At the first hint of the rising temperatures, we can’t help but start perusing sandals, swimwear and sunglasses — even with the safe knowledge that we probably won’t wear them for more than about five days a year.
With new names launching all the time it’s hard to keep track, so we’ve taken to using Instagram as a database for cool brands.
In our scrolling, we couldn’t help but notice that Gigi Hadid’s sunglasses collection is pretty much the best thing ever. Her evolving style (aided by Monica Rose, stylist to Gigi, Kendall and most of the Insta-gang) has no doubt ilfiltrated your sartorial peripherals, but it’s her eyewear we're all talking about now…
Started in 2006 by three Austrian friends who saw a gap in the market for a ‘personal, natural and familiar’ glasses brand, Andy Wolf is now a big fashion name, having collaborated with some of the most important names in the biz. Their sustainable frames, that are both classic and unconventional, sell in over 45 countries.
Now known as an iconic (yet affordable) sunglasses brand, Le Specs launched in 1979 and since then has been worn by some of the biggest names in fashion, like Riri, Bey, Kate Moss and Gaga. The collab with Adam Selman (who many people know as the creator of Rihanna’s naked dress) is futuristic and innovative — and Gigi wears it ALL the time.
Given that sunglasses brands have just about reached saturation point, it’s easy for a new starter to sink. But Dubai and New York-based Roberi And Fraud had garnered a celebrity following just 15 weeks after its launch. It was the, frankly, pretty weird little round Doris glasses that got most attention, worn by Gigi, sister Bella and Kendall — and what more do you need for a new label to surefire flourish?
Known for their superior quality and classic styles, Oliver Peoples is a favourite with the famous, rich and cool. Founded in 1987, the Californian brand has remained true to its quality core, never relying on a logo but iconic styles and their loyal fandom.
Never has a sunglasses brand had a more interesting back story. On a trip to Eritrea, Raffaello ‘Nonno’ Bini and his grandson Luca found a box of glasses Nonno had made years before in an eyewear shop he’d owned in the 40s. On their return to Italy, the designs received a surprising amount of attention. Luca tracked down the original manufacturers and started to remake the authentic frames, which have been worn by Gigi (obviously), Kirsten Dunst, Tom Cruise and Mario Testino.
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