Sarah Palin Eyewear Creates a Spectacle in Dublin

Never before has a vice presidential candidate been subject to the types of questions Sarah Palin has had to answer. No, people aren't so concerned with her stance on education, energy or the economy. It's another "e" word...eyewear. The question of the week is "where can I find glasses like hers?" Not since Jackie Kennedy and her pill box hat, has a political figure made such an impact on the fashion world. According to style experts, people want Palin's look because it's smart, sophisticated, feminine and not over the top. It's a look most women can relate to, not just ones with White House aspirations."

The craze for Palin's rimless spectacles has reached Dublin too. Local optical centers are fielding dozens of calls from customers wanting to replicate Sarah's classy easy going appeal. According to Robin Warnock of Dublin Optical Company, the phone's been ringing off the hook. "We've been getting so many calls from people wanting her frames."

Those famous frames, in case you're wondering, aren't really frames at all. Rectangular lenses, with no rims, are screwed right onto titanium arms. Made by Japanese designer, Kazuo Kawasaki, they retail for somewhere between $375 and $600. Why the high price? It's a matter of labor, rather than parts. " To create these glasses, manufacturers have to use a special lense material called Trivex, which will withstand tiny holes being screwed directly into them to attach the arms and nose pieces," explains Warnock. Lab technicians have to be especially precise in putting the frames together. The holes and prescription must be perfectly accurate because the lenses can't be popped out and replaced if there's a mistake.

Warnock says they haven't been able to stock the specific Kawasaki frames that Palin wears. But, they do have an exact lookalike with a friendlier price tag. "We carry a frame by Silhouette that's identical to Sarah's. I thought that's what she was wearing when I first saw her on TV. Ours retail for about $250 and you really can't tell the difference."

For those hoping to achieve the Palin look, you'd better hurry. It's catching on like wildfire, faster than Sally Jessy Raphael's red plastic frames did in the '80's.

Other notables who've made significant contributions to eyewear trends are 30 Rock star Tina Fey, actor-comedian Drew Carey, ex-Beatle John Lennon, teen wizard Harry Potter, 50's rocker Buddy Holly, Velma from Scooby Doo and the alternative rock band Weezer.