We don’t know if very many kids grow up saying, “I want to start an eyewear company”, but for these four brands, bringing innovation and a start-up nature to the world of glasses was a dream come true. Each of these companies is hubbed in inspiration – seeking to take a traditional business, and integrate technology, style and access to the masses. Salt Optics, Warby Parker, Frameri and Lookmatic are forging the way to bring those of us bestowed with poor vision, new & advanced selections in the world of frames.
Inspired Eyewear
Four new eyewear designers are making waves in the ocean of opticals.
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Salt Optics, Founded 2009
The ocean may not be the most likely of places to find inspiration for an eyeglass company, but when the founders are former Quiksilver sponsored surfers Taylor Whinenand and David Rose, it will suddenly make a world of sense. Salt Optics was launched in 2009, and has since widened its line and reach substantially. The glasswear company now boasts comprehensive lines for both sun & optical use, with a creative direction that may provoke you to print out their advertisements, and use them as wall decor. Browse the line right here, or dive into their lookbook here.
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Warby Parker, Founded 2010
Warby Parker was founded by a team who experienced the same pain points growing up: glasses are too expensive. Reality is, even with insurance, prescription glasses are costly, and then what happens if you lose/break/your dog eats your only pair? Welcome back to blindness.In 2010 Warby Parker set out to change that. Headquartered in NYC, the label offers stylish, quality specs, which including prescription, will only run you $95. As if that wasn't good enough, the brand has also revolutionized how you try on your glasses. They will ship you out 5 pairs of your choosing, give you 5 days to stare at yourself in the mirror rotating between the 5 pairs, then you just send them back with the chosen pair (or if you pass, then you pass). Warby Parker fills the glasses with your needs, and you're ready to master the chalkboard. -
Frameri, Founded 2013
Frameri's company motto is pretty forward, claiming that they are, "Reinventing the eyewear industry". But when you hear about how they're doing it, you will likely agree. Not only does Frameri offer affordable, high quality frames, their spectacles also have an un-expected featured: you can swap out the lenses into other Frameri frames.Why is this a big deal? A percentage of glasses are lost, others broken beyond repair - but for many of us, the actual glass is just fine, but it's the frames that get tortured. Cite: I fell asleep with them next to my pillow and then rolled over on them. Or, I put them in luggage without a good case, and now the arms are all kinked. While we all previously would be left to exclusively buy entirely new eyeglasses, now we can pop out the glass, and only buy the new frame. Groundbreaking. -
Lookmatic, Founded 2010
Lookmatic is eyewear evolved. Why? Because they have taken traditional frames and given them an invigorating new look, and with an affordable price tag. The frames span a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, and the brand's line is constantly evolving to include style-pushing boundaries.While the specs are put together by hand in Las Vegas (the new start up capital of the world? Maybe.), the consumer facing side of the company is all digital. That means you can find these frames in stores anywhere. What you can find is the amazing virtual try on at Lookmatic.com. The tool scans your face (i.e. takes a picture of you from your computer camera), and then you can 'try on' different options. Alternatively just upload a good front facing photo of yourself to see the different styles on your mug.
