Algha glasses with “Filora” trims

A delicate example of mid-century British eyewear, these Algha glasses reflect a moment when function met ornament.

Crafted with the precision and metal expertise the brand was known for, this frame goes beyond its utilitarian purpose. It features interchangeable decorative trims — known as Filora — allowing the wearer to subtly transform the look of the glasses.

With each variation, the frame shifts in character: from restrained and minimal to playful and almost jewel-like. This idea — eyewear as something changeable, expressive, and personal — feels surprisingly modern, yet it belongs to a much earlier time.

There is no evidence that this concept was adopted by other brands, which makes this piece feel like a quiet experiment — perhaps ahead of its time.

Brand: Algha
Model: Filora (interchangeable trims)
Country: England
Period: circa 1950s
Material: gold-filled metal (rolled gold)
Found in: USA
Registered design: British Patent number 884985