Future’s so bright you gotta wear shades? Well, take a peek inside these eyewear boutiques and you’ll find hot contemporary and vintage sunglasses that are sure to keep you looking cool.
You’ll have it made in the shade with fashion-forward sunglasses from this optical boutique on West Queen West. The iconic British brand, first founded in 1969, handcrafts classic-yet-trendy sunglasses in a variety of unisex shapes and styles; prices range from about $400 to $800. The chic shades have plenty of celebrity fans and have even been spotted on notorious eyewear-loving pop stars like Bono and Elton John.
Old school eyewear enthusiasts from across the GTA and beyond visit Jordan Paul’s optical store to check out his meticulously curated collection of vintage frames. The Junction eyewear boutique carries a unique array of high-quality vintage sunglasses as well as contemporary styles from independent designers. The full-service shop will also add a UV-coated, custom-tinted prescription lens to your frames if you’re looking for both fashion and function.
You might be able to snag a $5 pair of knock-off sunglasses on the sidewalks of Kensington Market, but you’ll have to look a bit further for high-quality frames that are built to last. Retro darlings are sure to love the vintage sunglasses at this eclectic fashion emporium. The display cases are stocked with quirky frames and timeless designs from the 1930s and up. One-of-a-kind vintage sunnies are priced at about $40 a pair.
You’d be forgiven for wearing your sunglasses at night with stylish frames from this Toronto optical boutique with three locations across the city. The shop’s glowing display cases house a handpicked selection of luxury frames from international eyewear designers and fashion labels including Celine, Prada, Thierry Lasry, St. Laurent and Reiz. The Queen Street West location is just a few doors away from Cutler and Gross if you want to do some comparison shopping.
Once you get over the infectious-sounding name you’ll be delightfully surprised by the selection of sunglasses at this Queen West boutique. The optical shop carries chic frames from Stella McCartney, Italia Independent and Dutch label KILSGAARD. You’ll also find special Asian-fit made-in-Italy sunglasses from Canadian designer Kay Tran. Most items are priced in the $200 range but watch out for summer sales, when you can snag select styles for under $100.
Looking to trade in your classic Ray-Bans for something a little out of the ordinary? Head to this fashionable King Street optical boutique where you’ll find avant-garde eyewear from high-end international designers, including Theo, Mykjta, Anne et Valentin, and Bevel. Owner Bob Karir makes frequent trips to Europe to source haute couture sunglasses made with novel materials such as buffalo horn, 3D-printed titanium and laminated wood. If you prefer something a little more high fashion, there are also sleek styles from big name brands like Chanel, Prada and Oliver Peoples.