Seven finalists from across the UK and Republic of Ireland travelled to London last autumn for a glitzy, celeb-studded award ceremony to battle it out to be crowned Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year.
All of the finalists were whisked away for some VIP treatment and a glamorous makeover and photoshoot, but it was 27-year-old James Adenrele from Milton Keynes who was named the overall winner.
Confident glasses wearer James walked away with a luxury trip for two to the beautiful Bahamas staying at the Atlantis Paradise Island, as well as a whopping £10,000 cash prize and £1,000 glasses wardrobe from Specsavers.
James said: ‘Attending the star-studded event felt like a prize in itself, so to go on and win Spectacle Wearer of the Year was amazing and very overwhelming. I am absolutely delighted to have won. I have decided to give the Bahamas holiday to my mother and sister. I owe them everything and this is my way of saying thank you for all their support.’
As well as all our fantastic finalists, just some of the gorgeous specs-wearing celebs in attendance were Joey Essex, Brian McFadden, Vogue Williams, Twiggy, Vicki Michelle, and Made in Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock, Lucy Watson and Stephanie Pratt. Also helping with the evening’s proceedings were finalists judge Louis Walsh, charity auctioneer Christopher Biggins, and Sarah Harding, who rounded off the spec-tacular evening with a special DJ set.
The event helped raise £80,000 for anti-bullying charity Kidscape, bringing the total raised by Specsavers for the charity in the last six years to £330,000.
Meet our fantastic finalists below and find out what they love most about glasses…
Overall winner

James Adenrele, 27
Milton Keynes, England
‘A lot of people aren’t confident wearing glasses. They think it might mess with their style. But you’ve got to embrace it – let the glasses start your look off and the style follow.’

People’s Choice Award

Ellie Bowsher, 18
Milton Keynes, England
‘I love wearing glasses! I’m the only person in my school year who wears them. It’s part of who I am.’

Republic of Ireland Award

Kate Brennan, 20
Bettystown, Ireland
‘I used to get rimless frames to try and hide my glasses. Then I went into Specsavers and found some more ‘out there’ frames – classic and timeless – which say a lot more about my personality. It’s specs appeal!’
MAX&Co 04
Over-60 Award

Anne Hughes, 80
Newtownabbey, Northen Ireland
‘At my age, I’m very determined not to be wallpaper – I’m going to be out there! I enjoy making a feature of my glasses.’

45-59 Award

Karen Adam, 51
Lanark, Scotland
‘I’m very confident wearing glasses. They make me feel me!’

35-44 Award

TJ Johnson, 38
Birmingham, England
‘I love that glasses can accentuate your look and what you’re wearing.’
Harrier
16-24 Award

Kemi Quadri, 24
Romford, England
‘As I got older, especially during college, I realised there was so much more choice out there. Now I put my personality into it when choosing glasses.’
Osiris Cora
Photography: Phillip Waterman