Eyewear from the new Garrett Leight and Clare V. collaboration. Image supplied.
If you’re after the perfect pair of sunglasses then the latest collaboration from Los Angeles-based brands Garrett Leight and Clare V. is definitely worth checking out. Eyewear brand Garret Leight have been creating stylish optical and sunglasses for a decade and their partnership with fashion designer Clare Vivier, who is influenced by Parisian chic, makes for eyewear that beautifully fuses their brand aesthetics of California cool and the French New Wave together.
Their latest design is a modernized take on the classic cat eye shape which was inspired by Clare’s annual summer trip to the south of France. The style is aptly titled Nouvelle and features a retro-styled frame in three classic GLCO hues: Black, Brew, and Caviar Tortoise. The vintage feel of the cat eye has been softened slightly into a feminine silhouette that still has edge but looks modern and fresh. If follows on from the first cat eye collaboration between the two brands that channels the cool-girl Parisian look.
“Our first collaboration was so successful, we wanted to continue the partnership. It has always been a pleasure to work with Garrett Leight, as they’re our friends and we share a similar sensibility as LA brands,” says Clare Vivier. “Garrett Leight does refined so well, it made sense for us to follow up our successful cat-eye style with a more unisex retro vibe.”
Garrett Leight is also delighted with the collaboration of the two brands, “I’m proud to continue our collaboration with Clare, As an independent brand owner herself, both of our namesake companies represent who we are as people. The 5-year partnership has received great reception and we knew we wanted the new style to compliment the first shape we created together. Taking inspiration from French style and icons such as singer, Françoise Hardy, the square cat eye shape felt like the right fit.”
Clare V. makes covetable leather goods and the designer has created a soft leather sleeve with the brand’s signature printed eyes that will be available for purchase with the eyewear. Each frame will come with a hard case, including an exclusive green cleaning cloth and case wrapper – printed with their hand-drawn design to complete the collaboration.
The GLCO x Clare .V. Nouvelle frame ($340) is available at Garrett Leight and Clare Vivier retail locations, as well as online at garrettleight.com and clarev.com. It’s also available nationwide in NZ through optometry outlets like Parker&Co (Auckland), Ocula (South Island), Woodward (Wellington), and Spex (Hawkes Bay).
Images supplied.