue via Franklin Avenue and during the next year a cable line was placed in operation to the Fairgrounds. Cable cars enjoyed a short but profitable period of operation. They were soon supplanted by the faster electric trolley car in the nineties, In 1887, the several street railways were authorized by the City to use electricity as power for the operation of cars. The principal operating companies of this time were the Lindell Railway Company which ran to the west end, the Union Depot Railway Company which operated in south St. Louis and the Mound City line which covered most of the north side. Most of these transit firms were consolidated in 1899 into the St. Louis Transit Company, which initiated a universal transfer system.

Railroad connections in St. Louis were coordinated in 1889 with the of the Terminal Railroad Association by all railroads entering the City from the east and west. It took over operation of Eads Bridge and Merchants Bridge in 1893, and the railway yards. During the early 1890's it began construction of the new Union Station, which was the largest in the world when it opened in 1894.

St. Louis grew at a more leisurely pace in the last two decades of the 19th Century, although subdivision activity continued at a healthy rate during the 1890's. In the 1890 census St. Louis regained its fourth place among American cities with a population of 451,770, and the number of telephone subscribers climbed to 2,885.

BOULEVARD SYSTEM
An aid to the establishment of a major street system occurred in 1891 when the State Legislature passed an enabling act authorizing St. Louis to establish boulevards by ordinance. Among those later designated were Lindell, Delmar, Washington, Page, Forest Park and Union Boulevards. This legal definition aided the westward growth of the City by providing these streets with the importance necessary for their development as major thoroughfares.

DOWNTOWN IN THE NINETIES
The north-south axis of the downtown district during the 1880's and 1890's was Broadway. It was during this period that the first so called "skyscrapers" were erected along Broadway and Sixth Street. The relocation of Barr's store to Sixth and Olive in 1880 and of Scruggs-Vandervoort and Barney to the corner of Broadway and Locust in 1888 were indications of continued westward movement. A wave of multi-level building construction began about 1890 and continued into the 20th Century. With the widespread use of the elevator, structures of ten or more stories became common in downtown St. Louis. One of the tall buildings built during this period was the Wainwright building, designed by Louis Sullivan in 1891 as one of the first steel frame structures built in the nation. Two other large buildings erected about that time were the 15 story building at 705 Olive Street in 1893 and the 16 story Chemical building in 1896. The old Federal building at Eighth and Olive Streets, which was completed in 1884, was one of the first large buildings erected in what is now the center of the business district. During the late 1890's the wholesale district on Washington Avenue began to take form. In 1893 the new Planter's Hotel was opened on the same site as the old Planter's House, which had been a leading hostelry since 1841.

TURN OF THE CENTURY
One of the most devastating disasters in the City's history occurred on May 27, 1896 when a destructive tornado swept over the near south side around Lafayette Park and northeastward towards the river at Eads Bridge.

During the late nineties the first automobiles made their appearance on St. Louis streets.

By the turn of the century, St. Louis began to demonstrate the civic consciousness and leadership which led to the creation of the World's Fair of 1904.

The population in 1900 reached 575,238 and the year previous had seen the consolidation of most of the transit lines here into one company. By that time, practically every line in the City used electric trolley cars. As a prelude to the World's Fair, the City Water Department achieved success in the clarification of drinking water during the administration of Mayor Rolla Wells.

Introducing Barton Perreira Eyewear Exclusively at Erker's

2010-05-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

For the first time in St. Louis Erker's introduces Barton Perreira Eyewear. Dedicated to pure luxury, Barton Perreira's approach to fashion redefines style and elegance. Barton Perreira's language of inspired desing focuses on the evolution process and continues to challenge the industry by unveiling the next new thing. Come see the complete line exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's.

The World Comes together at the 1904 Worlds Fair

2010-05-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Erker's was the official photographer of the 1904 Worlds fair. In the St. Louis Post Dispatch there is a beautiful history of the worlds fair. You have to see this link.

http://interact.stltoday.com/blogzone/multimedia-archive/2010/04/30/explore-a-map-of-the-1904-worlds-fair-in-st-louis/

If you are looking for more information this is another great website about the 1904 Worlds Fair.

http://www.mohistory.org/Fair/WF/HTML/index_flash.html

No other optical company in Missouri that existed then, exists today except for Erkers optical . For over 131 years Erkers continues to offer the best eyewear and service the world has to offer.
Come find us at www.Erkers.com give us a call at 314-997-0002 or come into one of our locations.

True High Definition Digital Lenses Exclusively at Erkers

2010-05-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

DO YOU SEE IN DIGITAL????

Today, the world is digital. It is high definition. Introducing Digital Single Vision and Progressive lenses for your glasses exclusively at Erker's Fine Eyewear. Every digital lens is personalized to your unique prescription. No two lenses are the same because each digital lens is computer engineered.

Tomorrow's technology is now in sight for progressive lenses.

NEAR, FAR and WIDE

That translates into:superior clarity a wider field of vision-40% wider.

Now eading a menu with glasses on in a dimly lit restaraunt is as easy as seeing a highway sign off in the distance at night. With Digital Backside Progressives there is no lens material between you and your prescription to create the swim and distortion normally associated with even the most expensive traditional progressive lenses.

NOW THAT'S PROGRESSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JUDITH LEIBER TRUNK SHOW SAT. APRIL 17TH 10:00-5:00

2010-04-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Legacy of Judith Leiber

Judith Leiber, the American luxury brand is synonymous with elegance, style, and sophistication. Each product is executed with meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. Judith Leiber has re-defined the accessories category with products that are on the cutting edge of high fashion, while always remaining timeless classics. In addition to designing handbags and minaudières, the company also produces eyewear, fur, and cashmere accessories.

Judith Leiber, the founder of the company, was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, where she studied the craft of handbag making during World War II. In 1947 Mrs. Leiber and her husband Gerson Leiber immigrated to the U.S. and after many years working for leading New York handbag manufacturers, Mrs. Leiber launched the Judith Leiber Company in 1963, with the support of her artistic husband. The couple sold the company and retired in 1998.

Judith Leiber creations are a cut above the competition; incomparable in quality and craftsmanship. These artful handbags and minaudières are part of the permanent design collections at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Los Angeles Museum of Art. Adding to Hollywood’s nearly 50-year love affair with the brand, almost every First Lady dating back to 1963 has carried these custom-made bags to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies. Judith Leiber is truly an iconic American brand.

Come meet the Judith Leiber eyewear stylist to the starts on Saturday from 10:00-5:00. Come see the entire colleciton of Judith Leiber eyewear excusively at Erker's in Ladue or see us online at www.erkers.com

Erkers in Saint Louis 131 years and counting!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Do you know that Erker's has been offering the finest eyewear and service in St. Louis for over 131 years. We continue to focus on offering the best quality and the latest in lens technology the world has to offer. We are the undisputed leader in eyewear in the city of St. Louis. Although many have tried to copy and mimic our business and our philosophy, we continue to be the leader in the pack. Imitation is the highest form of flattery however nothing compares to the real thing. Come see us and experience the difference that cannot be found anywhere in St. Louis, come find the most extraordinary frame that compliments you and your personality. Only at Erker's can you find a family tradition that has been passed on for 5 generations in making sure you look incredible when you leave our store!!! Come on by or find us online at www.erkers.com .

Sunglasses at Erker's

2010-04-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Sun is shinning Spring is here, come on in to Erkers to find the most exclusive Sunwear in St. Louis, If you are searching for a unique pair of sunglasses for this year well look no further Erkers has it. With eyewear ranging from trendy and bold to elegant and sophisticated. We guarantee you will find the most beautiful sunglasses here that you cannot find anywhere else in Missouri. We offer the most complete and beautiful eyewear selection in St. Louis, GUARANTEED. Come on in and check it out!!!
Find us online at www.erkers.com

ERKERS introducing VUE DC HANDMANDE IN FRANCE

2010-04-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Announcing the new collection of VUE DC eyewear exclusively at Erkers!!!! The hottest trend right now is bold and it doesn't get more bold than VUE DC. Fusing Japenese Acetate with hand made French manufacturing you get one of the most beautiful and bold collecitons of eyewear released in 2010. Quailty is second to none and the shapes and colors are absolutely magnificent. If you are searching for that special frame, well stop looking because it's VUE DC and it's excusively at Erkers. Come on by to check out the full collection, give us a call 314-997-0002 and find us online at http://www.erkers.com/.

DID YOU KNOW???????

2010-04-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Wainwright Building, a 10 story structure built in 1892, which is at chestnut and seventh street and still stands today, is one of several buildings that claim to be the worlds first skyscraper. The Wainwright building is located in Downtown Saint Louis and is used today by the State of Missouri as a government building. That is quite an interesting peice of information.

Considering the facts If the Wainwright building was built in 1892, that makes Erker's Fine Eyewear older than every single skyscraper on earth!!!!! Pretty Amazing!!

Now you know!!!!!

Happy Easter from Everyone at Erker's

2010-04-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Erker's would like to wish everyone a happy Easter. Be safe enjoy good food with your family and reflect. We look forward to a great Easter and hope everyone has the same.

Erkers will be closed on Easter Sunday but will resume normal business hours on Monday

M-F 10:00-6:00
Sat 10:00-5:00
Sun 12:00-4:00

Check us out at http://www.erkers.com/ 24/7

Are you Smart Enough!!!!

2010-03-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Below is a riddle. The first person that can come into any of our stores with the correct answer will get a $200.00 gift certificate good towards a new pair of prescription eyewear.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Pronounced as one letter but written with three, only two different letters are used to make me. I'm double, I'm single I'm black, blue, and gray. I'm read from both ends and the same either way!!!!!

Bevel Trunk Show was a Huge Success!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank everyone for coming in and seeing the Bevel collection on Saturday. It was a great time and a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!

We would also like to thank Durable Darrell (Bevel's Celebrity Stylist) for coming in. It was really exciting. The frames from Bevel are abosultely stunning and if you were not able to make it in on Saturday come on in anytime to view the collection. Erkes's is the exclusive retailer of Bevel in Saint Louis. Come see what everyone is talking about. Find Erkers online at www.erkers.com

Erkers Fun Fact!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Erker's Eyewear opened for business in 1879, can you Name all the Presidents of the United States that have been in office since Erkers has been open for business????
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hint the pictures of all these fine men are shown below........

The Answer is......................................

26 US PRESIDENTS

They are listed from right to Left.

1. Rutherford B. Hayes President from March 4, 1877 - March 4 1881
2. James A. Garfied President from March 4, 1881 - Sept. 1 1881
3. Charles A. Arthur President from Sept 19 1881 - March 4 1885
4. Grover Cleveland President from March 4, 1885 - March 4 1889
5. Benjamin Harrison President from March 4, 1889 - March 4 1893
6. Grover Cleveland President from March 4, 1893 - March 4 1897
7. William McKinley President from March 4, 1897 - Sept 14 1901
8. Theodore Roosevelt President from Sept. 14,1901 - March 4 1909
9. William Howard Taft President from March 4, 1909 - March 4 1913
10.Woodrow Wilson President from March 4, 1913 - March 4 1921
11.Warren G. Harding President from March 4, 1921 - Aug. 2 1923
12.Calvin Coolidge President from Aug. 2, 1923 - March 4 1929
13.Herbert Hoover President from March 4, 1929 - March 4 1933
14.Franklin D. Roosevelt President from March 4, 1933 - Apr. 12 1945
15.Harry S. Truman President from Apr. 12, 1945 - Jan. 20 1953
16.Dwight D Eisenhower President from Jan. 20, 1953 - Jan. 20 1961
17.John F. Kennedy President from Jan. 20, 1961 - Nov. 22 1963
18.Lyndon B. Johnson President from Nov. 22, 1963 - Jan. 20 1969
19.Richard Nixon President from Jan. 20, 1969 - Aug. 9 1974
20.Gerald Ford President from Aug. 9, 1974 - Jan. 20 1977
21.Jimmy Carter President from Jan. 20, 1977 - Jan 20 1981
22.Ronald Reagan President from Jan. 20, 1981 - Jan. 20 1989
23.George H.W. Bush President from Jan. 20, 1989 - Jan. 20 1993
24.Bill Clinton President from Jan. 20, 1993 - Jan. 20 2001
25.George W. Bush President from Jan 20, 2001- Jan. 20 2009
26.Barack Obama President from Jan, 20 2009- Incumbent

There were only 18 previous presidents before Erker's was in business. That is pretty amazing. If you got this question right congratulations.

Italian Eye Exhibit At Grand Central Station in New York City!!!

2010-03-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

EYEWEAR FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE FUTURE!!!!!!!!

At Grand Central Station in New York City was an exhibit on the history of eyeglasses from their invention in Italy to the latest trends.

Eye glasses were invented in 1204 invented by Salvino D'Armate is credited with inventing the first known wearable eyewear. Over the next 800 years eyewear has gone through many revolutionary changes. Styles have changed immensly and have become a staple in ever changing fashion world. Eyewear from the past 800 years is on display at the Italian Eye Exhibit in New York City at Grand Central Station.

Jack Erker, Tony Erker and Giovanni Vitaloni with Derapage from Italy were checking out the exhibit in New York.

From old real tortoise shell frames (now illegal to sell) to the most up to date eyewear that all the celebrities wear today were at the exhibit. Below is a picture of a pair of frames Elton John wore in the 1970's.

Check out the You Tube news post on the exhibit!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vIdNnIxYRA&feature=player_embedded

Bevel Trunk Show On Saturday!!!!!!!

2010-03-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

If you have been putting off buying glasses well now it's time to pull the trigger. We are having a Bevel Trunk Show this saturday March 27th. Not only have we been the exclusive retailer of bevel in Saint Louis since the line started but we will be showing the entire collection of Bevel Eyewear at our Ladue Location. Not to mention we will be flying in Bevel's celebrity stylist Darrell Sell to join us for this huge event.

Bevel has consistently offered beautiful frames with amazing colors and we are excited to show them on Saturday. Erker's continues to offer the most beautiful and fashionable frames in Saint Louis. Small and large optical stores try and copy what we do at Erker's and a lot of them have come and gone. For 131 years Erker's continues to offer superior service and we carry elite european frames that use the best materials and are made of the highest quality that can not be found any where but at Erker's.
Stop in on Saturday and see what all the talk is about. When someone asks you where you got your glasses you can excitedly respond "ERKERS OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!"

Vision Expo East NYC 2010

2010-03-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Erker's Back From the International Vision Expo in NYC. Bringing the best frames in the world back from New York come by Erker's and Check out the latest and most up to date eyewear the industry has to offer. For 131 years we have been looking for quality, workmanship, and great fashion to bring back to Saint Louis. Our customers continue to support us and we strive to offer them the best that Saint Louis has to offer.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day from Erker's

2010-03-17T11:32:00.001-07:00

Just a few fun Facts about St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick was not Irish by birth; he was a Romano-Briton Christian missionary born in England

An estimated 13 million pints of Guinness will be consumed on St. Patrick's Day 2010, according to a Guinness spokesman

Saint Patrick was known for banishing dangerous animals from Ireland, particularly snakes, according to legend

The color originally associated with St. Patrick was blue; green became associated during the 19th century

There are four places in the United States named Shamrock (West Virginia, Texas, Indiana, Oklahoma) and nine Dublin's (Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio are most populous)

There are more Americans of Irish origin than there are Irish in Ireland (36 million Americans claimed Irish ancestry in 2008; population of Ireland was 4.4 million at the time)

Happy St. Patrick's Day From Erker's

Wonder Why All The Frames At The Chain Stores Look The Same!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

Its time to be informed my friends!! If you have ever looked around at optical and think that all the frames look, and feel the same except they have a different logo slapped on them. Well you are not crazy because they are!!!! When you go into to most national chain stores they are owned by one company. This company is called Luxottica. They are the largest optical manufacturer in the world. They own over 5000 locations and sell their brands out of these locations. All of these locations essentially carry the same thing!!! Although the brands make look different the frames are the same quality. Luxottica pays lots of money to license a top brand name. They then take a frame they manufacture by the truck loads and use the brands to make it look like a different product. What they are really doing is using the same frame for many different brands. Do not be fooled!!

You can buy a Prada frame or Stereo flex (luxottica brand) they are the exact same frame except the Prade frame is $350.00 and the Stereo Flex is $100.00. Pretty amazing huh. So in optical you are truly paying for the name. You are not buying quality. Below is a break down of the names and the retail stores Luxottica owns.

They are slowly creating a monopoly in the eyewear business and the consumer hurts with lower quality frames and less design. Just remember before you shop look at other frames that are of true quality and design. Come feel the difference at Erkers in downtown Saint Louis or in Ladue. Find us online at www.erkers.com. Erker's has been in business for 131 years selling quality frames, there is a reason we do not offer 1 frame that is made by Luxottica in our stores.

Don't be fooled by a name slapped on a frame it does not necessarily mean quality!!

Orgreen Handmade Danish Design

2010-03-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Orgreen, often seen as the bowsprit of the enormous clipper ship of eyewear - always a few meters ahead no matter what the course.

Taking inspiration from the american classic car era when glamour and functoinality played strong roles in design - with a 1950's Corvette as a particular favorite - Orgreen Optics presented exciting frames time and again.

Pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the optical world by taking colors to the next level. The world craves the colors of Orgreen and perhaps this is why Orgreen became as famous for their colors as they are for their design.

Orgreen works with 11 Factories in Japan and are responsible for everything from the basic raw material to the processes of cutting, bending , stamping, soldering, polishing, colouring, and of course the finishing of the frame.

Each process goes through many different processes before the Orgreen cuts the shape of the design. Quality is a cornerstone of the philosophy of Orgreen. They demand excellence in each step from initial design to final product. The essential criteria are, sriving towards zero defects and continuous quality improvement.

It doesn't get much better than Orgreen. Come feel the difference of this exciting eyewear at Erkers in Downtown Saint Louis or Erkers in Ladue. Fine us online at www.erkers.com

Orgreen Eyewear at the Oscars!!!

2010-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Orgreen Debuting at the Oscars. Looking fantastic is Sam Worthington in a pair of Black Acetate and titanium Orgreen Glasses. Don't know who Sam Worthington is?? Put a little Blue Paint on him and send him off to a far away planet and maybe it will come back to you. Avatar is the highest grossing movie of all time and he played a leading role in it. Back on Earth he looks just as good while wearing his Orgreen frames.

Check out the entire collection at Erker's downtown Saint Louis or in Ladue.
Call us at 314-997-0002 or find us at www.erkers.com.

Introudicing The Mad Scientist of Derapage Eyewear!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

In Milan we found many exciting frames and talked with many companies. We always wonder how will eyewear evolve to the next level and what could be done that has never been done before and every year we are blown away. Another line we have taken on is Derapage Eyewear. This is a line we are so excited about we would have traveled to the moon to get it. If you don't know what a Derapage is, check out the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnOB055fheY&feature=related

That's right its a crazy yet controlled driving maneuver. Only the bold and the professional are willing to try it. Well some crazy Mad Scientist up in the mountains of Torino has taken the art and beauty of the racing world and interpreted it into a line of eyewear called Derapage. Using sleek lines, light weight materials and a patented mounting system Giovanni has created one of the most beautiful, sleek, and rock solid frame lines the world will be seeing in the near future!!! Shown in beautiful Brown, Black and Silver what more can you ask for, Well.... Giovanni is already thinking ahead, get ready for a splash of color and watch how this frame takes off. What an amazing and unique line of eyewear that offers something totally different in a sea of mass production. We found the diamond in the rough and the needle in the haystack!!! We are so excited to bring this to the US and can't wait for everyone to see it.
Check it out at Erker's in Saint Louis and get ready to be blown away.
Find us online at www.erkers.com also found at www.studiooptyxs.com.

Just got back from Milan, Italy bringing the best Eyewear in the World available only at Erker's!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Jack, Tony and Jack III Erker just got back from Europe bringing back the latest and most fashionable eyewear the world has to offer.
Our latest stop was Milan, Italy. Milan is recognized as a world reknown fashion design capital. Milan is especially famous for its design houses and shops in the Piazza Duomo. The city has a rich cultural heritage and legacy, and has a unique cuisine. We experienced some of the most well dressed and fashionable people from all over the world doing business in Milan. We are excited to say that we found many great lines and we look forward to our customers coming to our stores and checking out what we found. Stop on it to Erkers and let one of our knowledgeable opticians show you the newest stuff in town. come to www.Erkers.com to find our locations and hours.

Do you let a Doctor choose your hand bag or suit????

2010-03-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

I hope the answer to this question is a big NO!!!

Then why would you let a Doctor or doctor's assistant choose a frame for you that is fun, edgy and fits your personality.

Doctors are not fashion consultants. An optometrist by definition is a health care professiional concerned with eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans.

Sounds like they should stick with the medical professional and leave the fashion up to erkers, a company that specialize in enhancing ones beauty. So let your doctor do what they are good at, and that is writing a prescription and checking the health of your eyes. Go to Erker's if you want fashion. Bring your doctors optical prescription with you into Erker's or have them fax it over to us (314-997-7723). We guarantee to put you in an optical frame or sunglass that enhances your features and your lifestyle. Located in Saint Louis for 131 years we guarantee that everyone will ask you where you got your glasses and you may grow tired of saying "Erkers of course!!!!"

Erkers Eyewear at the 1904 Worlds Fair

2010-03-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Click on the below pictures of the worlds fair and look who was the photograher of those pictures!!!!!

The 1904 World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition) marked the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, a monumental event in U.S. history. Fair organizers set out to celebrate that event and create their own monumental event. It seemed appropriate to set the Fair in St. Louis Missouri, at that time the fourth largest city in the country and part of the land covered by the Treaty.

The Fair was to be a living tribute to the accomplishments and progress man had made in the years following the signing of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. And, between April 30-December 1, 1904, that is just what 20,000,000 fairgoers experienced. Grand buildings offered working exhibits, inventions, and innovations. Peoples from around the world shared their unique customs. Daily special events and visits to the amusements on the Pike added the element of fun to each visit. Everyone left the Fair with stories to tell friends and families and memories that lasted a lifetime. To put this fair in to perspective To put this in perspective the Chicago World's Fair in 1891 took a little over 600 acres of flatlands to house it whereas the St Louis Fair spilled out over 1271 acres of former wilderness, an area known then as it is now, as Forest Park.

When the Fair closed on December 1, 1904, Exposition Company President D. R. Francis knew his goal that the world should "learn the lesson here taught and gather from it inspiration for still greater accomplishments" had been achieved.

Some notable inventions of the 1904 Worlds Fair.

The first true edible conical shaped cone for serving ice cream was created at the St. Louis Worlds Fair by Ernest Hamwi in 1904

Ice Tea was popularized at the 1904 Worlds Fair

The Hot Dog was popularized at the 1904 Worlds Fari.

The X-ray machine, now standard equipment in both hospitals and airports.

The baby incubator. Tennessean E.M. Bayliss brought actual infant incubators, invented in 1888 by Drs. Alan M. Thomas and William Champion, to an exhibit on the Fair's Pike. Throughout the fair, premature infants from local orphanages and poor families lived in a row of 14 metal-framed glass incubators. Fairgoers paid to watch nurses care for the babies, and the admission charge helped fund the project.

The electric typewriter, viewed by many secretaries past and present as the greatest invention of all time.

The telautograph, an early version of the fax machine, invented by Elisha Gray of Chicago. This invention had received little notice at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Even after 1904, it took decades before this handy device earned its place as an indispensable office machine.

The telephone answering machine, then called the Poulson telegraphone

Household and hotel products such as the tabletop stove, coffeemaker, automatic potato masher, bread machine and dishwasher. The electric dumbwaiter was a welcome update of the old hand-operated house elevator used by housewives and kitchen maids

The automatic gatekeeper at each fair entrance was the first to admit one person after receiving the proper coin, and then automatically lock again until the next coin was inserted.

Electricity was the star of the show. All the major buildings on the fairgrounds were lit inside and out by electric lights, and the fair's thoroughfares were illuminated by electric lights. Within the Palaces of Machinery, Transportation and Electricity, many electric-powered machines and appliances were on display. Inventor Thomas Edison himself was brought in to oversee the assembly of the electrical exhibits.

The electrical plug and wall outlet. One hundred years later, no house can have too many outlets.

Wireless telegraphy came into its own in an exhibit of the DeForest Wireless Telegraphy Company, which sent daily news of the fair to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis Star via its observation tower and seven stations on the fairgrounds. Also featured in the DeForest exhibit was a wireless telephone, precursor of the now-ubiquitous cellular telephone

A new underwater battleship called the submarine made a big splash, although the U.S. Navy's exhibit didn't include an actual submarine

The airplane. The fair featured several demonstrations of various flying machines that took off and landed from the aeronautic field, located in the area that later became Washington University's Fraternity Row. Although a contest offered $100,000 to anyone who could build anything that could fly bearing at least one person, few were successful.

Erkers was the official Photographer of the 1904 World's Fair. Before we were a complete optical company we also worked with camera equipment. Not many companies can say that. Also we are the oldest optical company in St. Louis that continues to offer the best products and the best service.

Another fun fact!!
August Erker a relative of the Erker Family won a Gold Medal in the 1904 olympics in St. Louis for rowing.

Trunk show at Erker's was a huge Success!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Everyone at Erker's would like to thank all of our customers for coming in on saturday and checking out our trunk show, we had a great time enjoying wine, having snacks and looking at beautiful frames. We would also like to thank celebrity stylist, Brian for flying in from Los Angeles and helping out with the collection. Brian was very knowledgeable and very helpful answering questions about the line. Only at Erker's can you get unmatchable support to go with your incredible frame. In case you missed the trunk show its not too late to stop by and see what all the news was about just stop by any time and talk to any of our staff to help you in your search for that perfect frame.
Thanks again everyone for a great show!!!!!!!!!! Check us out at www.Erkers.com or call us at 314-997-0002.

Only at Erker's Fine Eyewear

2010-02-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

Only at Erker's Can you find the most up to date eyewear to fit your lifestyle and look. All of our frames are exclusive to us in saint louis and cannot be found anywhere else. We offer the most unique and fashionable eyewear in Saint Louis. Make sure to check us out when you are looking for sunwear or eyewear. Not only will our amazing staff offer their unmatchable support in choosing your frame but will help maintain your eyewear for years to come. For over 130 years Erker's has offered the finest eyewear and customer service and we thank everyone for their continued support.

Come check us out at erkers in Ladue or downtown or go to www.erkers.com

Erkers Trunk Show This Saturday

2010-02-25T10:10:00.001-08:00

It is finally here. The sama, loree rodkin, and badgley mischka collection will be shown at Erker's on Saturday.

Please come and visit us and check us out.
We will also be joined by Brian Glasgow, celebrity stylist. He will be here all the way from los angeles to help you select the Eyewear styles and colors that best suit your life and style.

We will be offering a special gift with purchase!!
Stop by at Erker's in Ladue or check us out at www.erkers.com

Lindbergh Does It! To Paris in 33 1/2 Hours; Flies 1,000 Miles Through Snow and Sleet; Cheering French Carry Him Off Field (May, 21st 1927)

2010-02-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

Early in the morning on May 20, 1927 Charles A. Lindbergh took off in The Spirit of St. Louis from Roosevelt Field near New York City. Flying northeast along the coast, he was sighted later in the day flying over Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. From St. Johns, Newfoundland, he headed out over the Atlantic, using only a magnetic compass, his airspeed indicator, and luck to navigate toward Ireland. The flight had captured the imagination of the American public like few events in history. Citizens waited nervously by their radios, listening for news of the flight. When Lindbergh was seen crossing the Irish coast, the world cheered and eagerly anticipated his arrival in Paris. A frenzied crowd of more than 100,000 people gathered at Le Bourget Field to greet him. When he landed, less than 34 hours after his departure from New York, Lindbergh became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Oh.....and Erker's Eyewear made Charles Lindbergh's glasses and goggles!!!!!

Check out more information about charles lindbergh at
www.charleslindbergh.com or check us out at www.erkers.com

Erkers Trivia for Friday

2010-02-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Question:

Do you know how many people in the United States Wear Prescription Glasses????

Answer:

According to the latest data over 126 million people in the United States wear eyeglasses. That is almost half of the population of the United States. No longer are glasses seen as "nerdy" the days have come where glasses make a statement of who you are as a person. They are the ultimate fashion piece and the first thing that people see when the meet you. From dark and trendy to colorful and sleek, erker's optical has something for all shapes and sizes. There are so many choices to choose from that everyone now has something to fit their persona. Come check us out Downtown or in Ladue or check us out at www.erkers.com and let us help you choose the best Eyewear that fits your lifestyle.
SEE YOU SOON!!!!!!!!

* Erkers Fun Fact *

2010-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW?????

Erker's optical, which opened in 1879, existed before anybody that is currently living today on planet earth. Not one of the 6.8 Billion people on earth that are alive today were alive when Erkers first opened their doors.

also......

Anyone that was alive when Erkers first opened for business is no longer with us on planet earth!!!

Now that's food for thought!!!!

According to civil registry documents, the oldest person currently living as of feb. 18th 2010, was born on February 2, 1885, in the village of Santa Rosa, where she continues to live. This makes the Cuban woman, Juana Bautista de la Candelaria Rodriguez, 125 years old, perhaps oldest person on Earth.

check out Erkers optical at www.erkers.com

Its not always about the name when it comes to quality!!!

2010-02-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

Erker's has been in the business of offering the best quality optical eyewear the world has to offer. It seems that more and more people are starting to agree. When it comes to frames, just slapping a name on a mass-produced frame and calling that a beautiful frame does not fool eyewear customers. They are looking for something with fashion first in mind and quality a close second. Customers should always feel the difference between a quality frame and one that is massed produced. The look, feel and style is much more sexier than something that was made out of a machine. When looking at Handmade Quality frames you will see they are stronger and their colors are more vibrant and last much longer. Look for high grade materials like titanium, stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, precious stones, buffalo horn and japanese zyl. You will not find these in your chain stores, try to find a boutique that is more catered to the design and quality of eyewear. Don't be fooled by a cheap frame hidding behind a high end desinger name. At Erker's one of our knowledgeable staff can help you and educate you on pure eyewear quality. we look forward to seeing you!! Check us out online at www.erkers.com

* Erkers Fun Fact *

2010-02-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

Do you know what year all the events below occured??
HINT: It was the same year Erker's first opened its doors for business.

-Using a filament of carbonized thread, Thomas Edison tests the first practical electric light bulb (it lasts 13½ hours before burning out).
- Doc Holliday kills for the first time after a man shoots up Holliday's New Mexico saloon
- Albert Einstein is born
-1st artificial ice rink in North America (Madison Sq Garden, NYC)
-Milk was sold in glass bottles for 1st time
-1st mobile home (horse drawn) used in a journey from London & Cyprus
-Madison Square Garden opens
-1st female lawyer heard by the Supreme Court (Belva Ann Bennett)
-the mechanical cash register was invented and patented in 1879 by James Ritty of Dayton, Ohio
- Franklin Winfield Woolworth opened his first successful "five and dime" store in the city of Lancaster. The F. W. Woolworth Company is succeeded by Foot Locker
-ivory soap was invented
-mercedes benz invents the first engine run on gasoline
-Thomas Edison invented the phonograph record player in 1877.Â He followed up on this terrific invention with the incandescent electric lamp in this year.
-The chevron corporation opens for business
-The F.W. Woolworth company opens for Business
-Bell co. opens for business.
-The St. Louis Symphony is created.
-Scott paper company opens for business
-Richard Rhodes invented a hearing aid called the Audiophone
-saint louis Children's hospital was founded.
-The Saint Louis Art Museum was founded in 1879 and was then called the St. Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts
-In 1879 Lawrence formulated an antiseptic liquid, naming it “Listerine”
-Untied States geological Services created.

Have you figured out the year all of these events occured??
Well the correct answer is

1879!!!

Erkers Eyewear started over 130 years ago and still to this day offers unmatched customer support and service for all of your eyewear needs. Come on in to one of our stores or check us out at www.erkers.com.

ANOTHER ERKER'S EXCLUSIVE *** DERAPAGE EYEWEAR AT ERKERS

2010-02-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S NEW: DERAPAGE EYEWEAR at Erkers
Exclusively in St. Louis at Erker's Fine Eyewear

Men and women are upgrading their optical eyewear to sleeker and classier looks. Celebrities and hipsters alike are wearing eyewear that demands attention. When it comes to eyewear, Derapage is making a splash. see is at www.derapage-eyewear.com or at our boutiques.A revolution in the world of eyewear. A completely new unwelded multilayer frame: three different ultrathin steel layers, secured by an innovative system of micro-riveting. Tornado is a patented, totally Italian product in its style, workmanship and assembly. Featherweight indestructibility.Check out derapage-eyewear.com to see how they are made.
Come on in and see the latest and most fashionable frames in the eyewear industy. Exclusively at Erker's or check us out at erkers.com

Welcome to the New Erker's Blog

2010-02-09T11:59:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our new blog where we talk about everything optical. Check here frequently for updates, coupons, trunk shows, and a lot more information from what is hot in the eyewear industry. We have been in business for over 130 years and we are excited to share with you about everything we are doing. Stay tuned this year it is sure to be an exciting one. Stay tuned and also check us out at Erkers.com