These Ain’t Your Granny’s Glasses

As someone who can leave home without my eyeglasses, I’m always on the hunt for stylish frames. Choosing the wrong style can instantly take you from glamorous to granny vibes. So if you want to keep being carded, you have to make the right choice. Luckily, eyewear has come a long way since Grandma’s day. These days, there are plenty of color and style choices that can be the perfect accessory to all of your looks. And even better, there are Black-owned and led brands that take our unique facial features into account.

If you have to wear glasses, you’re gonna want to check out these frames from Black-owned brands. And if you don’t, you may just have a reason to start.

Kai Alcé Eyewear

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.

These Eyes of Mines

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!

Glemaud X Tura

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

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.

NRODA

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.

Ember Niche

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.

Bôhten

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.

Vontélle Eyewear

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.

Coco and Breezy

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.

Shades of Shades

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.

Godnii

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

Vuliwear

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.

SWAV

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.

Kimeze

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.

Anwuli Eyewear

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.

Savant and Scholar

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