Five Neutral Sunglasses for Spring 2015
Our picks for eyewear in wearable hues in designs that are anything but boring
Spring has technically sprung in the Northern Hemisphere, and with the warmer season comes more sunshine. Choosing a pair of sunglasses to last a season (and, ideally, much longer) can be a daunting task—while classics like black Wayfarers or metallic aviators are safe bets, so are neutral tones. But neutral colorways don’t need to be dull; from light tortoiseshell to off-white and clear frames, we have picked some strikingly designed shades that are anything but boring and will see you through the 2015 spring/summer season—and far beyond.
Nike Vision: “Achieve” in Copper Tortoiseshell
Sneaker and sportswear behemoth Nike doesn’t do anything haphazardly. The brand’s commitment to design and innovation ensure each product has been critically developed by a team of experts and the Nike Vision program is no different. One of the more casual styles in the line, the “Achieve“, features leather inlays and a polished metal nose bridge. As a part of the brand’s snowboarding collection, these shades are built for more than just looking good. The six base frame design makes for a comfortable yet snug fit. Whether you’re catching rays over an iced coffee or spinning springtime laps in the terrain park, the “Achieve” will stay put and keep you protected from UVA and UVB rays. Available from select Nike Vision retailers, the “Achieve” shade sell for $196.
KREWE du Optic: “St Louis” in Matte Au Lait to Clear
KREWE du Optic makes quality specs and sunglasses that are inspired by founder Stirling Barrett’s passion for his hometown of New
Orleans. Our favorite new offering for spring is the “St Louis” style shades in a new colorway called Matte Au Lait to Clear. Handmade using superior lenses to protect your peepers, Italian
acetate and premium hinges, these sunnies should last a long time—due to the quality of materials and style. They sell for $195 and are available for pre-order now, but due to the brand’s low-volume handmade process, there’s a one to two month wait.
Costalots: “Cousins” in Rice
Harkening back to the beach style of the ’50s, Costalots prides itself on quality and simplicity. The “Cousins” frames in the soft white Rice colorway balance contemporary and retro styling. Cellulose acetate keeps these neutral shades surprisingly lightweight while Japanese lenses ensure maximum clarity and reduced glare. Riveted hinges ensure these glasses will hold up through spring and summer into the fall. Pick up the “Cousins” (available in multiple colorways) for $238.
Epokhe: “Dylan” in Gloss Clear
From their base in Byron Bay—one of Australia’s premier surfing hubs—Epokhe counts some of the sport’s most influential contemporaries as creative collaborators from filmmaker Kai Neville to surfer Dion Agius. Now the eyewear-maker is pulling from the top ranks of skateboarding. Designed in partnership with pro skateboarder Dylan Rieder, the eponymous “Dylan” ($200) sunnies in Gloss Clear see a classic design infused with modern attitude. Made in Italy, the premium acetate frames are handmade, while lenses are equipped with scratch-resistant coating.
Pared: “Puss in Boots” in Martini and Rose Gold
Sydney-based eyewear brand Pared offers truly bold designs, season after season. This spring is no different and our pick is the just-gaudy-enough “Puss in Boots.” Spring 2015 sees the introduction of several new colorways including tortoiseshell and pale pink, but our favorite is Martini and Rose Gold, a clear pair of shades with pink metallic corner details. These Japanese acetate frames sell online for $250 AUD and are available for pre-order now.
Images courtesy of respective brands
