Main Image: Instagram (@retrosuperfuture)
Some of us depend on glasses to see and survive, while some use sunglasses to shade their peepers from the harmful rays of the sun. Regardless of your needs, a beautiful pair of glasses is a way to accessorise and add another fashionable element to your outfit.
From celeb-favourite labels such as Gentle Monster to Singaporean labels such as , here are the brands to check out when you’re getting your next pair of eyewear.
Image: Instagram (@retrosuperfuture)
While you won’t be able to purchase frames from high-end labels, you’ll be getting thoughtful, handmade designs from the Italian cult label, Retrosuperfuture. Touting a list of celebrity fans such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, the e-tailer is easy to shop at, especially for people who like to match their eyewear to their face shape as they categorise their frames by shapes. They even have a range exclusive to Asia. Head to their website to find out more.
Image: Instagram (@gentlemonster)
Often spotted on the likes of international stars and influencers such as Dua Lipa, Yoyo Cao and Kendall Jenner, South Korean label Gentle Monster is no stranger to many. Besides fashion-forward designs that vary from sci-fi visors to teeny tiny rectangular lenses that rest on the tip of the nose (and therefore have no sun protection quality), Gentle Monster is also known for their museum-like store designs. Take the Marina Bay Sands store for example, where features post-apocalyptic decor that parallels the intent behind their latest ’13’ collection. Head there for a a visual spectacle.
Gentle Monster boutiques are located at #01-13, ION Orchard and #B2-103, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
Image: Instagram (@owndays_sg)
You can always depend on the Japanese to deliver precision and quality, and Owndays has got its formula down pat. With in-house designs and a straightfortward price system that varies between S$98 and S$198, Owndays promises to deliver your glasses within 20 minutes from payment, making it great for people who are time- and cash-strapped. With over 20 stores located islandwide, an Owndays store will always be conveniently nearby. What’s more, their designs are modern and fresh, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style.
Owndays boutiques are located in places such as ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura and The Clementi Mall.
Image: Instagram (@mujosh_official)
Since its establishment in 2010, MUJOSH, which positions itself as a fashion eyewear label, has since made a name for itself with its avant-garde and unique designs. With over 800 specialty stores in 15 countries including Thailand, China, United States and Japan, you can depend on the Hong Kong-label for statement yet wearable pieces, from geek chic round frames to cool cat-eyes, that any fashionista would gladly add to their wardrobe. Bonus: It’s favoured by style icons and celebrities too, such as G.E.M. and Denise Keller.
MUJOSH boutiques are located in places such as Wisma Atria, Tampines 1 and Nex.
Image: Instagram (@foptics.club)
Local label foptics wants to disrupt the way eyewear is sold, especially with the heavy markup prices that companies charge. The brand was first founded by a Singaporean while he was still in his final year in university, as he realised there was a gap in the market for stylish but affordable glasses. He started selling on Carousell but soon moved on to his own site. foptics now offers international shipping and free registered shipping in Singapore for orders over $50. The fuss-free process involves heading to their website, choosing a frame and deciding on a type of lens as well as whether you need prescription lenses to go with it. They will then contact you about the specifications of your degree. foptics has also published their prices online for full transparency. Prices start from S$12.90, and designs are chic and modern.
Image: Instagram (@eyewear_molsion)
A favourite amongst Asian stars such as Angelababy and Park Shin Hye, Molsion prides itself on its minimalist aesthetics that feature clean and neat lines. But don’t brush them off for being a vintage-inspired label as Molsion has a variety of unique and trendy designs, such as the Redrum sunglasses that draw inspiration from Cupid’s arrow and have an almost hexagonal lens design.
Molsion’s boutique is located at #02-31 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839.