The 5 coolest independent sunglasses brands
Words: Alex Woodhall
“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them, I’m fat and 60.”
The Hollywood icon pretty much summed up the transformative power of sunglasses when he dropped this now much-referenced quip on us. A good pair of tinted eyewear arguably does more for you than a well-tailored suit, and no one should be short of a pair come the summer. The essential accessory can become a little homogenised between a few key styles though. These are the independent brands mixing things up a little with great design and even better construction.
GARRETT LEIGHT CALIFORNIA OPTICAL
Launched in 2011 in Venice Beach, the Californian company is inspired by the state’s many icons and the archetypal easy-going nature of the place. All frames are handcrafted and embody quality as much as style, this particular acetate and metal pair are timelessly on-point.
Wilson Tortoiseshell Acetate And Metal Sunglasses, £230 from Mr. Porter
MYKITA
Designed and made by hand in the heart of Berlin, Mykita frames embody contemporary cool, naturally. Their innovative approach has produced a range of oft-boundary pushing styles. These square-shaped frames have a touch of the old school but one that’s infused with a raft of more modern details.
Hunter Stainless-Steel Sunglasses, £320 from Matches Fashion
BARTON PERREIRA
Handmade in limited quantities by skilled artisans in Japan, you’ll be hard pushed to find a place that puts as much love into eyewear. The brand is up-to-the-minute and excellently marries impeccable construction with impossible style. These D-frame shaped sunglasses are classic, minimal and made to last, provided you don’t forget them on the sand.
Tuco Acetate Sunglasses, £285 from Matches Fashion
L.G.R
With a family-history in opticals, designer Luca Gnecchi Ruscone eventually picked up the mantle. His own line puts a modern twist on classic frames and each pair is skillfully built by a single individual from start to finish. This spin on the Clubmaster bulks up the half-frame and contrasts it with gold metal work for a statement accent to your summer style.
Black Rectangular-Shaped Sunglasses, £195.92 from FarFetch
EYEVAN
The Japanese brand has over 40 years experience creating superb frames by hand. Their latest 7285 collection draws inspiration from hand-drawn designs from the 1972-85 archives, and the products smack of the era. These aviators have a timeless appeal that’s rooted in said retro charm; the delicate pattern engraved into the arms finishes them beautifully.
Metal Aviator Sunglasses, £300 from Mr. Porter
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