15 Indie Sunglass Brands to Shop Now
The best and boldest from under-the-radar labels.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
In a world dominated by Ray-Bans and mega fashion brands, we're all about the underdogs―small or emerging eyewear labels focused on a distinctive vision and hand-crafted quality. In honor of National Sunglasses Day (June 27), we've rounded up 15 noteworthy frames from eyewear designers to know.
MOY ATELIER
About the Brand: Translated from Norse, Moy means "a female who is open to new ideas yet knows nothing of societal boundaries; a virgin mind and spirit." Each pair of shades from this up-and-coming label has a playful name and is hand made in Japan.
Mandarines Naked Heart Sunglasses, $585; avenue32.com
ROBERI & FRAUD
About the Brand: Wondering where those beady little 90s-style specs you've seen Bella Hadid rocking this summer come from? The name of this Dubai-based, It girl-endorsed label is a nod to the beyond-hilarious Joanne the Scammer, and most styles are priced below $200.
Doris Sunglasses, $195; roberiandfraud.com
SENER BESIM
About the Brand: Inspired by the complex geometries and intricate mosaics of the Ottoman empire, each design from this new, luxury eyewear label to watch features extensive hand detailing and onyx crystals placed at the tips of the temples.
S-1 Nero I Champagne, $1,231; senerbesim.com
PAWAKA
About the Brand: Launched by the creative multihyphenate Fa' Empel in 2015, Pawaka is the Sanskrit word for 'fire.' Each striking, hand crafted style is named in numerical order of the Bahasa Indonesia language.
Empat 4 Sunglasses, $392; pawaka.com
KALEOS
About the Brand: Designed in Barcelona with high quality materials and the goal of standing out, Kaleos is now stocked by top tier retailers including Matches, Barneys, Avenue 32, and more.
Hexagonal Everdeen Sunglasses, $270; avenue32.com
RAEN
About the Brand: While this SoCal label has been around longer than others on the list, it has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity thanks to influencers like Rihanna, Emily Ratajowski, and Wiz Khalifa wearing its bold white frames (left). "We are constantly inspired by our surroundings and the surfing lifestyle here in Oceanside, California," says co-founder and creative director, Justin Heit.
Flatscreen Unisex Square Sunglasses, $150; raen.com
FREDA BANANA
About the Brand: After taking a trip to Burning Man, Alexia Jane Hebet returned to London energized by the radical self expression she witnessed at the festival, and began making whimsical sunglasses decorated with pearls.
Vic Black and White Sunglasses, $204; fredabanana.com
DISTRICT VISION
About the Brand: With sporty styles targeted at runners and yogis, this newish label―carried by retailers including Colette, Barneys, and Dover Street Market―is perfect for the urban athlete, and trend hunters who want that nouveau Oakleys vibe.
Nagata Running Sunglasses, $249; districtvision.com
RVS EYEWEAR
About the Brand: Another indie label that's been kicking around for the past decade or so, we particularly love its current range of 90s-inspired, wire frame styles.
Palladium 002 "Rebirth" Collection Sunglasses, $375; rvseyewear.com
JOHN DALIA
About the Brand: A favorite of Carine Roitfeld, John Dalia makes beautiful, classic eyewear inspired by icons from Ingrid Bergman (above) to Charles Branson to Romy Schneider.
Ingrid B. sunglasses, $660; johndalia.com
OLIVER PEOPLES X ALAIN MIKLI
About the Brand: Both of these labels have been around for decades, but their synthesis with a new capsule collaboration reissuing some of Mikli's best avant-garde designs from his 80s archives is worth checking out.
4003N Sunglasses, $375; oliverpeoples.com
ENKI EYEWEAR
About the Brand: According to its mission statement, this Indonesian label is for "fringe-dwellers, futureheads, and bold souls."
Hypnos Sunglasses in Praiano Colour, $160; enkieyewear.com
JPLUS EYEWEAR
About the Brand: With a handful of cutting edge designs offered in multiple colorways, this Italian label offers something for everyone―including an ultraviolet style (above) dedicated to ambient music.
JP 3048_05 Sunglasses, $321; jplusvision.com
OXYDO
About the Brand: This under-the-radar Italian label creates "wearable sculptures" in a range of poppy primary hues.
For more information: oxydoeyewear.tumblr.com
SUPER X PIGALLE
About the Brand: Cool things happen when Retrosuperfuture drops a new collaboration with the beyond-hip French streetwear line.
Super / Pigalle Sunglasses, $279; retrosuperfuture.com
Readers Also Read
Taylor Swift-Inspired Engagement Rings to Shop Now
The 15 Fall Wardrobe Staples You’ll Actually Wear
Fashion Girls Have a New Favorite Flower
The Modern Wedding Dresses Brides Are Choosing Now
