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From style icon to designer; in conversation with Linda Tol

From style icon to designer;

in conversation with Linda Tol

If you’re a fashion lover, than you’ve certainly heard of Linda Tol. What started out as a simple on-the-side blog project, grew into a serious fashion career in no time. From PR to modelling and launching her very own brand; she’s done it all! We recently caught up with the women behind Tol Eyewear and talked about her designated path so far, and of course, dove deeper into her high-fashion line of sunglasses.

Do you recall the time that it all started for you?

I’ll have to dig deep into my memory, it feels like ages ago; over ten years, if I’m correct. I worked in PR back then and started a blog, together with a friend who also worked in PR. We we’re a striking duo, always dressing alike in matching colors or prints. At one point, we found ourselves in New York for work, attending some fashion shows, and we got noticed by photographers and the photographs got featured in some magazines.  


When did you feel that your name turned into a brand?

I think that moment came in Italy. I’d landed a job for Disaronno and the team introduced me to Italian magazine professionals. That was my way in. I immediately hit it off with the Italian Glamour’s Editor in Chief, who loved Amsterdam, and before I knew it I was curating the magazine’s trend pages. At the same time, I got signed to a model agency there, so things started to snowball in different areas. 

image with artdirection

And then you decided to launch your own line of sunglasses. Why this particular item?

I think sunglasses are a strong accessory and different outfits often need a different pair, similar like changing bags. I always owned a lot of different sunglasses, but often ended up wearing the same designs, so that made me think. I concluded that I preferred the most timeless ones, but they weren’t always comfortable to wear all day long. That’s how the idea came about.

And then you decided to launch your own line of sunglasses. Why this particular item?

I think sunglasses are a strong accessory and different outfits often need a different pair, similar like changing bags. I always owned a lot of different sunglasses, but often ended up wearing the same designs, so that made me think. I concluded that I preferred the most timeless ones, but they weren’t always comfortable to wear all day long. That’s how the idea came about.


You run Tol Eyewear together with Marieke from Róhe. How did that happen?

Marieke and I already knew each other and always shared the same vision on fashion. I was always a big fan of her brands and designs and she was the very first person that popped to mind. We also really complement each other business wise: she has a lot of experience on the productional side of things, and takes on most of the behind-the-scenes tasks while I do more on the front end, in the area of marketing.

You run Tol Eyewear together with Marieke from Róhe. How did that happen?

Marieke and I already knew each other and always shared the same vision on fashion. I was always a big fan of her brands and designs and she was the very first person that popped to mind. We also really complement each other business wise: she has a lot of experience on the productional side of things, and takes on most of the behind-the-scenes tasks while I do more on the front end, in the area of marketing.

You run Tol Eyewear together with Marieke from Róhe. How did that happen?

Marieke and I already knew each other and always shared the same vision on fashion. I was always a big fan of her brands and designs and she was the very first person that popped to mind. We also really complement each other business wise: she has a lot of experience on the productional side of things, and takes on most of the behind-the-scenes tasks while I do more on the front end, in the area of marketing.

Can you talk me through your design process? Is that a process you share with Marieke?

Yes, for sure. Marieke and I share a passion for art, culture and design. That love is automatically imbedded into the way we design. Vintage styles inspire us a lot, because old styles that are still loved today already contain that feel of timelessness. We started out with five design, slowly branching out from there. Along the way, you also see which design work well and which don’t. For example, at the beginning we experimented with different colors, but most customers prefer shopping black sunglasses. The design process always entails finding just the right balance between experimenting and being realistic, and remembering what really counts.  


Do you have a certain type of person in mind when you start designing new styles?

Not really. Our collection is unisex and suitable for both men and women. That’s why we offer multiple strong shapes; from trapezium to round and more square frames. We keep our mind as open as possible when designing, but it’s always very fashion oriented. The collection isn’t sold at opticians, but at fashion stores so this automatically steers the process a bit. But if I would have to describe a Tol woman: she’s an ambitious person, has exquisite taste and is curious about what the world has to offer. Brands such as By Malene Birger, Filippa K, Joseph and RE/DONE fit in seamlessly.

Can you talk me through your design process? Is that a process you share with Marieke?

Yes, for sure. Marieke and I share a passion for art, culture and design. That love is automatically imbedded into the way we design. Vintage styles inspire us a lot, because old styles that are still loved today already contain that feel of timelessness. We started out with five design, slowly branching out from there. Along the way, you also see which design work well and which don’t. For example, at the beginning we experimented with different colors, but most customers prefer shopping black sunglasses. The design process always entails finding just the right balance between experimenting and being realistic, and remembering what really counts.  


Do you have a certain type of person in mind when you start designing new styles?

Not really. Our collection is unisex and suitable for both men and women. That’s why we offer multiple strong shapes; from trapezium to round and more square frames. We keep our mind as open as possible when designing, but it’s always very fashion oriented. The collection isn’t sold at opticians, but at fashion stores so this automatically steers the process a bit. But if I would have to describe a Tol woman: she’s an ambitious person, has exquisite taste and is curious about what the world has to offer. Brands such as By Malene Birger, Filippa K, Joseph and RE/DONE fit in seamlessly.

That almost sounds like a description of yourself. 

Haha yes it does, doesn’t it. I always try to stay true myself when designing and Marieke shares that idea. To be honest, I also only wear my own sunglasses nowadays. My preference goes out to large frames which can often feel heavy to wear, or they keep sliding off your nose. When I wear my own sunglasses, I experience none of that. I don’t even notice that I’m wearing them and the lenses feel really comfortable to the eyes. I can literally wear them the entire day. My personal favorite is The Island in the color Meringue. 


Are you enjoying the different things you’re doing? 

Yes, very much. It all feels very go-with-the-flow at the moment. Especially these last few years, with so much changing in the world. There’s just no predicting the future. So I’ve been keeping myself busy with different things: our brand new coffee bar just opened and I have a collaboration with a Polish brand lined up, creating a collection together. And of course, family life never stops. 


You light up when you talk about your different projects. 

Thank you. I feel very content, that’s the most important to me. Thing don’t always go the way you plan, but as long as you keep trying and enjoy the ride, the rest always follows. 

Want to read more about Tol Eyewear? Then read our blog Brand alert: an eye on Tol Eyewear and discover our selection.

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