This article first appeared on Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.
No matter the season, the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses doesn’t seem to end. And while we’ve got a wide range of labels to choose from, it’s always fun to discover 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 now.
If you haven’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.
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Established in 2016, Lowercase has every one of its uber-cool frames made in the Brooklyn Army Terminal – a large warehouse complex in Brooklyn, New York City. The brand also combines traditional methods of welding and modern design technology in its manufacturing process, to create what it calls “a true piece of New York.”
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Handmade in Berlin, eyewear brand Mykita’s creative, sleek, and modern approach to design has garnered fans like Lady Gaga and Meghan Markle.
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This ’90s-inspired brand counts Rihanna as one of its biggest fans—and for good reason. Its oversized cat eyes and cool colour combinations make it a playful choice for any fashion risk-taker.
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There’s a reason this brand has quickly become a favourite among some of fashion’s It girls. With ultra-tiny ’80s and ’90s-inspired frames and a range of playful colours, Roberi & Fraud has some of the coolest frames of the moment.
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Offering a range of eccentric and unique frame options, Poppy Lissiman is the rising accessory designer to watch. The Australian brand’s pieces are all handcrafted from vegan or faux leather and already counts both Gigi and Bella Hadid as fans.
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Launched in 2013, this New Orleans–based brand uses its native Southern city as inspiration for its eyewear. Featuring 24K 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 Beyonce.
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Adding a philanthropic twist to your sunnies, this San Francisco–based brand often partners with nonprofit organisations to donate a portion of proceeds to a good 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 organisation, these are sunglasses you can feel good about shopping.
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Although Smoke x Mirrors was launched in New York back in 2014, all its sunglasses are handcrafted in France. With a variety of frame styles, colour options, and playful prints, this brand prides itself on behind ahead of the curve with its futuristic designs.
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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 have superseded the social media crowd and has been spotted on models like Kate Moss and Kendall Jenner.
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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.
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Since its launch in 2013, Kaleos has been challenging the eyewear game by combining design, fashion, and luxury. Incorporating modern, unique acetate mouldings and exclusive lens colours, this one-of-a-kind pair is one you will absolutely want to add to your collection.
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As an independent company frustrated by the lack of quality eyewear at an accessible price, Raen sought out to forge a new path focusing instead on the use of premium materials in orderto create carefully crafted and fashion-driven eyewear. Designed in California, these sunglasses bridge the gap between surf culture and style.
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Launched in May 2019, Vehla’s modern frames are the perfect accessory to pull together any look – from dressy to casual. With added protection from UV rays, this honey-tinted pair is as functional as it is stylish too.
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