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On July 6, Tom Francis played Joe Gillis for the final time in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Sunset Blvd., and just over a week later, on July 15, Francis and luxury eyewear pioneer Morgenthal Frederics drop their first-ever collaborative capsule.
To commemorate his debut eyewear collection, the acclaimed actor and singer spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his personal style, viral “Soda Scout” internet persona and, of course, his whirlwind of a year. “I’ve just met some absolutely incredible people… and been in situations I never ever thought I would be in — like, having a collaboration with one of my favorite eyewear brands… they are the epitome of greatness,” Francis exclusively tells THR.
The Tom Francis for Morgenthal Frederics Collection, available online now, is part of the Horn Classic Actors Series, the brand’s tribute to timeless icons whose enduring presence and style inspires each frame design. This bespoke, heirloom-quality capsule features four silhouettes: Brando, Freeman, Flynn and Flynn Sr., each pair in bold new colorways that embody Francis’ unique and creative eye.
And on the topic of his unique and creative eye: “I’ve always been a socks with sandals kind of guy,” the actor proudly admits. One caveat: “It means that sometimes you get a tan line where your sock was, which isn’t always great.” Other fashion go-to’s include anything baggy: “Not too baggy, but not too skinny — just baggy.”
Tom Francis for Morgenthal Frederics
Morgenthal Frederics Flynn Horn
The new collection’s lightweight frames are crafted from the finest buffalo horn, which features natural variation in texture and striation, making each piece one of a kind. First, the Brando Horn sunglasses are a modern design with vintage nods. The keyhole bridge, titanium accents, bold colors and matte-faceted finish blend to produce a look that’s equal parts classic and cool.
Morgenthal Frederics Brando Horn
The Freeman Horn is a thick, bold style, while the Flynn Horn and Flynn Sr. Horn are refined optical frames featuring a square shape and titanium rivets. Each of the four pairs retails for $2,495 at MorgenthalFrederics.com.
As for what’s next? A project he’s “really, really excited about,” and some time to process. “I’m just taking it all in. It’s been a pretty wild year… and I’m kind of close to everything at the moment. I’m excited to sort of just step back and figure out, like, what just happened, because it’s been an absolute rollercoaster since I’ve been to America,” the Laurence Olivier Award winner and Tony-nominated actor says. “This show has given me a lot — I mean, it’s made my career.”
Plus, Soda Scout has a lot more beverage reviewing to do, which, Francis confesses, was born from being “a little bit hungover.” “I just went to the shop and bought like four or five different drinks because I couldn’t choose which one I wanted, and then I came home and I looked at them and was like, ‘I could totally do a drinks review TikTok,’ and then I just did it.”
In conclusion, Tom Francis’ favorite Pussycat Dolls song (had to ask): “That’s gotta be ‘Buttons.’ It’s such a f**king good song.” Period.