Rumours say the Dutch stores of Specsavers are about to introduce a collection designed by young Dutch fashion designer Francisco van Benthum, next to or as a follow-up of the collection of Spijkers and Spijkers. A “collection designed by” is probably a little bit too much when we talk about Specsavers. It will be more like a selection of frames bearing his name. Francisco van Benthum graduated about 13 years ago and has since been considered to be one of the major talents of the Dutch fashion industry but he could never really make it true. Remarkable is the limited amount of followers at his Facebook page in contrast with fellow Dutch designers like Jan Taminiau, MATTIJS or “enfant terrible” Bas Kosters who apparently pay more attention to their public relations. In fact, Francisco is completely unknown outside a small group of fashion followers. However, this could change. Not because of the cooperation with Specsavers, because which fashion aware consumer would ever buy a pair of glasses in these stores, but because he recently was awarded with the “Mode Stipendium” of the “Prins Bernard Cultuurfonds”. Besides the honor and the Award itself he could take home 50.000 euro which he will invest in his company. Francisco van Benthum designs stylish clothes for men and has his own store in Amsterdam.
