No matter the season, we’re always looking for new sunglasses to top off our looks. Now that spring has sprung, that gives us all the more reason to amp up our collection of shades. And though we love our classic designer frames from Celine, Tom Ford, and Ray-Ban, it’s always fun to discover more under-the-radar accessory brands too. From the cool, new designers taking over Instagram to the smaller labels on the rise, these are the lesser-known sunglasses brands to shop in 2020.
From oversized geometric shades to bright colors and materials, Lapima was made for those who like to have fun with their accessories. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Gisela and Gustavo Assis, this Brazilian brand’s sunglasses are all handmade by local artisans in São Paulo, which makes them feel just as special as their bubbly, avant-garde designs.
Aperçu takes inspiration from French style, elegant clean lines, and easy-to-wear silhouettes. Alyssa Coscarelli launched a new collab with the brand to create the dreamiest, vintage-inspired pair, available in an array of well-thought-out and elevated color combinations.
Ahlem was launched by Parisian-born, Los Angeles–based designer Ahlem Manai-Platt in 2014. The line draws inspiration from the Pacific Coast and Parisian streets, and is made by artisans in France—the ideal melding of Cali cool and Parisian chic.
Since 2013, Kaleos has been changing the eyewear game by combining design, fashion, and luxury. Incorporating modern, unique acetates and exclusive lens colors, this pair is one you will absolutely want to add to your collection.
As an independent company frustrated by the lack of quality eyewear at an accessible price, Raen sought out to forge a new path focused on the use of premium materials in order to create carefully crafted and attainable, on-trend, fashion-driven eyewear. Designed in California, the specs are definitely oriented in surf culture, but the brand leans toward fashion design that is functional.
Vehla launched high-quality eyewear in May 2019. These modern frames are the perfect accessory to pull together any look and protect you from UV rays, while keeping your cool. Bella Hadid is already a fan.
Lowercase was born in 2016, and every pair of its uber-cool frames is made in the Brooklyn Army Terminal. By combining traditional methods and modern technology, “you are truly wearing a piece of New York.”
Mykita is handmade in Berlin since 2003. The brand’s creative, sleek, and modern approach to design and technique is upscale and pioneering through independent manufacturing.
This ’90s-inspired brand counts Rihanna as one of its biggest fans—and for good reason. Its oversized cat eyes and cool color combinations make it a playful choice for any fashion risk-taker.
Féroce just launched in April of last year, but it’s already catching our attention with its cool yet minimal styles. The new direct-to-consumer brand (which literally translates to “fierce” in French) offers high-quality, handmade materials from Italy, with all styles retailing at $110.
If you hadn’t heard of Carolina Lemke before, chances are Kim Kardashian West‘s collab collection will likely put the brand on your radar with its futuristic styles. The Berlin-based designer has a mix of trendy, sporty, and classic shades that are affordably priced, with most styles ranging from $80 to $100.
There’s a reason this brand has quickly become a favorite among fashion’s It girls. With ultra-tiny ’80s and ’90s-inspired frames and a range of playful colors, Roberi & Fraud has some of the coolest frames of the moment.
Offering a range of eccentric and unique frame options, Poppy Lissiman is a rising accessory designer to watch. The Australian brand’s pieces are all handcrafted from vegan or faux leather materials, and already count both Gigi and Bella Hadid as fans.
Launched in 2013, this New Orleans–based brand uses its native Southern city as inspiration for its eyewear. Featuring 24-karat gold detailing, handmade frames, and a lifetime guarantee policy, the quality of Krewe‘s sunglasses is next level. Its frames have been spotted on a growing list of celebrities from Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid to Blake Lively and even Beyoncé.
Adding a philanthropic twist to your sunnies, this San Francisco–based brand often partners with nonprofit organizations to donate a portion of proceeds to a cause. With a range of classic styles benefitting Teach for America, a collaboration with Olivia Palermo benefitting Dress for Success, and a SPORT line that supports the Ladies First organization, these are sunglasses you can feel good about shopping.
Although Smoke x Mirrors was launched out of New York in 2014, all its sunglasses are handcrafted in France. With a variety of frame styles, color options, and playful prints, this brand doesn’t follow the trends but instead, creates its own.
You’ve likely already seen the Adam Selman x Le Specs cat-eye sunglasses that have taken over Instagram time and time again. But the brand’s range of cool sunnies goes way beyond that—and its styles all range under $130
From ultra-feminine cat-eye sunglasses to retro round frames, Sunday Somewhere‘s range is effortlessly cool. The brand offers both men’s and women’s styles, along with optical sets as well.
Gentle Monster fuses classic shapes with risk-taking design details, making for a range of unique (and oft slightly over-the-top) specs. Most recently, the avant-garde Korean brand collaborated with Fendi on a collection of sporty frames.
With Oliver Peoples founder Larry Leight as his father, it’s no surprise that Garrett Leight knows a thing or two about good eyewear. This quality crafted brand is based out of Venice Beach, California, and also allows shoppers to customize their own pair of sunglasses from frame to lens and finish.
After collaborations with everyone from J.Lo to Kylie Jenner, chances are you’ve probably already heard of Quay sunglasses, or at least scrolled past them on your Instagram feed. But if you’ve yet to try the Australian brand for yourself, it’s time. Boasting a range of both ultra-trendy and classic styles at surprisingly affordable price points, Quay is quickly rising as the next big brand in the sunglasses industry.
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.
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