As the eyewear industry continues to grow, independent eyewear brands are emerging as a popular alternative to mass-produced frames from big-name brands. These independent companies focus on quality, craftsmanship, and unique designs, often using locally-sourced materials and artisan techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the top independent eyewear brands that you should consider when shopping for your next pair of glasses.
MYKITA
Innovative Designs and High-Quality Craftsmanship from Berlin
MYKITA is a Berlin-based independent eyewear brand that focuses on creating innovative, high-quality frames with a unique design aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge materials and technology: MYKITA uses advanced materials, like stainless steel and 3D-printed polyamide, to create lightweight, durable frames.
- Unique designs: MYKITA offers a wide range of distinctive frame styles, from minimalistic and modern to bold and avant-garde.
- Handcrafted in Berlin: MYKITA frames are designed and hand-assembled in their Berlin workshop, ensuring exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Anne et Valentin
Artistic Frames with a French Touch
Anne et Valentin is a French independent eyewear brand that focuses on creating artistic, colorful frames that reflect the individuality of their wearers.
Key Features:
- Bold, unique designs: Anne et Valentin’s frames are known for their distinctive shapes, colors, and patterns, which make a statement while remaining wearable and comfortable.
- High-quality materials: Anne et Valentin uses premium materials, such as acetate and titanium, to create durable, lightweight frames.
- Made in France: Anne et Valentin’s frames are designed and handcrafted in France, ensuring exceptional attention to detail and quality.
MOSCOT
Timeless Frames Rooted in New York City’s Heritage
MOSCOT is a New York City-based independent eyewear brand with a century-long history of crafting high-quality, timeless frames.
Key Features:
- Iconic designs: MOSCOT’s frames are known for their classic, vintage-inspired styles that have been worn by celebrities and style icons for decades.
- High-quality materials: MOSCOT uses premium materials like Italian acetate and sturdy metal components to create durable, comfortable frames.
- Family-owned and operated: MOSCOT has been a family-owned business for over 100 years, ensuring a strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO)
Effortlessly Stylish Frames Inspired by California Cool
Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO) is an independent eyewear brand based in Venice Beach, California, that focuses on creating stylish, easy-to-wear frames inspired by the laid-back California lifestyle.
Key Features:
- California-inspired designs: GLCO’s frames feature a mix of classic and contemporary styles that embody the spirit of the Golden State.
- Premium materials: GLCO uses high-quality materials like Italian acetate, stainless steel, and Japanese titanium to create their frames.
- Commitment to craftsmanship: GLCO frames are designed in California and crafted by skilled artisans around the world, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail.
ROLF Spectacles
Handcrafted Wooden Frames with an Eco-Friendly Focus
ROLF Spectacles is an Austrian independent eyewear brand that specializes in creating handcrafted, eco-friendly wooden frames.
Key Features:
- Wooden frames: ROLF Spectacles’ frames are made from sustainably sourced wood, making them both eco-friendly and unique in appearance.
- Innovative hinge design: ROLF Spectacles’ patented wooden hinge system eliminates the need for screws or metal components, ensuring a lightweight and comfortable fit.
- Handcrafted in Austria: Each ROLF Spectacles frame is meticulously handcrafted in their Austrian workshop, demonstrating a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
KREWE
New Orleans-Inspired Eyewear with a Modern Twist
KREWE is an independent eyewear brand based in New Orleans that offers unique, stylish frames inspired by the city’s rich culture and history.
Key Features:
- New Orleans-inspired designs: KREWE’s frames feature distinctive shapes and color combinations that pay homage to the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.
- Handmade quality: KREWE frames are hand-assembled using premium materials like Italian acetate and lightweight titanium, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and durability.
- Lifetime warranty: KREWE stands behind the quality of their frames with a lifetime warranty, offering free repairs or replacements for any manufacturing defects.
Independent eyewear brands like MYKITA, Anne et Valentin, MOSCOT, GLCO, ROLF Spectacles and KREWE showcase the creativity and innovation that can be found in the world of eyewear when talented designers and artisans are given the opportunity to express their vision. By supporting these brands, you’re not only investing in unique, high-quality frames but also helping to foster a thriving community of independent businesses and craftsmen.
