Convincing a self-conscious teenage girl that it's rad to wear eyeglasses isn't easy.
Unless she knows that her new glasses were crafted by the optician who custom-made trademark glasses for Elton John, Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Olivia Newton-John, Petula Clark, Kenny Rogers and Dean Martin - among others.Salt Lake optician John Cottam smiles when he see a dramatic change in the reluctant attitude of adolescents who come into his Trolley Square store, The Spectacle, for their first pair of glasses. On the store's walls, they see the signatures of celebrities who know "John" on a first-name basis.
"To creative John. Thanks for the sparklie eyes," writes Dyan Cannon.
"Here's looking 'atcha - better," signs Redd Foxx.
Movie stars wear Cottam's artwork.
If it's OK in Hollywood, then it's OK in Salt Lake - even for teens.
Ann-Margret discovered Cottam's creative talents when he worked in a shop located on Las Vegas' strip in 1972. After he fit her with handcrafted, heart-shape glasses, Ann-Margret spread the word to her famous friends. Soon, Cottam was delivering his worksmanship behind-stage to an appreciative, high-brow clientele.
Attracted to Salt Lake's charm, Cottam moved from Vegas and opened The Spectacle in 1985. While stars do not walk in and out on a daily basis, he continues his custom work, designing original frames to create a desired image.
Eyeglasses have ceased being just an optical aid. Glasses have become fashion accessories, says Cottam.
It's common for men and women to order non-prescription glasses to complement their overall look. A young attorney, for instance, wants to look older and wiser. A female executive wants to look more authoritative. Some single men wear non-prescription glasses to create that "vulnerable accountant look that projects an `I'm approachable' image,' " he said.
Utahns are progressive but not overly faddish in their eyewear tastes. Currently, Utahns follow a national trend toward tortoise-shell rims, he said. "The style is toward a softer look. Tortoise shell reminds us of a gentler time when gentle people - our parents and grandparents - wore glasses."
With an impressive array of accessory features - tints, polarized and anti-reflection lenses - Cottam creates comfortable, stylish eyewear to enhance appearance.
For those who need heavily corrective lenses, Cottom combines his talents as artist and scientist to eliminate the thick Coke-bottle look of the past.
"I regard my profession as an opportunity to serve others, helping them feel good about their appearance. And when someone wants something original, I love the challenge of creating something new.
"We're all a little crazy at heart, and this is my chance to channel some of my crazy, creative energy to make someone else happy. Whether it's pleasing a celebrity or an 8-year-old who is bummed out about wearing glasses, it's satisfying work."