Paul Beswick with his business partner, wife Mia Beswick and JF Rey’s Pierre-Yves Chouvet (centre)

Christchurch-based Dynamic Eyewear is the new distributor for French optical and sunglass brand JF Rey.

“We had been on the lookout for a higher end, quirky collection to complement our existing brand portfolio and, once we viewed JF Rey, we knew straight away that this was the range we had been looking for,” said Dynamic’s Paul Beswick. “Fortunately for us, former distributors Eric and Linda Bleakley of Image Optics had decided the time was right for them to cut back their busy schedule, hence opening up this fantastic opportunity for us.”

Dynamic Eyewear was a natural choice to recommend as JF Rey’s next New Zealand partner, said Linda Bleakley. “We are both family businesses and our values align, so it was easy to see how Paul and his team can carry the brand into the future.”

When JF Rey’s international sales director, Pierre-Yves Chouvet, was in New Zealand late last year, the three parties met. “Pierre-Yves had made the long journey to New Zealand to show us the new Silmo models and make sure Dynamic was the right fit for their beautiful eyewear,” said Beswick. “After viewing the full collection with Eric and Linda, we all enjoyed a long lunch together and the deal was done.”

Beswick said he is “beyond excited” to add the JF Rey brand to his portfolio. “Having a colourful, beautifully made French product to present to practices throughout New Zealand will be an absolute pleasure. A big thanks to Eric and Linda for inviting us into the JF Rey family. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

Founded in the ’90s by Jean-Francois Rey and wife Joelle, the JF Rey design is based on the values of artistic freedom and innovation. The brand, which was acquired by Ralf Kmoch and Dan Levi in 2021, include JF Rey men’s and ladies’, JF Rey Petite and Volte Face.

For now, Image Optics will continue to distribute its other brands, Caroline Abram and Talla Eyewear.