We love our Ray-Bans – in fact, we have a pair perched on our heads right now. But when we stepped off the SkyTrain into the glaring sunshine, popped our shades on, and realized everyone around us was wearing the exact same frames, we knew it was time for a change.
We aren’t gravitating toward mainstream fashion brands, though. Instead, we’re looking at eyewear specialists at every end of the price spectrum. On the more affordable side is Ollie Quinn, which recently opened four Vancouver locations. Also new in town is Bailey Nelson, whose first Canadian store has just arrived on Robson Street. There are also ultra-hip international brands like France’s Peter and May, the UK’s Finlay & Co, Italy’s Retrosuperfuture and Australian Le Specs – a favourite of celebs like Gigi Hadid. And don’t forget our lovely local success stories like online-turned-IRL retailer Clearly.ca, eco-friendly brand Kuma and C4 Eyewear, which donates a portion of its profits to charity.
See photos below
Here are 10 pairs of sunnies we’re after right now. The brief? Acetate, rather than metal, possibly with a very on-trend double bridge, and fashion forward, but not out there – after all, we’re not Elton John.
