4 brands of sunglasses born in Barcelona, that if you still do not know you shouldn't be missing.
January, 4, 2022. Written by Clara De Nadal Trias
Elevate your style to the clouds, thanks to these sunglasses’ brands born in Barcelona
I know that I am not the only one who thinks that when you wear a good pair of sunglasses you feel that life looks different, even more beautiful. Because the truth is that beyond providing sun protection, sunglasses have the super power to elevate your style, confidence and enhance the personality of those who wear them.
But let's start by the beginning… Did you know that sunglasses were originated in China around the 12th century? Well, yes. China was the first place in the world where a technology was developed to darken the lenses of glasses; with the aim that the Chinese judges concealed the expression of their eyes during the trials and thus eliminate any evidence about the verdict until the end. Isn’t it clever?
Today it is clear that sunglasses have many other functions; to the point that they have become an essential accessory in our lives, especially in sunny cities like Barcelona, where their use is almost daily and from where, by the way, these four brands were born:
Wilde Sunglasses
Thirteen years ago, a young boy from Venezuela named Cao Arzuaje who was in love with vintage glasses, crossed half of the planet with a suitcase full of passion for this product and landed in Barcelona with a dream that today is much more than a reality.
“Sunglasses have become the complement of the moment, since they provide a clear image of who we are and what we project. In addition, the fact of carrying such a handmade product reinforces the intentions of those who wear them. Personally, for me, more than sunglasses they are an amulet and an object of worship.”, explains the founder of Wilde Sunglasses.
The first thing he did when he arrived in Barcelona was to open a tiny Western style second-hand store, where he also exhibited part of his private collection of vintage glasses. In a short time, as the quality of his glasses was so good and the interest of his customers for them was rapidly growing, they took up more space than clothes. And the day came when Cao decided to jump into the pool and specialize only in this fetish product.
He started with a first collection that he named Oscar and that is how the adventure of Wilde Sunglasses began, which is none other than his own essence, passion and creative project around glasses considered amulets; with unique models of vintage airs, Rock & Roll inspiration, 100% handmade and entirely manufactured in Spain. Today they have physical stores in Barcelona, Madrid and Osaka (Japan) and of course, its own online shop.
Delarge
Created during the pandemic by the catalan fashion director and style icon Blanca Miró –also co-founder of the luxury fashion marketplace Vasquiat and the clothing and accessories brand La Veste–, together with her friend and partner Olivia Álvarez, the innovative brand of sunglasses Delarge has launched its first collection in July: "As a result of many conversations about design and fashion, how does that affect our daily lives and the possibilities it has in our lives and in the world.", explain the creators.
Its main focus and differential value refers to everything related to the artisan, timeless, durable... always reflected in original and colorful sunglasses in very limited series.
At Delarge all designs are drawn at home and produced in a small family workshop in Greece, considering the materials used from Italy (like the frames) and from Germany (like the lenses).
Based in Barcelona, Delarge sells through its website and also in five physical stores: FramedGang in Barcelona, two more in Paris, one in Switzerland and one in Miami. You want them? You have them.
GIGI Studios
“Designed to promote the unique identity of people. Glasses that express a more creative vision of fashion”, is the presentation that the Barcelona-based eyewear brand GIGI makes of itself.
His experience comes from a long time ago, when the grandfather of the current creative director Patricia Ramo, founded one of the first glasses factories in 1962 in the Poble Sec neighborhood of Barcelona, in the heart of Barcelona. Later Patricia’s father, Luis Ramo, stayed in the family business for 35 years and now it is Patricia who has continued the legacy.
Today the main objective of GIGI Studios remains as the constant search to improve quality. The brand maintains a close collaboration with selected strategic partners and is committed to the best raw materials, taking maximum care of the entire artisan manufacturing process.
In addition, an international team works day by day with the aim of offering a unique product, taking care of all the details; art and new trends are essential in the creative process of GIGI Studios, as well as the contact with multi-disciplinary artists who constitute the main source of inspiration for the brand.
Project Lobster
It all started in 2018 from their studio in Barcelona, when the creators of Project Lobster decided to re-imagine the entire experience of the world of glasses, from the product to the optics industry.
The result? Glasses and sunglasses made by hand with materials prepared to be recycled and reconverted, shops in the form of relaxed spaces where we can solve our visual problems without fear of being judged and an expert team committed to making your life easier.
Because at Project Lobster they want you to feel comfortable with your glasses and sunglasses by creating contemporary, sustainable and timeless models and always offering you a pleasant and unique experience. Voilà!
So as the well-known French writer and playwright, Alexander Dumas, once said: "Life is fascinating: you just have to look at it through the right glasses." Don’t you think?
Article written and translated by Clara De Nadal Trias.
More info about Barcelona here.