These Ain't Your Granny's Glasses

Since 2020, Kai Alcé Eyewear has made colorful eyewear that truly makes a statement. Alcé’s Haitian heritage influences the stylish collection that offers an updated twist on classic styles like the Avyon, a funky take on the aviator frame.

Wearing a pair of frames from These Eyes of Mines is more like wearing a work of art. D.C. based optician June Mines is the creative force behind this collection stylish, eclectic frames unlike anything you’ve seen before. Get ready for lots of compliments!

Haitian designer Victor Glemaud teamed up with leading optical designer Tura, to create Glemaud X Tura, high-fashion sunglasses and optical frames tailored to fit women of color.

3rdEyeView has only been around since 2014, but their stylish frames, like the Amor, a blinged-out frame with gold detail, have people talking.

But they don’t just make cool glasses, they’re doing cool things in the community, including their On Sight initiative offer vision screenings and new eyewear to the underprivileged.

Snoop Dogg, Angela Simmons and Rick Ross are among the celebrities who have been spotted rocking NRODA luxury eyewear. With a collection of styles that feature bright colors and bejeweled accessories, these frames are more like works of art.

Founded in 2017, Ember Niche is known for their quirky unisex frames made of high quality cellulose acetate. These frames are so much fun, you’ll want to wear them every day.

For African-inspired eyewear that is oh-so stylish, check out Bôhten, a luxury brand founded by Nana Boateng Osei and Nana Kwadwo Osei. Not just fashionable, they’re also socially responsible, sourcing sustainable materials from around the world. Stylish stars like Dwayne Wade have been spotted in their frames.

If you’re looking for frames in show-stopping shapes and colors, Vontélle has got you covered. The brand was started by two friends who were looking for eyeglass frames that made a statement. All of the frames in the collection reflect their unique sense of style. And some, like the Kente Green frame, honor their culture. Want to try before you buy? You’ll love the virtual try-on feature on the website.

Twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson are the creative forces behind Coco and Breezy, designer optical and sunglasses that are one of a kind. Since 2009, their frames have been the talk of the fashion world, including the infamous “third-eye” sunglasses worn by Prince.

There’s a reason why celebrities like Christina Milian and Eva Longoria love Shades of Shades. The luxury brand of nude-colored eyewear looks amazing on melanated skin. But before you write these nudes off as boring, you should know that there are 14 shades that range from Milk to Mocha. Their user-friendly website is ready to help you find the perfect frame in the shade and shape that suits you best. There’s even a makeup compatibility chart that lets you match your foundation to your frames.

Detroit-based Godnii takes its inspiration from local fashion and culture. These handcrafted, sustainable frames are

Vuli means “shade” in Swahili. And when you’re wearing Vuliwear unisex sunglasses, you can block out those harmful UV rays in style. All of the nylon lenses have a mirror coating in a unique design inspired by nature, like the Pearl, a funky pair of aviators inspired by the red dragonfly.

The self-described “world’s first inspirational eyewear company,” SWAV Eyewear frames are designed to give the wearer the confidence they need to achieve greatness. We love The Influential, a colorful biodegradable cellulose acetate frame that makes a stylish statement.

For simple frames with modern twist, check out Kimeze, a London-based unisex eyewear brand. The collection features acetate and metal frames that are smart and sexy.

Optometrist Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy founded Anwuli Eyewear after noticing that several of her Black patients had trouble finding frames that fit their unique facial features. Anwuli means “joy,” and that’s exactly what you’ll feel when you’re wearing these chic premium frames named for African royalty.

Chicago optician Jamel Marshall founded Savant and Scholar, a line of sunglasses and opticals that are simple and striking.