Hasta La Ideas

Split-arm sunglasses with impeccable details for a classic look with a sporty fit

For Activist Eyewear their name is more than just a name. A fundamental principal in their design process, the brand rejects the process of large-scale industrial production, instead priding themselves in creating limited-edition series of sunglasses in small batches. Founder and creative director Mark Craig cut his teeth working on shades for big brands like Michael Kors and Nike, but his passion coalesced as Activist, with a goal of producing glasses that marry high functionality with style.

Crafted in Japan, the glasses are first designed in Brooklyn, where Activist is based. As a nod to their local area code, Activist produces only 718 pairs of sunglasses in each colorway, which also guarantees you get a pretty unique set of frames. Currently there are three models available, but every pair features their signature Split Fit arm, which evens out the pressure usually situated at the temple. This not only ups the comfort level, but also gives them a more secure fit. Starting with the basics, Activist’s styles are based on the classics: Wayfarer, Aviator and Lennons.

In addition to their progressive fit, Activist kits out their specs with top quality lenses featuring an “ultra-high performance” Oleophobic Seal that’s impervious to water and grime. Combined with the split arms and hingeless frames, the shades are the perfect pair to don during a game of beach volleyball or a run around the park. A customized nosepad for each model, waxed canvas cases and cleaning cloths that double as pocket squares round out the keen attention to detail.

Activist sunglasses sell online and at stockists around the world for $450 a pair.

Six pairs of shades that give round frames the reboot

Call it simple geometry. Round sunglasses have come full circle and are officially back in style. From intellectually modern to transparently flirtatious, these six pairs of shades, however, are more than elementary.

19.6g

France’s Waiting for the Sun chooses wood not only for its sustainability over plastic, but how it beautifully ages with wear. These circular frames, the 19.6g, are hand-carved Australian tea wood and available from Waiting for the Sun’s online store for €130 ($190 USD).

Joel

Formerly of Ksubi, Graz Mulcahy is becoming known on a first-name basis for his eponymous line of sunglasses. The Joel comes in matte black, antiqued bronze and gunmetal, remaking Ozzy’s tea shades in heavier metal. They’ll be restocked soon on Eyegoodies for $300.

Foster

Stylish deadstock sunglasses from the ’80s and ’90s see the light of day courtesy of American Apparel, including this Gatsby-channeling vintage find. Get them for $40 through the AA webstore.

Swell Well Well

Fabric is an unlikely choice for eyewear, but English newcomer Janz & Cooper sets a silk floral print in clear acetate for a light touch. The Swell Well Well is available for £237 ($388 USD) from the Janz & Cooper website.

Barton Perreira Candy

Barton Perreira and Chloë Sevigny designed these sweetheart shades in reverence of Warhol Superstar Candy Darling. Order the pair from Opening Ceremony for $455.

Board Stiff

From reading-glasses maker Eyebobs, the Board Stiff is basic and practical. But it’s definitely not boring, with handmade Italian acetate frames and polarized lenses. At $100 a pop, it’s also a bargain. It’s in stock at Eyebobs.

TenOverSix taps L.A. Eyeworks for a pair of sunglasses fit for a Fellini star

Recalling the smooth swagger of Marcello Mastroianni and everything “La Dolce Vita,” L.A. retailers TenOverSix recently joined forces with L.A. Eyeworks on a pair of shades that celebrate classic Italian design with modern flair. TenOverSix creative director Kristen Lee explained that she and TenOverSix art and design director Brady Cunningham became “obsessed with the shape” after using a pair of vintage Italian frames belonging to Cunningham’s father. (Originals pictured on model at right).

The duo took their template to L.A. Eyeworks, who masterfully reinterpreted the design with lenses dark enough to brave the glow of sunny California, juxtaposed with pastel pink and yellow frames perfect for welcoming the season’s warm weather.

Dubbed The Vic, the sunglasses also come in dark tortoise shell. You can pick up a pair online or at TenOverSix and L.A. Eyeworks for $230 beginning today, 18 April 2011.

Bold color remixes in an up-and-coming Japanese label’s latest accessories

Underlining Masataka Matsumura’s somber Autumn/Winter 2011 collection for GiulianoFujiwara, an assortment of colorful accessories adds a “rebellious kick” to the line’s sleek styling and distinct minimalism. Leather shoes with wedged rubber soles and artisanal Italian finishing give the collection a slightly punk vibe, while illustrating the brand’s fondness for smooth curves and sharp corners.

Matsumura’s knack for experimenting with color (particularly noticeable in his Spring/Summer 2010 collection) affords him the freedom to experiment with bold details. The sunglasses’ hint of visible color completely changes the mood, perfectly outlining the frames’ retro shape for a PowderPuff-meets-steampunk effect. While some will see echos of recent Prada accessories, others might wonder if Miuccia has met her match.

A bespectacled limited-edition tribute to the NYC and Istanbul area code

Launched by vintage eyewear purveyor Vidal Erkohen, RVS by V. is steadily gaining notice for its retro-styled sunglasses in vibrant matte finishes. The 212, the Turkish label’s first limited-edition frames, recalls the brow-heavy specs of the ’50s and represents Erkohen’s personal connection to New York City and Istanbul, which coincidentally share an area code.

“I was born in NYC, moved to Turkey at a young age and have been living here while traveling back and forth ever since,” he explains. “The 212 was designed to have a bold, brave, and, most importantly, strong character in its design, which I believe is a trait I see and feel in both cities’ people and energy.” Available in a black or white matte finish, the colors symbolize the “contrast and differences” Erkohen observes between the cultures.

Limited to 100 pairs, the 212 is available as sunglasses ($700 online) and opthalmic frames. Each is crafted by hand, down to the signature red screws, which are individually painted. For inquiries and to view other collections, visit RVS by V.’s website.