All images courtesy of Ace & Tate
Ace & Tate
The Dutch eyewear brand, Ace & Tate, founded by Mark de Lange, makes quality frames all handcrafted in Italy at an affordable price. Apart from their fashion forward line of reasonably priced eyewear, they have also created the Ace & Tate Creative Fund, providing support and much-needed resources to new artists, like London-based photographer Hayley Louisa Brown and Amsterdam-based photographer Lucas Hardonk. Ace & Tate’s latest Limited Edition Capsule Collection, features a full lens frame, allowing you to keep your cool all summer long.
All images courtesy of Andy Wolf
Andy Wolf
This Austrian-based eyewear brand was founded by three close friends Andreas, Wolfgang and Katharina. All frames are handcrafted in their hometown of Hartberg, Austria. Acetate is sourced from Italy incorporating an array of colours into their frames, ranging from powdered pastels to bright hues to neutral tones. The Andy Wolf brand has rolled out three series for their Spring/Summer 2017 collection: two unisex lines, Soul and White Heat; and one geared towards women, the Love collection. Since the emphasis is placed on creating eyewear that fits a variety of face shapes and sizes, Andy Wolf will have a frame that works for you, whatever your style may be. Rihanna is a fan and so are we.
All images courtesy of BLYSZAK
BLYSZAK
This London-based eyewear label is serious about quality, handcrafting their frames with Grade-A steel, titanium and ethically-sourced water buffalo horn. Founder Andrew Blyszak draws his inspiration from the “thrill of the find”- when you stumble across a great piece at a flea market that lasts forever, despite its age. The brand has three distinct shapes: The Signature series, which is BLYSZAK‘s classic silhouette which features a slightly elongated oval shape, The Collection III, which is a dramatic rectangular shape with bold hues and mirrored lenses and The Collection IV, which revisits their Signature rounded shape but is noticeable larger in scale. Blyszak is creating timeless pieces that are crafted to last a lifetime.
All images courtesy of Le Specs
Le Specs
Established in 1979, Le Specs is renowned for its fashion forward eyewear. The brand can be spotted on celebrities including Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyoncé. The label has recently collaborated with fashion designer Adam Selman for a second compilation, creating all new shapes and styles. The collection with its statement shapes and reflective silver lenses will make you want to travel back in time as it brings to mind images of the 70s disco and 80s era. The head-turning bold shapes and unique styles of Le Specs eyewear are definite game changers.
All images courtesy of Linda Farrow
Linda Farrow
Originally a fashion brand, Linda Farrow created her renowned company in 1970, eventually making the switch to eyewear, namely sunglasses. She created one of the premier fashion eyewear brands of her time. Farrow has a loyal celebrity following, including the activist/artist Yoko Ono. She has collaborated with leading brands such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten. In her latest endeavour, Linda Farrow has teamed up with fashion brand N°21 creating a collection inspired by the label’s colours and volume in its N°21 Spring/Summer 2017 ready-to-wear collection developing three classic feminine shapes with a contemporary edge.
All images courtesy of MYKITA
MYKITA
This Berlin-based eyewear label is known for their expertise in design. MYKITA is a distinctive brand unique for the fact that its entire product is made under one roof at the MYKITA HAUS in Kreuzberg. MYKITA’s latest collaboration with MARGIELA consists of three collections, ESSENTIAL, RAW and TRANSFER encompassing its avant-garde aesthetic with prestige craftsmanship. MYKITA will continue to amaze you with their innovative use of materials and frame construction.
All images courtesy of PAWAKA
PAWAKA
Berlin-based eyewear label PAWAKA is designed by Indonesian designer, model, actress and environmental activist, Fahrani Empel. All the frames are handmade in Italy and France and uses Mazzucchelli acetate. Empel draws inspiration from; Native American philosophy, attachment to nature and Indonesian heritage. PAWAKA in Sanskrit means fire and the code name of Fahrani’s grandfather in World War II. All the shapes are named in numerical order of the Bahasa Indonesia Language. Their latest collection features five new colours including marble, green and coral, and a new shape – the Delapan – which resembles a cat-eye heptagon silhouette.
All images courtesy of RAEN
RAEN
This Southern California brand is all over social media right now, spotted on both Rihanna’s and Whiz Khalifa’s Instagram feeds. These handcrafted frames are fitted with Zeiss lenses and come in both classic silhouettes and bold, geometric shapes. The brand draws inspiration from iconic figures like Jackie O, Twiggy and Kurt Cobain so you know these frames will add a sexy retro, rock and roll vibe to any look. Grab a pair for that upcoming music festival but don’t be surprised if you’re ushered backstage!
All images courtesy of Roberi & Fraud
Roberi & Fraud
Founded by Ali Mehrdad and Stefan Foster in April, Dubai/NYC based eyewear label is taking us back to the 90s with their unique collection. The self-taught designers, who come from a PR background, launched their line last month and it’s already taking off. The label, which is aimed at millennials, is quickly amassing a sizeable celebrity following. So far, their frames have been sported by singer/songwriter Banks, model Hanne Gaby Odiele and the Jenner and Hadid ladies, to name a few. Can’t get enough of the 90s? Roberi & Fraud’s frames are for you.
All images courtesy of VIU
VIU
Swiss eyewear brand VIU is definitely one to know. Their latest frame, The OH, was fashioned with renowned German jewellery designer Saskia Diez. The OH is the brand’s third offering in collaboration with Diez and, as with their previous two models, it too is cut from one single piece of nylon. The shape featuring no edges and no discernible frame creating a unique, unified shape. They have also released a chic accompanying chain, offered in “Roségold” and “Gunmetal” hues. There’s no doubt, these shades will keep you looking fresh regardless of the occasion or season.